Fish Traders in Distress Ahead of Puja: Protest Erupts Over Government’s Decision on Dumbur Lake Catch

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, September 27, 2025

On the eve of the festive season, a section of fish traders dependent on Dumbur Lake have been left in deep crisis following a government decision that has stirred discontent. The move to channel the fish catch from Dumbur through an apex body and send it directly to Agartala has allegedly deprived local small traders who have long relied on the lake for their livelihood.

The decision sparked major unrest on Saturday morning, as angry traders staged a road blockade at Jatanbari–Tirthamukh Road. Protesters, unable to secure supplies of Dumbur fish, voiced their frustration by stopping traffic and demanding immediate reversal of the decision.

Tension escalated when demonstrators surrounded a fisheries department official present at the blockade site, raising slogans and expressing their outrage against what they termed as an “anti-trader” policy.

According to the aggrieved traders, the new arrangement not only threatens their daily earnings but also impacts the traditional fish market network that serves local consumers during Durga Puja. They warned of continuing their agitation unless the government restores equal access to Dumbur fish for local small-scale businesses.

The Fisheries Department, meanwhile, has not yet issued any official statement addressing the concerns of the protesting traders.

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