Apps, Dashboards and Training Programmes Continue, But Garbage Remains Uncollected in Agartala Markets
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, June 23, 2026
Even as the Tripura government and environmental authorities continue to launch new digital platforms, dashboards, waste management initiatives, training programmes and awareness workshops, concerns are mounting over the poor state of garbage collection in several markets across Agartala.
The latest initiative in this direction was a Training-cum-Interaction Meeting organized by the Tripura State Pollution Control Board (TSPCB) on June 22, 2026, aimed at strengthening the implementation of the Solid Waste Management Rules, Plastic Waste Management Rules and the online reporting mechanism through the National Dashboard Portal. The programme brought together technical officials from all 20 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) of Tripura and focused on improving waste management practices, regulatory compliance and environmental governance across the state.
The meeting was chaired by Dr. Bishu Karmakar, Member Secretary, TSPCB, in the presence of Shri Manas Mukherjee, Executive Engineer, TSPCB, and Smt. Aparajita Das, Assistant Environmental Engineer, TSPCB. Officials highlighted the importance of source segregation of waste, scientific disposal methods, efficient transportation systems and timely submission of reports through the National Dashboard Portal. Participants were also reminded of the need to comply with directives issued by the Supreme Court of India and the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on waste management.
However, despite such initiatives and repeated emphasis on modern waste management systems, residents and traders allege that the actual situation on the ground remains unsatisfactory in many parts of the capital city.
According to local complaints, municipal waste collection services are either irregular or absent in several key market areas. Garbage dumped in collection drums often remains unattended for days, creating unhygienic conditions and foul odours.
Among the areas reportedly facing persistent sanitation problems are Circuit House Market, Lichubagan Market, Durjoynagar Market on Airport Road, Natun Nagar Market and other commercial pockets around Lichubagan. Traders claim that sanitation workers responsible for waste collection frequently fail to visit these locations regularly, resulting in the accumulation of garbage and deteriorating environmental conditions.
Market vendors have expressed frustration that while authorities continue to conduct workshops, training sessions and launch digital monitoring systems, basic services such as daily garbage removal are not being ensured. They argue that the success of any waste management programme should ultimately be reflected in cleaner streets and markets rather than only in reports, dashboards and official meetings.
With the monsoon season underway, residents fear that uncollected waste could increase health risks and lead to the spread of diseases. They have urged the Agartala Municipal Corporation and concerned authorities to strengthen field-level monitoring, ensure accountability among sanitation staff and guarantee regular garbage collection across all market areas.
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