IGGL Project Row: Pradyot’s Allegations Rejected by North Tripura Administration

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, September 2, 2025

A fresh controversy has erupted after Tipra Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarman alleged harassment of tribal villagers by Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited (IGGL) officials in North Tripura’s Damchhara area.

In a series of social media posts and live interactions, Debbarman claimed that poor families were being threatened, displaced, and deprived of proper compensation. He further alleged that the government was pushing for a township project in a Sixth Schedule area, attempting to evict the original inhabitants. Expressing displeasure over the silence of his party’s MLAs and MDCs, he directed them to act immediately.

To support his claims, Debbarman uploaded videos of locals alleging forceful eviction and unfair land acquisition. However, the district administration promptly dismissed the charges, terming them misleading.

Officials clarified that the ongoing North East Gas Grid Project, implemented by IGGL, is meant to connect Tripura with Assam and Mizoram through an underground gas pipeline. They stated that the project does not require displacement of families, nor would any houses be demolished.

According to the administration, land acquisition was carried out lawfully with compensation provided at official rates. In fact, one landowner, Teinerin Tripura, reportedly received Rs 36 lakh for a single kani of land—well above the government’s valuation. Authorities alleged that despite accepting payment, the individual later demanded Rs 90 lakh.

Officials also pointed out that misleading videos were being circulated online to fuel discontent, while emphasising that work on the project would continue without hindrance.

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