By TC News Desk
Agartala, 30th July 2024: In a dramatic turn of events, farmers from North Halhali blocked the Kamalpur-Ambasa road on Tuesday protesting against the construction of new culverts that have led to severe waterlogging in their fields. The blockade lasted from 11 AM to 1 PM causing significant disruption with numerous vehicles stranded on both sides of the road.
The issue arose when AK Company was allocated a contract worth Rs 94 crore for the construction of a 39 km alternative national road from Kamalpur to Ambassa, began constructing culverts on the North Halhali road. The construction was carried out without ensuring proper drainage leading to water accumulation in the fields due to daily rains. This waterlogging has been detrimental to the ‘Aman’ paddy seedlings, which are currently being cultivated by the farmers.
One of the protesting farmers, Ramesh Das expressed his frustration an said, “The road contractor is constructing culverts without providing any drainage system. As a result, rainwater accumulates in our fields, spoiling the paddy seedlings. We are suffering huge losses because of this negligence.”
Upon receiving information about the blockade, the police from Kamalpur police station rushed to the site. The police engaged in discussions with the farmers and A Mishra, the manager of AK Company. After about three hours of negotiations, the blockade was lifted when Mishra assured the farmers that a proper drainage system would be arranged promptly.
“The farmers blocked the road because the rainwater was damaging their paddy. There is no water drainage system in place, which is causing this issue. The manager has promised to address the drainage problem by tomorrow,” stated a police officer from Kamalpur police station.
The blockade highlighted the urgent need for proper planning and implementation of infrastructure projects to avoid such disruptions and ensure the well-being of the local farming community. The farmers have warned that if the promised drainage system is not put in place soon, they will be forced to take further action.
