Modern Satellite Township to Rise Over Sukh Sagar Wetland in Udaipur, Bird Experts Warn of Ecological Disaster
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, October 11, 2025
The state government has announced an ambitious plan to develop a modern satellite township over the Sukh Sagar wetland in Udaipur, Gomati district, a move that has sparked sharp concern among environmentalists and bird experts.
According to Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy, the proposed Udaipur Satellite Town Project will be constructed on nearly 500 kanis of fallow wetland around the Sukh Sagar reservoir, through a land pooling model involving both the government and local landowners. The township is expected to feature residential complexes, commercial zones, parks, schools, healthcare centers, modern roads, and tourism infrastructure, transforming the southern town into one of Tripura’s most planned urban hubs.
Minister Roy stated that although Sukh Sagar is commonly referred to as a lake, much of its surrounding area remains unused and marshy. For years, this vast stretch has remained barren. Developing it into a satellite town will expand Udaipur’s urban capacity and promote regional growth, he said.
As part of the project, the new National Highway-8 bypass will pass through the proposed township, connecting Gokulpur to Chandrapur via Matabari. The bypass aims to reduce congestion in Udaipur town and ensure smoother traffic during festivals, particularly the Diwali Mela at the Tripurasundari Temple, when southern Tripura often remains cut off due to road closures.
The minister further assured that environmental balance and wetland conservation will be given priority. Plans include rainwater harvesting, green belt development, and preservation of natural habitats.
However, bird experts have voiced grave concern over the choice of location. They describe Sukh Sagar as the largest wintering ground for migratory birds in Tripura and also the biggest nesting area for local avian species. Experts warn that the destruction of this ecosystem would devastate the entire bird population and disturb ecological equilibrium.
“Udaipur has enough fallow land that can be developed without touching this sensitive wetland,” ornithologists said, urging the government to reconsider the project site.
Udaipur, once the ancient capital of Tripura and now the second-largest town in the state, has long been a center of trade and culture. Experts believe that if implemented responsibly, the satellite township could turn Udaipur into a modern urban node integrating the Tripurasundari Temple, Gomati riverfront, and regional road networks, ushering in a new era for the temple city.
Government sources confirmed that land identification and preliminary design work have already begun, and discussions are ongoing with local residents and landowners.
In summary, while the proposed Udaipur Satellite Town promises modernization and better connectivity, it has also ignited a debate between development and ecological preservation, placing the future of Tripura’s largest bird habitat at a crucial crossroads.
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