Administrative Drive in Agartala Markets Raises Questions Over Lack of Raids in Suspected Fish and Fruit Godowns

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, March 12, 2026

A recent administrative drive conducted in several food shops in Agartala has raised serious questions among residents and market observers, who allege that the authorities are not targeting the actual sources where chemically preserved fish and fruits are stored before reaching retail markets.

According to sources, large quantities of imported fish and fruits are allegedly stored in cold storages and private godowns across different parts of Agartala city. These products are suspected to be preserved using chemicals such as formalin to increase shelf life before being supplied to markets. The suspected storage locations reportedly include cold stores and food warehouses in areas such as Maharajganj Bazar, Madhyapara, Sibnagar, Santipara, Kashipur, Jogendranagar, Bankumari and around the Railway Station area.

However, critics say that food inspectors and officials from the Sadar Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) office have not conducted raids at these suspected storage facilities. Instead, the administration has focused mainly on inspections of retail fish, fruit and grocery shops in the Lake Chowmuhani market area of Agartala.

Local residents who have repeatedly complained about the sale of formalin-contaminated fish and fruits believe that in order to stop food adulteration effectively, the authorities must first target the warehouses and cold storages where such products are allegedly stored after being brought from outside the state. According to them, unless these supply points are checked, the root of the problem will remain unaddressed.

Meanwhile, a joint drive conducted yesterday by the Sadar Sub-Divisional Administration and the Food Department at Lake Chowmuhani market did create some fear among dishonest traders. During the operation, officials inspected the fish market, grocery shops, food stalls, hardware stores and fruit shops in the area.

Officials collected samples of fish to test whether formalin was being used. They also checked weighing scales, seized expired fruit juices and various food items from shops and eateries, and imposed heavy fines on several shopkeepers for violations. The administration also conducted a separate drive against the use of banned plastic carry bags during the inspection.

Despite these actions, many residents argue that unless the administration extends its operations to suspected fish and fruit godowns and cold storages across the city, the ongoing drive may not fully address the larger issue of chemically preserved food items entering Agartala’s markets.

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