By TC News Desk
Agartala, 9th September 2024: Agartala witnessed an unusual form of civil resistance on Monday as frustrated residents of Vivekananda Abasan blocked the VIP Road, spotlighting a chronic issue—lack of clean drinking water. The protest was a desperate plea for attention after years of unfulfilled promises by local authorities.
For five years, the residents have endured a relentless struggle, relying on a single hand pump and manual effort to haul water to their upper-floor apartments. “It’s a daily battle, not just for water but for dignity. How long do we have to wait?” one protester expressed, highlighting the severe hardships endured by many families in the area.
The blame was placed squarely on the Agartala Municipal Corporation and local BJP Corporator Lata Nath, with accusations of neglect despite ongoing complaints. Residents noted that while political promises often pour in during election periods, they rarely translate into action. “Every election, we’re told things will change. But the reality is, we are left without water,” a resident said, underscoring the disillusionment with local governance.
The protestors’ mounting frustration also included appeals to the District Magistrate’s office, all of which failed to yield results. As desperation mounted, they felt forced to take matters into their own hands by blocking the road, despite the disruption caused to daily commuters. The blockade was finally lifted after the Deputy Commissioner of the Agartala Municipal Corporation personally intervened, providing assurances to the residents. Though the immediate crisis was averted, the protest remains a powerful reminder of the escalating tensions between citizens and local authorities in Tripura’s capital over essential services.
