Agartala, September 22: Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Tuesday inaugurated the newly developed Haora Riverfront in Agartala, a 1.7-km urban stretch created under the Smart City Mission with an estimated investment of Rs 96 crore.
The riverfront, extending from Steel Bridge to Dashamighat, has been equipped with facilities aimed at providing recreational and leisure spaces for residents while also strengthening protection measures along the Haora River.
Speaking at the programme, Saha said the Haora occupies an important place in the history and heritage of Agartala and called for its preservation alongside the city’s continued development.
He said the project was planned to serve residents across age groups and would provide a dedicated space for leisure and recreation. The development, he added, would also enhance the appearance of the city.
According to the Chief Minister, the project has a five-year operation and maintenance component, with the required expenditure already included in the sanctioned project cost.
Saha said the riverfront’s strengthened banks would help control erosion and reduce risks associated with damage to the riverbanks. He added that the government would consider extending the riverfront development to other stretches of the river.
The Chief Minister recalled that parts of the area had earlier become associated with anti-social activities but said the development had transformed it into a public-friendly zone.
He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bringing Agartala under the Smart City Mission and said the initiative had helped facilitate modern urban infrastructure and improved civic facilities.
At the same event, Saha virtually inaugurated the newly developed Airport Road, also implemented under the Agartala Smart City Mission.
He also laid the foundation stone for a marriage hall in the Agartala Municipal Corporation area, which is proposed to offer affordable facilities to economically weaker sections.
Saha said the government was working on new initiatives to strengthen public services and improve the quality of life, while pursuing infrastructure development along with socio-economic progress.
AMC Mayor Dipak Majumder said the project represented a significant development for Agartala and described the Haora as the “soul” of the city.
He said the municipal corporation was implementing measures to protect the river and improve its surroundings while upgrading urban management systems to respond to changing civic requirements.
Majumder said the corporation was also working to address traffic congestion and pollution. With Durga Puja nearing, he said departments were coordinating preparations to ensure safe and hassle-free celebrations and assured that ongoing road repair works would be completed before the festival.
A blood donation camp was organised alongside the inauguration programme.
Prior to the formal event, Saha and other dignitaries inspected the facilities at the newly developed riverfront.
Deputy Mayor Monika Das Dutta, MLA Meena Rani Sarkar, Chief Minister’s Secretary Kiran Gitte, Urban Development Secretary Milind Ramteke, Agartala Smart City Mission CEO G.S. Naik, Municipal Commissioner Saju Wahid and other officials were present.
