THRC Recommends Temporary Halt on MBB Lake Inauguration, Showcased Smart City Authority Over Untimely Drainage Works
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, August 7, 2025
The Tripura Human Rights Commission (THRC) has recommended a temporary halt to the proposed inauguration of the redeveloped MBB College Lake project, following a complaint that such an event scheduled before August 15, 2025, would defeat the purpose of the ongoing legal process.
The complaint was filed by the Forum for Protection of Environment and Water Bodies along with some local intellectuals. It was registered as case no. 88/2020 with the THRC. The complainants, represented by environmental activist Nikhil Debnath, alleged that inaugurating the lake before resolving key environmental and legal concerns would adversely affect the ongoing proceedings and public interest.
The Commission, led by Acting Chairperson Justice Arindam Lodh, observed that the inauguration could compromise the environmental aims of the redevelopment and expressed concern that press events could mislead the public about the project's completion status.
"The very purpose of their complaint will be frustrated if the project is inaugurated prematurely. The commission thinks it appropriate to recommend that the concerned authorities put the inauguration on hold,” the order read.
In a separate case, the THRC also expressed strong dissatisfaction over untimely drainage works undertaken across various parts of Agartala under the Smart City project. This came in response to a complaint received from a local NGO, which raised concerns over disruption caused to daily life due to unplanned and sudden excavation and drainage construction.
The Commission has sent a show-cause notice to the Agartala Smart City Limited authorities and sought an explanation. The next hearing in this case is scheduled for August 12, 2025.
The THRC’s dual observations reflect a growing concern over urban development projects lacking timely consultation, transparency, and coordination, potentially affecting both the environment and the daily lives of Agartala residents.
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