Agartala, Feb 23: Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha on Sunday inaugurated the renovation and beautification work of a pond located at Rishi Colony in Ward No. 43 under the Agartala Municipal Corporation, stating that true urban development goes beyond roads, buildings, and lighting.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that real development is measured by environmental conservation, protection of water resources, ecological balance, and the creation of healthy and aesthetic public spaces for citizens. He described the restoration of the pond at Rishi Colony as a reflection of the state government’s broader vision of sustainable and inclusive urban development.
Dr. Saha said that the government is working in a planned manner to ensure integrated development of both urban and peripheral areas of the state, including Agartala city. He highlighted ongoing initiatives in infrastructure development such as roads, drainage systems, potable drinking water supply, parks, and housing projects.
Recalling the past condition of water bodies in the state, the Chief Minister said that many ponds and reservoirs had become unhealthy due to lack of maintenance. He stressed that reviving these water bodies and preserving them for future generations is the government’s responsibility. In this context, he mentioned the implementation of the Amrit Sarovar scheme.
He further said that the beautification project of the Rishi Colony pond was completed within a short span, demonstrating the government’s commitment to delivering results. He informed that development projects worth around ₹1,300 crore are currently underway in Tripura.
Highlighting recent achievements, Dr. Saha said that projects worth approximately ₹112 crore under the AMRUT 2.0 scheme were inaugurated on November 18 in the Agartala Municipal Corporation area under the Urban Development Department. Additionally, foundation stones for drinking water projects across various wards in Agartala were laid on December 30.
He also mentioned that multiple township projects are being undertaken through the Tripura Urban Planning and Development Authority (TUDA), along with the construction of Light House projects for economically weaker sections. Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) 2.0, the state received approval for 81,042 houses, out of which 74,880 have already been completed.
The Chief Minister said several welfare projects are also being implemented with assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Work is underway to prepare GIS-based master plans for 20 urban areas in the state. He also referred to key infrastructure projects such as the Agartala Ring Road, Unity Mall, a G+14 office building at Gurkhabasti, and improvements in the city’s drainage system.
Emphasising people’s participation, Dr. Saha said that the government is committed to public welfare and not driven by electoral considerations. He urged citizens to take responsibility in maintaining the development projects and actively participate in their implementation.
Speaking at the programme, Agartala Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumder said that the government is working to provide better civic amenities and a healthy environment by reviving neglected water bodies. He informed that around ₹3.24 crore has been spent on the Rishi Colony pond project.
He also urged residents to come forward to maintain public assets and ensure the sustainability of development initiatives.
Deputy Mayor Monika Das Datta delivered the vote of thanks, while Acting Municipal Commissioner Mihir Kanti Gop gave the welcome address. Among others present were Corporator Abhijit Mallik, social workers Swapna Das and Asim Bhattacharya, Urban Development Secretary Milind Ramteke, and Director Megha Jain.
