Tripura Human Rights Commission Issues Notice to Agartala Smart City Ltd Over MBB College Lake Controversy, Finds Pollution and Unauthorized Activities
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, October 23, 2025
The Tripura Human Rights Commission (THRC) has issued a formal notice to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Agartala Smart City Limited (ASCL) Shri Sailesh Yadav, IAS seeking clarification on the genuineness and authenticity of a controversial notice published by ASCL regarding the entry of a Human Rights Commission team into the MBB College Lake area. The Commission directed the CEO to submit a written response within three weeks from the date of receipt of the order.
The controversy began after Agartala Smart City Limited published a notice on its website and Facebook page, alleging that unknown persons claiming to be from the Tripura Human Rights Commission forcefully entered MBB College Lake without taking entry tickets and that they verbally abused ticketing staff. The Smart City authority further stated that it was identifying the alleged trespassers and planned to lodge an FIR against them.
However, representatives of the complainants, Mr. Jayanta Bhattacharjee and Mr. Nikhil Debnath, refuted the allegations, calling the notice unwarranted, unauthoritative, and arbitrary. They stated that the inspection was conducted under a valid office order dated 14/15-10-2025 issued by the District Magistrate and Collector, West Tripura, and that officials from various departments, including the Forest Department, State Pollution Control Board, and Revenue Department, were part of the official team. The complainants described the Smart City’s allegations as malicious, defamatory, and intimidating, and termed the notice a glaring instance of abuse of power violative of Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution of India.
During the hearing, the Tripura State Pollution Control Board (TSPCB), represented by Member Secretary Mr. Bishu Karmakar, submitted that a recent inspection found one restaurant adjoining the lake and a nearby marriage hall operating without mandatory environmental clearance. Both establishments were found to be violating the provisions of the Environment Act and the Water Act. The Board confirmed that a show-cause notice had been issued to the restaurant authorities and a report submitted to the Commission.
The Forest Department’s report, submitted by Dr K Sasikumar, Chief Conservator of Forests, stated that untreated wastewater from a restaurant operated by Agartala Club (north of the lake) was being discharged directly into the lake. The TSPCB has already directed the establishment of an on-site wastewater treatment system to prevent further contamination.
The department further clarified that MBB College Lake is not a notified wetland under the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, but its ecological attributes are being protected through periodic monitoring. No tree-felling activities have taken place in the area over the past five years.
In addition, the Commission noted that lighting and developmental works near the lake should comply with biodiversity norms. It advised that street and decorative lighting around the lake must be switched off after 10 PM during migratory bird season (November to February) to avoid ecological disturbance.
The State Revenue Department, represented by Deputy Secretary Mr. Rupan Das, informed the Commission that a team led by Sri Abhijit Das, DCM of Agartala East Revenue Circle, conducted a field survey in compliance with THRC’s directions. The team verified encroachments and environmental violations around MBB College Lake. Their findings revealed that parts of the lake area were encroached by nearby houses, clubs, and restaurants. The department has sought two weeks’ time to submit a detailed report after examining the findings submitted by the DM & Collector, West Tripura.
Justice Arindam Lodh, Chairperson of the Tripura Human Rights Commission, and Member Udit Choudhuri directed that a copy of the order be sent to the CEO of Agartala Smart City Limited for a written response within three weeks. The matter has been listed for further hearing on November 14, 2025.
Notably, the Tripura Human Rights Commission has taken serious cognizance of environmental violations and alleged misconduct by CEO Sailesh Yadav, IAS of Agartala Smart City Limited over MBB College Lake. The Commission’s intervention follows allegations of pollution, unauthorized construction, and misuse of authority. A comprehensive probe involving the State Pollution Control Board, Forest Department, and Revenue Department is underway to protect the ecological integrity of the historic lake area.
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