Mayor Inspects Agartala's Waterlogging Hotspots After Heavy Rain, Residents Question Smart City Claims

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, August 7, 2026

Just two days after nearly an hour of rainfall left several parts of Agartala submerged, Mayor Dipak Majumder on Friday conducted an on-ground inspection of the city's major waterlogging-prone areas to assess the situation and review possible long-term solutions.

The Mayor first visited the Paradise Chowmuhani area, one of the locations that witnessed significant water accumulation during the recent downpour. He later inspected Orient Chowmuhani, the area in front of Shishu Udyan (Children's Park), and finally Jaynagar, where residents have repeatedly complained of drainage-related issues during the monsoon.

During the inspection, the Mayor held detailed discussions with Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) Commissioner Saju Wahid, IAS and senior engineers regarding measures to improve the city's drainage system and address recurring waterlogging problems. The team reportedly examined the existing drainage infrastructure and explored possible engineering interventions to ensure faster discharge of rainwater during heavy showers.

Speaking during the visit, the Mayor maintained that water does not remain stagnant in the city for long and that accumulated rainwater drains away within a short period after rainfall.

However, the Mayor's assessment stands in contrast to the growing concerns of many city residents. Several citizens argue that localities which previously remained free from waterlogging are now experiencing frequent inundation even after moderate rainfall. They allege that the drainage situation has deteriorated in recent years despite significant investments under the Smart City Mission.

The latest episode of urban flooding has once again triggered public debate over the effectiveness of Agartala's drainage infrastructure and the implementation of Smart City projects. Residents have questioned how Agartala can continue to be projected as a Smart City when even short spells of rain disrupt normal life, inundate roads, and create difficulties for commuters, shopkeepers, and nearby households.

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