BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 30th May 2025: A storm of controversy erupted today as an engineer publicly protested in front of Youth Affairs and Sports minister Tinku Roy over alleged irregularities in the ongoing renovation of the Manu River embankment in Kailashahar. The protest took place during an on-site inspection amidst heavy rainfall.
The embankment restoration project undertaken after a 45-year hiatus covers critical areas including Gobindapur, Boulapasha, Durgapur, Senamara, Cinema Hall Para, East Durgapur and Kinairchar. The Rs 3.26 crore project is being executed by Mahi Construction, headed by contractor Abdul Mannan, who now faces serious allegations of violating government construction norms.
Locals and officials allege that Mannan has flouted basic technical guidelines outlined by the Flood Control Department. According to engineering standards, every 20 cm layer of soil must be compacted using a “sheep foot roller” followed by watering and normal roller compaction — procedures reportedly ignored entirely.
“Not a single sheep foot roller is available in the entire Unakoti, Dhalai, or North Tripura districts,” claimed local BJP leader Arun Saha in a letter addressed last week to Minister Roy and Chief Minister Manik Saha. “The contractor is just dumping soil and vanishing, risking massive erosion,” he added.
Minister Tinku Roy accompanied by Unakoti District Magistrate Dilip Kumar Chakma, ADM L Darlong, District Public Prosecutor Sandeep Debroy and Executive Engineer Ranjoy Debbarma inspected the site to assess public complaints. Tensions flared during the visit as angry residents surrounded the minister and loudly demanded action.
“The embankment is collapsing into the Manu River, and water is entering our homes. We can’t even walk on it,” a resident shouted.
The situation has become more alarming due to Bangladesh’s alleged overnight elevation of its border-side embankment, increasing the threat of flooding in Kailashahar. Minister Roy acknowledged the concerns: “The way Bangladesh has suddenly raised their embankment has created an international-level concern. The rain is beyond our control, but the quality of work must meet standards. We will take action where necessary,” he assured residents.
The crowd eventually calmed down following the minister’s reassurance, but doubts remain over the quality and pace of work.
