By Tripura24 News Desk | Agartala Tuesday, February 10, 2026
AGARTALA: In a major push to reclaim public spaces and decongest the city’s busiest commercial hub, the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) carried out a massive eviction drive at Maharajganj Bazar (MG Bazar) today. The operation, which began in the early hours, targeted illegal extensions, permanent structures on footpaths, and unauthorized stalls that have long hindered traffic and pedestrian movement.
The Operation: Bulldozers at Maharajganj
Equipped with JCB excavators and a large task force, the AMC team moved through the narrow lanes of Maharajganj Bazar, the largest wholesale and retail market in the state.
- Target Areas: Unauthorized structures near the vegetable market, fish stalls, and the main entrance roads of MG Bazar were demolished.
- Seizures: Large quantities of goods placed outside the designated shop boundaries and temporary sheds built over drainage lines were confiscated and removed by municipal trucks.
- Security Presence: To prevent any law-and-order situation, a heavy contingent of Tripura Police and TSR (Tripura State Rifles) was deployed at all major junctions of the market.
Mayor’s Directive: “No Compromise on Encroachment”
The drive follows a series of warnings issued by Mayor Shri Dipak Majumder, who recently declared that the AMC is on a mission to make Agartala a “Planned and Smart City.”
“Maharajganj Bazar is the heartbeat of our city’s commerce, but it has become a nightmare for shoppers and vehicles due to unchecked encroachment. We are not against small traders, but business must be done within the rules. Footpaths are for pedestrians, not for extending shops,” Mayor Dipak Majumder told reporters.
Mixed Reactions from Traders
While the city residents welcomed the move, citing the ease of movement, the local trading community expressed significant distress.
- Traders’ Plea: Several small vendors claimed that while they are willing to comply, the AMC should provide alternative Vending Zones before clearing their only source of livelihood.
- The Protest: Minor scuffles were reported near the cloth market section as a few shopkeepers attempted to block the bulldozers. However, the situation was quickly brought under control by the police.
Part of a Phased City-Wide Campaign
This eviction at Maharajganj is part of a broader, phased campaign that began earlier this month in areas like Battala, Post Office Chowmuhani, and Hariganga Basak Road. AMC officials confirmed that the “Anti-Encroachment Squad” will continue its vigil in Maharajganj for the next few days to ensure that the cleared spaces are not re-occupied.
The AMC has also warned that shop owners found re-encroaching on the footpaths will face permanent cancellation of their Trade Licenses and heavy financial penalties.
