Agartala, 23rd April 2026: Tension has gripped the Goladharpur Gram Panchayat area under Kailashahar after angry villagers stopped ongoing embankment repair work, alleging serious negligence and substandard construction practices.
According to local residents, the repair and strengthening work of the embankment along the Lakshmi stream had been underway for about a year across various areas of the subdivision, including Ward No. 1 of Goladharpur Gram Panchayat. The project was reportedly being executed under departmental guidelines requiring both an increase in the height and width of the existing embankment to improve flood protection.
However, villagers allege that while some initial progress was made in raising and widening the structure, the work has recently deviated from the approved specifications. They claim that the embankment’s height and width have been kept nearly identical to the original structure, contrary to the plan.
Residents also complained that the required amount of earth filling on both sides and the top of the embankment has not been completed. They further alleged that the central portion of the embankment’s top has been left uneven and depressed, causing rainwater to accumulate. This, they say, has led to the formation of large cracks on both sides of the structure.
Another major concern raised by villagers is the reduced usability of the embankment road. They stated that at present, two vehicles cannot pass simultaneously, unlike before when the embankment allowed smooth two-way traffic.
The villagers also alleged irregularities regarding the removal of bricks from the earlier brick soling road on top of the embankment. According to them, although the brick road was dismantled before the renovation began, the bricks have not been reused in the new construction and were allegedly taken away and sold. They further claimed that the earlier brick road was originally constructed by the gram panchayat, not by any state department.
Despite repeatedly raising complaints verbally and in writing to irrigation department officials, residents say no action has been taken. Frustrated by what they describe as official apathy, villagers collectively halted the construction work on Thursday afternoon, demanding immediate intervention and a proper investigation.
Authorities have yet to issue an official response, while the situation continues to draw attention in the area. The future of the embankment project now depends on administrative action regarding the allegations of irregularities.
