Agartala, 2nd August 2026: Alleged dumping of garbage into a privately owned pond in Rishipara under Ward No. 2 of Kamalpur Nagar Panchayat in Dhalai district has sparked outrage among local residents, who claim the practice has created an unhygienic environment and poses serious health risks.
According to local sources, the pond, located beside a road in Rishipara and owned by Gautam Debnath, Kshitish Debnath and Jagadish Debnath, has allegedly been used for dumping waste on a regular basis. Residents alleged that garbage collected from different parts of the town is being disposed of in the pond under the initiative of the Kamalpur Nagar Panchayat.
Locals claimed that the dumping has resulted in a foul smell spreading across the area, affecting not only Rishipara but also nearly 150 families living in the adjoining Ward No. 1. They alleged that the decaying waste has led to an increase in mosquitoes, flies and other insects, raising concerns over environmental pollution and public health, particularly for children and the elderly.
Residents further alleged that whenever they protested against the dumping, they were intimidated and threatened with legal action. However, no official response had been received from the Kamalpur Nagar Panchayat or the concerned authorities on these allegations at the time of filing this report.
The affected residents have urged the administration to immediately stop the dumping of garbage into the pond, adopt an alternative scientific waste disposal mechanism, and conduct a fair inquiry into the matter. They have also called for appropriate administrative action to safeguard public health and the environment.
