Fresh Controversy Over Alleged Illegal Market Shed on River, Around 50 Houses Inundated, Residents Blame Encroachment on Hariganga River as Administration Faces Renewed Calls for Action

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, July 15, 2026

Severe monsoon flooding in Boxanagar of Sepahijala district has reignited controversy over an allegedly illegal market shed constructed over the Hariganga River, with local residents claiming that the structure obstructed the natural flow of water and led to widespread inundation on Sunday night.

According to residents, rainwater entered nearly 50 houses, submerging homes under three to four feet of water and causing extensive damage to household belongings. Local farmers and fish cultivators have also reportedly suffered significant losses as ponds, canals and low-lying water bodies overflowed during the heavy rainfall.

The Hariganga River, regarded as the principal drainage channel for the Boxanagar, Manikyanagar and Nayanjala areas before flowing into Bangladesh, is alleged by local residents to have been partially obstructed by the construction of a market shed over the river. They contend that the reduced water-carrying capacity contributed to the unprecedented flooding witnessed this week.

Residents further alleged that many affected families were reluctant to speak openly on camera, claiming they feared political repercussions. Several people reportedly expressed their distress anonymously while describing the hardships caused by the flooding.

The controversy surrounding the market shed is not new. Local residents had earlier lodged complaints before the Sonamura Sub-Divisional Magistrate, alleging that the market structure had been illegally constructed on government land and over the river without valid approval. Following an inquiry, the SDM ordered the removal of the structure.

Subsequently, the District Magistrate of Sepahijala upheld the SDM's eviction order, directing that the unauthorized occupants vacate the government land within 30 days or face eviction under the provisions of the Tripura Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act, 1982. The District Magistrate's order concluded that the land belonged to the Government of Tripura and that the Gram Panchayat had no legal authority to lease or allot the land without approval from the Revenue Department. The order also rejected the occupants' appeal and affirmed the demolition directive.

The official order identified four individuals as unauthorized occupants of the government land. However, while local residents have alleged that Boxanagar MLA Tafajjal Hossain played a key role in the construction of the market shed, the District Magistrate's order does not name the MLA, nor has any formal charge or finding been recorded against him in the case.

Residents further claimed that they had repeatedly warned the administration that construction over the river could obstruct drainage and cause severe flooding during the monsoon. They now argue that the latest inundation has validated those concerns.

The issue had also reached the Tripura Legislative Assembly earlier, where Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha, while replying to a question, reportedly described the construction as an illegal activity.

Adding to the controversy, locals alleged that while the MLA recently intervened in another nearby waterlogging issue by directing the breaching of an embankment around a newly excavated pond, no similar initiative has been taken regarding the disputed market shed situated close to his residence. These allegations have not been independently verified.

With floodwaters damaging homes, agricultural land and fisheries, residents are demanding immediate relief for affected families and prompt execution of the existing demolition orders. They have urged the administration to restore the river's natural flow and take necessary measures to prevent similar disasters in the future.

The administration has not yet issued a fresh statement regarding the latest flooding or announced any additional action concerning the disputed market shed.

more news...