The Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) will spend around ₹1.5 crore on the development and beautification of the Women’s College pond in Ward No. 22, with Mayor Deepak Majumder inaugurating the project through a foundation stone laying ceremony at Lal Bahadur Chowmuhani on Tuesday, October 27, as part of the civic body’s efforts to improve the city’s infrastructure and surroundings.
Key Takeaways
- AMC has allocated around ₹1.5 crore to develop and beautify the pond near Women’s College in Agartala.
- Mayor Deepak Majumder said the city’s drainage infrastructure has improved, while three pumps costing around ₹25 crore are planned to tackle waterlogging.
- The Mayor urged residents to keep drains free of plastic and waste to ensure the smooth flow of rainwater.
Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) has taken another step towards improving the city’s infrastructure and urban environment. The civic body has launched a ₹1.5-crore project to develop and beautify the pond near Women’s College in Ward No. 22.
The foundation stone laying and Bhoomi Pujan ceremony took place at Lal Bahadur Chowmuhani on Tuesday, October 27. Agartala Mayor Deepak Majumder, the Deputy Mayor, Ward No. 22 Councillor Himani Debbarma and other dignitaries attended the programme.
The project aims to improve the pond and develop well-planned infrastructure around it. The AMC expects the work to enhance the area’s appearance and provide a better environment for local residents.
₹1.5 Crore Project to Improve Pond and Surroundings
The pond development project forms part of the AMC’s efforts to improve public spaces and urban infrastructure. The proposed work will focus on the water body and its surrounding area.
Ponds and other water bodies play an important role in urban environments. Their proper maintenance and planned development can improve the appearance of neighbourhoods. The AMC expects the project to benefit residents living near Women’s College.
The foundation stone laying ceremony marked the formal launch of the initiative. The project will add to the civic body’s ongoing efforts to improve Agartala’s urban landscape.
Mayor Highlights Progress in Tackling Waterlogging
Addressing the gathering, Mayor Deepak Majumder also spoke about improvements in Agartala’s drainage system and efforts to reduce waterlogging.
He said residents of Dhaleswar and Shibnagar had experienced severe waterlogging in the past. Even brief spells of rain often left water inside houses for two to three days.
Several busy locations also faced prolonged water accumulation. These included Ganaraj Chowmuhani, Orient Chowmuhani, Shakuntala Road, Paradise Chowmuhani and the area in front of the East Police Station.
The situation disrupted normal life. Traffic came to a standstill, while businesses struggled to operate. Traders sometimes could not sell their goods for three to four days, and some products were damaged.
Majumder said the situation had improved considerably over the years. However, some locations still experience temporary waterlogging during heavy rainfall.
According to the Mayor, water sometimes remains on roads for around 40 minutes to nearly two hours in certain areas. The AMC continues to work towards reducing these delays and improving drainage across the city.
Three Pumps Planned at a Cost of ₹25 Crore
The Mayor said the authorities had initiated work on three pumps at a cost of around ₹25 crore to improve the removal of accumulated rainwater.
Work had remained suspended during the Puja period, but the authorities planned to resume it after the festivities. Majumder expressed hope that the improved pumping system would further reduce waterlogging during the next monsoon.
He also referred to infrastructure initiatives undertaken since 2018 through the state government, the AMC and programmes such as Smart City. These initiatives have included the installation of pumps and improvements to the city’s drainage network.
The Mayor said such measures had helped reduce the duration of waterlogging in several parts of Agartala. He added that the civic body would continue to address locations where rainwater still accumulates.
Mayor Urges Residents to Keep Drains Clean
Majumder stressed that public cooperation remains essential to improving the city’s drainage system.
He said residents often throw plastic and other waste into drains, blocking the natural flow of rainwater. Such blockages can delay drainage even when pumps are operational.
The AMC is developing covered drains in several parts of the city. The civic body is also using modern technology and scientific methods to clean drainage channels.
The Mayor urged residents to act responsibly and avoid dumping waste into drains. He said public awareness would help the municipal corporation maintain the improvements achieved so far.
Residents Asked to Assess Civic Improvements
Majumder asked residents to compare the condition of their neighbourhoods in 2021 with the present situation. He cited roads, drainage, road width, greenery, mosquito control and relief from waterlogging as key areas for assessment.
He said the experience of long-term residents could help them judge the changes in their localities.
The Mayor reiterated that the AMC was working to improve civic services and infrastructure across Agartala. He also emphasised the need for continued public support to sustain these efforts.
The Women’s College pond project is another initiative aimed at improving the city’s surroundings. Once completed, it is expected to enhance the appearance of the area and provide a better public environment for local residents.
