BY TC News Desk
Agartala, August 11, 2023: Agartala’s enduring bamboo market, which has been a hub of trade for seven decades, is now facing eviction following a court order. The Agartala Municipal Corporation has issued a one-month eviction notice as part of the city’s ongoing beautification endeavors, including the transformative Beauty River project along the Howrah river banks to establish a recreational space.
The bamboo traders, who have long contributed to the local economy and provided livelihoods for around 1000 people, were directed to vacate the market adjacent to the iconic Howrah Bridge by September 4. The traders contested the order, escalating the matter to the High Court, only to find themselves on the losing side.
While the court’s decision has been reluctantly accepted by the traders, they find themselves without a clear plan for the future. Lamenting the lack of government support, their uncertainty grows as the deadline approaches. The market has served as a vital source of employment for not only the traders but also a network of workers, including laborers and drivers.
The affected traders express a glimmer of hope, looking to the Chief Minister, whose assembly constituency encompasses the market, for potential assistance. Meanwhile, fellow traders propose a solution—rehabilitation within Agartala city—to prevent the displacement of the significant workforce. With eight bamboo sellers, 25 workers, and various support staff, their collective plea is for a chance to continue their livelihoods without the specter of dislocation looming over them.
