4 Months On, Winners of Dumboor Lake Boat Race Still Await Cash Prizes, Fisherfolk Lock Up Fisheries Office in Protest

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, November 30, 2025

Winners of the traditional boat race held at Dumboor Lake are yet to receive their announced cash prizes even after more than four months, triggering strong protests on Saturday. Aggrieved fishermen from the Dumboor reservoir locked the main gate of the Gandacherra–Narayanpur Fisheries Department office, alleging deliberate delay and negligence by officials.

The protestors said that despite repeated assurances, the Fisheries Department has not released the promised prize money announced during the grand boat racing event held on 14 August at Narikelkunja, Dumboor Lake. The event, organized by the ADC (Administration) of the Fisheries Department to mark Independence Day, drew thousands of spectators along with local public representatives and officials.

From the main stage, officials declared that the first, second and third prize-winning teams would receive Rs. 1,00,000, Rs. 70,000 and Rs. 50,000 respectively, along with certificates. However, according to the winners, the department has been postponing the matter with excuses such as It will be done soon for nearly four and a half months.

Fishermen allege widespread corruption within the Gandacherra Fisheries Office for years—ranging from irregularities in boat distribution and manipulation in fish feed allotments to bribery in issuing licenses. They claim that withholding the boat race prize money is yet another example of administrative malpractice.

Officer Madan Tripura, who was absent on the day of the event, has allegedly given varying explanations, sometimes saying funds have not been sanctioned, other times promising distribution by 10 December.

The office remained locked for several hours on Saturday until Fisheries Department staff assured the protestors of prompt action. Following the assurance, the demonstrators removed the lock but warned of intensified agitation if the prize money is not released soon.

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