Agartala, 22nd October 2026 : Allegations of the illegal filling of a large water body and the demolition of a Kali temple in Sonamura have triggered widespread resentment among local residents, who have questioned the role of the sub-divisional administration over its alleged failure to stop the activities.
According to local sources, the water body had long served as an important source of water for residents for drinking and other daily needs. However, locals alleged that the water body was gradually being filled with soil, mostly under the cover of darkness, allegedly by a group involved in land grabbing.
Residents further claimed that a Kali temple established through the initiative of the local community was demolished at night to facilitate the movement of vehicles carrying soil to the site. The alleged demolition has deeply hurt religious sentiments and intensified public anger in the area.
Locals said they had repeatedly brought the matter to the notice of the sub-divisional administration and the concerned Nagar Panchayat authorities through written complaints and verbal representations. However, they alleged that no effective and lasting action had been taken to stop the activities.
Residents also claimed that people opposing the alleged filling of the water body and demolition of the temple had faced intimidation and threats, creating an atmosphere of fear among those seeking to protect the community’s interests.
The controversy has taken a more serious turn as the alleged activities are reportedly taking place near the official residences of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate at Office Tilla in Sonamura. Residents have questioned how the filling operation could allegedly continue for days in such close proximity to important administrative establishments without effective intervention.
Apart from the religious concerns, the alleged destruction of the water body has raised environmental concerns, given its long-standing importance to the local community. Residents fear that its disappearance could affect water availability and the area’s ecological balance.
Demanding immediate intervention, locals have called for an immediate halt to the filling operation, an impartial investigation into both the alleged destruction of the water body and the demolition of the Kali temple, and strict legal action against those found responsible.
They have warned of launching a larger protest if the administration fails to respond promptly.
