Agartala, May 20: In a significant move towards promoting sustainable waste management and improving urban cleanliness, the West Tripura District Administration on Wednesday introduced six new electric vehicles dedicated to garbage and solid waste collection across the district. The initiative is aimed at strengthening sanitation services while supporting environmentally friendly and cost-effective practices.
The new fleet was officially flagged off at the office premises of the District Magistrate and Collector in Agartala. The inauguration was jointly carried out by District Magistrate and Collector Dr. Vishal Kumar and Zilla Parishad Sabhadhipati Biswajit Shil in the presence of officials and other dignitaries.
Speaking at the programme, District Magistrate Dr. Vishal Kumar said the newly introduced vehicles would mainly be deployed in busy market areas and along roadside locations where maintaining cleanliness remains a challenge due to heavy public activity. He noted that the initiative also aligns with directives issued by the Supreme Court regarding sanitation and maintenance of cleanliness in public spaces.
According to Dr. Kumar, each electric vehicle has been procured at an estimated cost of approximately Rs 11 lakh. The vehicles are equipped with a 35-kilowatt battery system and are capable of travelling nearly 150 kilometers on a single charge, making them suitable for daily waste collection operations across multiple locations.
He further stated that additional vehicles could be introduced in the future depending on operational requirements and public needs.
Addressing the gathering, Zilla Parishad Sabhadhipati Biswajit Shil said the initiative reflects the spirit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Swachh Bharat Mission, which emphasizes cleanliness and public participation in maintaining hygienic surroundings.
He said that Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha has also consistently encouraged citizens to actively participate in cleanliness initiatives and community efforts aimed at creating a cleaner and healthier environment.
The newly launched vehicles will operate in different market areas across various blocks of West Tripura district and will supplement three similar electric vehicles that had been introduced earlier.
Shil further highlighted that electric vehicles are environmentally friendly and economically beneficial compared to conventional fuel-powered vehicles, supporting both sustainability goals and cost-saving measures.
