Neermahal Reopens for Tourists After Fire and Lockdown Controversy, CM’s Intervention Brings Relief
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, October 4, 2025
The iconic Neermahal, Tripura’s “Lake Palace” has been reopened for tourists following a week-long closure triggered by a shocking fire incident and subsequent agitation by the Youth Tipra Federation (YTF). The heritage site, located in the Rudrasagar Lake of Sepahijala district, had been sealed off after miscreants allegedly set fire to its main entrance gate, sparking widespread outrage and political controversy across the state.
The incident, which occurred just ahead of the festive Durga Puja season, caused significant concern among heritage lovers and tourism stakeholders. The YTF had locked the main gate of Neermahal and submitted a deputation to the Melaghar police station, demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible for the arson. However, the investigation report has yet to be made public, and no arrests have been made so far.
In the aftermath of the incident, the administration temporarily suspended tourist entry to ensure safety and restore normalcy. Following direct intervention by Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, the administration has now reopened Neermahal to visitors from Friday, allowing tourism activities to resume.
Local residents and sections of the political community have alleged that a deeper conspiracy lies behind the incident, calling for a thorough investigation. Meanwhile, opposition parties and heritage protection groups have criticized the YTF’s move to lock Neermahal, terming it “illegal” and “beyond their authority.” They argued that only the state government and Tripura Tourism Corporation have the rightful jurisdiction to manage and protect the historic monument.
It is worth noting that royal scion Pradyot Kishore Debbarman had earlier approached the Supreme Court claiming ownership of Neermahal, but the court ruled against his claim. The palace currently falls under the management of the Tripura Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC).
Built in the 1930s by Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur, Neermahal stands as one of Tripura’s most cherished symbols of royal heritage and architectural splendor. The fire incident is being regarded as an unprecedented blow to the cultural legacy of the state.
Local tourism authorities have assured that security measures at the site will be strengthened to prevent such incidents in the future, and restoration work on the damaged entrance is expected to begin soon.
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