Tripura Human Rights Commission Takes Cognizance of Ecological Violations at Collegetilla Lake; Notice Issued to Smart City Officials
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, July 23, 2025
The Tripura Human Rights Commission (THRC), based in Kunjaban, Agartala, has officially taken cognizance of Complaint No. 98 of 2025, filed by environmental activists Jayanta Bhattacharjee and Nikhil Debnath, President and Secretary of the "Forum for Protection of Environment and Water Bodies", regarding alleged unlawful and ecologically damaging construction activities at the historic Collegetilla Lake (MBB College Lake) by Agartala Smart City Limited.
In the complaint, the civil society members emphasized that Collegetilla Lake is a natural wetland area donated by the Maharaja of Tripura for public welfare and educational purposes. It serves as a critical habitat for over 28 species of migratory birds, including those from the Siberian and Central Asian Flyway, and also hosts bat colonies recognized by the Tripura Forest Department as part of a Biodiversity Sensitive Zone.The complainants have alleged that ongoing unscientific and concrete constructions, such as artificial bridges and lighting installations, pose an irreversible threat to the ecosystem, thereby violating fundamental human rights, including the right to life and a healthy environment as interpreted in the Supreme Court’s 1999 judgment (SC812).
Additional violations cited include breaches of the Tripura Land Revenue and Land Reforms Act, 1960; Tripura Building Rules, 2017; Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017; the Environment Protection Act, 1986; and the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. The degradation is said to endanger the rights to health, education, cultural heritage, and recreation for nearby communities, particularly affecting children and the elderly.
The Commission noted a series of documentary evidence submitted with the complaint, which reportedly points to administrative inaction by the CEO of Agartala Smart City Limited and the District Magistrate of West Tripura.
In response, the Commission has issued notices to the Secretary of the Urban Development Department, Secretary of the Revenue Department, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), CEO of Agartala Smart City Ltd., and the District Magistrate & Collector of West Tripura, seeking their official replies within 15 days.
The next hearing has been scheduled post the submission deadline. The order was signed by Justice Arindam Lodh, Chairperson of the Commission, and Member U. Choudhuri.
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