By TC News Desk
Agartala, 24th May 2025: Even after four decades since its formation, the Kumarghat Municipal Council continues to struggle with civic issues particularly an ineffective drainage system, leaving residents in distress. Monsoon rains have exacerbated the problem with large parts of the city submerged disrupting daily life.
The city’s first municipal chairman was the late MLA Bidhu Bhushan Malakar followed by a succession of leaders including Jyotimay Malakar, Jyotsna Malakar, Nitai Dey, Bidhu Bhushan Pal and Anamika Malakar. Currently, Biswajit Das of Ram Dal holds office as the first municipal chairman from his party after years of Left leadership.
Despite multiple administrative transitions, residents lament that the fundamental problems remain unresolved. “We see changes in leadership, but our suffering continues. The drainage system fails every monsoon,” said a local shopkeeper, frustrated with the situation.
Locals allege that in many wards, the drainage system is either absent or poorly constructed, leading to water stagnation and flooding of homes. “The drains that exist have been built unscientifically, causing water to flow onto streets instead of being directed away,” complained another resident.
Frustrations boiled over recently when persistent rainfall led to waterlogging in several city wards, prompting residents to block the Assam-Agartala National Highway in protest. The municipality office itself remains inaccessible due to flooding, hampering daily operations.
Adding to the misery, Kumarghat is grappling with a severe drinking water crisis. Work under the Jeevan Mission project has stalled amid allegations of financial mismanagement amounting to Rs 5 crore, leading to the dismissal of two engineers. “Waterlogging on one hand, a drinking water crisis on the other—we are struggling on both fronts,” expressed a resident.
Civil society groups blame municipal authorities for negligence and inadequate planning, urging immediate intervention. “If the administration does not act decisively, the people will continue to suffer year after year,” remarked a local leader.
