BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 19th February 2026: Bishalgarh witnessed heightened tension this afternoon as a group of truck drivers and sand workers staged a sit-in protest outside the office of Sub-Divisional Forest Officer (SDFO) Ishan Lal.
The protestors, who have been unable to obtain vital sand permits for the past six months, accused the forest department of withholding permissions despite their vehicles having valid carrying licenses and complete documentation. They claimed the delay has left hundreds of families in financial distress, with drivers struggling to pay vehicle installments and provide for their households.
According to the workers, officials had earlier assured them that the issue would be resolved within two months, but no action was taken. Frustrated, they even approached local MLA Sushanta Deb, but the problem persisted.
Forest officials reportedly cited irregularities in paperwork related to sand quarries as the reason for the halt. However, drivers argued that quarry documentation is the department’s responsibility, not theirs, and questioned why their permits were being denied.
The protestors warned that if their demands are not met, nearly 400 families of drivers and sand workers will block the national highway on Saturday. They also pointed out that the suspension of sand permits has already stalled both government and private construction projects in the region.
Adding to the unrest, workers alleged that no officials were present at the Bishalgarh Jangalia office during the demonstration, a claim that further fueled public anger.
