BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 20th February 2026: Residents of several tribal villages outside designated tribal areas continue to face deprivation of basic services such as drinking water, proper roads, and drainage facilities. Allegations of long-standing administrative neglect have been raised against the Autonomous District Council (ADC).
Locals claim that despite 35 years of Left Front rule and five years under the current ADC administration, no permanent solution has been provided to their everyday struggles. Today, aggrieved villagers from Ultochhara and Kalajhari in the 44-Raima Valley assembly constituency including residents of the Bru refugee rehabilitation centers traveled to Agartala to meet Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma at his official residence.
The delegation complained of severe drinking water shortages and dilapidated roads that make daily life difficult. During the monsoon, muddy and waterlogged paths make it nearly impossible to reach schools, markets, or health centers. In many cases, villagers are forced to rely on distant tube wells or streams for drinking water, raising serious health concerns.
Residents alleged that political parties exploit these issues for electoral gain while real solutions remain elusive. “Promises have been made, but development has not moved forward,” one villager said. Minister Debbarma listened to the grievances and directed officials to take immediate steps. He stated, “Politics should not be built on people’s deprivation. Development must rise above party lines. Providing lasting solutions to those denied basic rights for decades is the government’s priority.”
The minister further accused certain political leaders of manipulating tribal sentiments to prolong the crisis. He argued that instead of addressing genuine problems in Bru resettlement centers and nearby villages, only “token sympathy” has been shown. ADC officials later announced that urgent surveys would be conducted to prepare proposals for drinking water supply and road repairs.
For now, however, the question remains: after decades of neglect, how quickly will relief reach the people of Raima Valley and Kalajhari? Until then, residents continue to count on promises rather than tangible progress.
