Agartala, February 2:
Continuing the state government’s development push in tribal-dominated regions ahead of the crucial Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Monday inaugurated and virtually launched a series of infrastructure and welfare projects worth several crores in Killa subdivision, Gomati district.
The Chief Minister inaugurated a state-of-the-art Astro-Turf Synthetic Football Mini Stadium at Atharabhola, constructed at an estimated cost of ₹5.5 crore. In addition, he virtually inaugurated two 50-seated ST girls’ hostels attached to Dasharath Deb Memorial English Medium Model School and Debta Mura High School, along with a 10-bedded Primary Health Centre with staff quarters at Nitya Bazar. Each of these projects involved investments ranging from ₹2–3 crore, reflecting significant public spending in the tribal belt.
Addressing reporters, Dr. Saha expressed satisfaction over the rapid infrastructure growth in tribal regions, which he said was “once unimaginable.” He highlighted that development works worth ₹20 crore, ₹50 crore, and even ₹100 crore are being executed across the state, emphasizing the government’s sustained focus on tribal welfare and public infrastructure.
Highlighting the importance of sports for youth, the Chief Minister said tribal youngsters have a natural inclination towards athletics and football, with many already excelling at state and national levels. “This synthetic turf ground is not just a football field. We are developing multiple sports facilities including tracks and open gyms so our youth remain engaged in sports,” he said.
Dr. Saha also linked sports infrastructure with the government’s campaign against substance abuse, promoting the slogan: “Drugs is the shame, football is the game.” He further noted that the Union Budget’s emphasis on sports and youth development would benefit states like Tripura.
The programme was attended by Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Tinku Roy, Tribal Welfare Minister Bikas Debbarma, MLA and former Minister Rampada Jamatia, and other dignitaries. Observers view the back-to-back inaugurations in Killa as part of the government’s outreach and infrastructure expansion strategy in tribal areas, focusing on education, healthcare, sports, and youth empowerment ahead of the TTAADC elections.
