Agartala, Feb 7:
Following a massive three-day eviction drive, officials from the Smart City Mission, Urban Development Department, and Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) conducted an on-site inspection on Saturday across key areas of the city to identify alternative vending spaces and additional parking facilities.
The eviction campaign was launched to clear illegal encroachments on footpaths, roadside areas, and busy corridors that had been converted into makeshift marketplaces by vendors, vehicle owners, and opportunistic traders. These encroachments had been obstructing both pedestrian and vehicular movement, affecting daily life in the city.
AMC Commissioner Saju Wahid, accompanied by the Director of Urban Development and the CEO of Smart City, visited areas including IGM Chowmuhani, Battala, and Office Lane to assess the ground situation. He noted that although several designated vending zones exist in Agartala, many vendors are not utilizing them effectively. “We are reassessing why these vending zones are not being used properly. Today’s inspection is meant to identify the issues and find practical solutions,” Wahid said.
During the visit, officials also surveyed potential sites for new vending zones, parking facilities, and community-friendly “happy spaces” to ensure that displaced vendors and local residents are provided with suitable alternatives. The exercise aimed to strike a balance between supporting small traders and maintaining orderly, congestion-free public spaces.
The Commissioner emphasized that AMC remains committed to helping small traders continue their livelihood while ensuring that public infrastructure is not misused. He added that proper planning, enforcement, and community engagement are key to keeping Agartala clean, safe, and organized.
The inspection reflects the administration’s proactive approach to urban management, combining regulatory enforcement with efforts to provide sustainable solutions for vendors, commuters, and citizens, ensuring a more functional and well-planned city in the long term.
