BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 15th March 2026: Residents of Ward No. 1 in the South Manikbhandar Panchayat are raising concerns over the recent removal of bricks from a pond embankment in the area. The pond, which once measured nearly 100 meters in length, had been filled with tens of thousands of bricks to construct a road along its embankment.
The road project, which benefited around nine houses, including that of the current Panchayat head, was originally undertaken by the Salema Panchayat Samiti during the tenure of former chairman Shailesh Acharya from 2009 to 2014. At that time, bricks numbering approximately 52,000 were reportedly used to fill one side of the pond, with around 110,000 bricks needed for both sides.
Previously, residents used to access the area via a route through a mosque located north of National Highway 208. At that time, the region fell under Salema block, before the creation of Durgachowmuhani block.
Recently, the pond in front of the current Panchayat head’s residence was filled using regar work. Subsequently, bricks from the northern embankment of the pond were removed with the help of dredgers and transported elsewhere by truck. Sources indicate that the work was carried out under the leadership of some members of the Panchayat, though it remains unclear who authorized it.
Questions have arisen about whether the Panchayat passed any formal resolution approving the removal of the bricks. Panchayat sources confirm that no resolution was passed. Congress leader Hasan Chowdhury has raised concerns, alleging that the bricks used for the embankment were taken and sold illegally, and he has demanded an investigation into the matter.
The incident has sparked local outrage, highlighting concerns over accountability and misuse of public property within the Panchayat.
