By Tripura24 News Desk | Agartala Wednesday, February 4, 2026
AGARTALA: Following a series of public grievances regarding traffic congestion and pedestrian safety, the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) has officially launched a city-wide “Encroachment-Free” mission. The drive, which began in full force on Tuesday and continued through Wednesday morning, aims to reclaim public footpaths from unauthorized traders and illegal structures.
Mayor’s “Pedestrians First” Policy
Leading the initiative, the Hon’ble Mayor of Agartala, Shri Dipak Majumder, personally monitored the task force operations across key commercial hubs. Speaking to the media during the drive, the Mayor was firm about the Corporation’s stance.
“Footpaths are built for pedestrians, and roads are meant for vehicles. For too long, a section of traders has illegally occupied government land for their business expansion, forcing citizens to walk on busy roads at great risk. We cannot allow the city’s discipline to be compromised. Our goal is a clean, beautiful, and congestion-free Agartala,” Mayor Dipak Majumder stated.
Key Highlights of the Drive:
- Demolition of Illegal Structures: The AMC Task Force, accompanied by police and TSR personnel, used heavy machinery to remove permanent and semi-permanent extensions from shops that had spilled onto the sidewalks.
- Strict Licensing Enforcement: The Mayor clarified that only vendors with valid AMC licenses operating within designated vending zones will be allowed. Unauthorized stalls at major junctions like Battala, Kaman Chowmuhani, and Motor Stand are being removed.
- Focus on Covered Drains: Special attention is being given to restaurants and food stalls built over covered drains. The Mayor noted that these structures not only block pedestrians but also hinder the maintenance of the city’s drainage system.
- Howrah Market Warning: Traders at the Battala Howrah Market area have been given a final deadline until February 7 to clear illegal encroachments, failing which a massive eviction drive will commence there on February 8.
Zero Tolerance for Illegal Parking
Besides footpaths, the Mayor addressed the issue of unregulated parking. He announced that in coordination with the Traffic Department, vehicles parked outside designated zones or over covered drains would be heavily fined or towed. “We have created designated parking zones. It is now up to the citizens and business owners to follow the rules,” he added.
Mixed Reactions from the Ground
While the move has been widely welcomed by office-goers and pedestrians who can now walk freely, a segment of small-scale vendors expressed concern over their livelihoods. In response, the Mayor assured that the government is not against small businesses but insists they operate from vending zones measuring 6 feet by 4 feet as per approved specifications, rather than occupying the main thoroughfares.
The drive is part of a broader vision to align Agartala with Smart City standards, ensuring that the rapid population growth over the next 20 years is supported by disciplined urban planning.
