By Tripura24.in Bureau
AGARTALA | June 16, 2026: Alleging widespread public harassment and unscientific execution of urban development projects, the East Agartala Local Committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) staged a targeted protest program today.
A high-level representative delegation of the CPI(M) marched to the Agartala Smart City Limited (ASCL) corporate headquarters, located adjacent to the Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhawan, to submit a formal deputation to the senior managing officials.
Public Harassment Tallies Up Under Smart City Blueprint
The opposition party launched a scathing attack on the state government’s urban planning division, claiming that the ongoing infrastructure projects have completely disrupted normal civic life. The delegation highlighted that poor coordination, dug-up roads left unattended for months, and waterlogging caused by faulty drainage designs have turned daily commuting into a nightmare for residents.
The CPI(M) leadership argued that instead of enhancing the living standards of urban taxpayers, the project execution methods have squeezed small street vendors and small-scale business owners out of their livelihoods without any prior rehabilitation.
”We are not against modern infrastructure, but what is happening in Agartala in the name of a ‘Smart City’ is absolute chaos. Major arterial roads around key public commercial hubs are blocked without alternative routes, and dust pollution has reached hazardous levels. The administrative machinery has failed to supervise the private contractors. We have demanded immediate rectifications to ease the suffering of the common people,” a senior CPI(M) zonal leader stated after submitting the memorandum.
Key Grievances Tabled Before ASCL Management
The chartered deputation submitted to the Agartala Smart City Limited authorities specifically demanded:
- Time-Bound Road Restoration: Immediate blacktopping and repair of broken roads dug up for underground cabling and sewerage pipe laying.
- Scientific Drainage Overhaul: Pre-monsoon clearing and rectification of newly constructed drains to avoid artificial flooding in downtown commercial zones.
- Protection of Livelihoods: Halting arbitrary eviction drives against poor hawkers and prioritizing a designated vending zone blueprint.
The ASCL officials received the memorandum and assured the delegation that the public grievances would be reviewed with the technical contractors to minimize civilian inconvenience during the final phase of the urban upgrade project.
