Agartala: Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha on Tuesday defended the state government’s development and healthcare initiatives while responding to criticism from political opponents. Speaking during the inauguration of the Haora Riverfront and the virtual inauguration of the Airport Road, Saha said people can assess the difference between political allegations and work taking place on the ground. He highlighted the ₹96-crore riverfront project and its public facilities. The Chief Minister also discussed river infrastructure, international waterway connectivity and Agartala’s Smart City projects. He said the government would continue its development work despite criticism.
Manik Saha Responds to Government Criticism
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Haora Riverfront inauguration, Saha addressed criticism surrounding the government’s development and healthcare initiatives.
The Chief Minister said political criticism would not change the government’s approach. He added that people would ultimately judge the work taking place across the state.
Saha also responded to criticism over incidents during medical treatment. He said isolated incidents can occur during healthcare delivery, while many other patients recover successfully.
The Chief Minister said the government would continue working with a positive approach despite such criticism.
Haora Riverfront Built at ₹96 Crore
The nearly 1,700-metre Haora Riverfront has received an investment of around ₹96 crore, according to the Chief Minister.
The project includes several recreational and public-use facilities. These include walking and cycling paths, viewing decks, an elevated walkway, an open gym and a dedicated yoga area.
The riverfront also features a zipline, children’s playground, bird aviary, nature trail and food plaza.
An art and craft village forms another part of the project, adding a cultural component to the riverside development.
Riverbank Transformed Into Public Space
Saha said the government transformed a riverbank that previously served as a dumping area into a cleaner public space.
The project also strengthened sections of the river embankment. According to the Chief Minister, the work addresses concerns linked to heavy rainfall and rising water levels.
He said the government wants to extend the riverfront beyond the existing stretch from the Steel Bridge to Dashamighat.
Dredging Work Underway at Kata Khal
The Chief Minister said the government has started dredging work at Kata Khal as part of efforts to improve river infrastructure.
He indicated that further development along the Haora River could support economic activity and improve the use of the river corridor.
Saha also spoke about the possibility of extending the riverfront in the future.
Gomati River Waterway Connectivity
Saha also discussed international waterway connectivity through the Gomati River.
He said work had progressed but later slowed because of the prevailing situation in Bangladesh. The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the connectivity project could move forward in the future.
The proposed waterway has significance for regional connectivity between Tripura and neighbouring Bangladesh.
Five-Year Maintenance Plan
The Haora Riverfront project includes an Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) for five years, according to Saha.
The Chief Minister also urged citizens to help protect the newly developed public infrastructure.
He said cameras have been installed at the riverfront to support monitoring and maintenance.
The maintenance arrangement aims to keep the facilities functional and accessible after the project’s inauguration.
Agartala Smart City Projects
Saha also highlighted Agartala’s participation in the Smart City Mission, which began in 2015.
According to the Chief Minister, more than ₹960 crore has been allocated for various Smart City projects in Agartala.
He identified the Haora Riverfront as one of the major developments under the city’s broader infrastructure programme.
The project combines public recreation, riverbank improvement and urban development within Agartala.
Key Facts
- Location: Agartala, Tripura
- Chief Minister: Prof. Dr. Manik Saha
- Haora Riverfront length: Nearly 1,700 metres
- Riverfront cost: Around ₹96 crore
- Existing stretch: Steel Bridge to Dashamighat
- Maintenance: Five-year Annual Maintenance Contract
- Smart City Mission: Agartala joined in 2015
- Smart City allocation: More than ₹960 crore
- Other work: Dredging at Kata Khal
- Waterway discussed: Gomati River international connectivity
Questions and Answers
What did Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha discuss?
Saha discussed the Haora Riverfront project, healthcare criticism, river infrastructure, Gomati River connectivity and Smart City development in Agartala.
How much did the Haora Riverfront cost?
The nearly 1,700-metre riverfront cost around ₹96 crore.
What facilities does the Haora Riverfront offer?
The project includes walking and cycling paths, viewing decks, an elevated walkway, open gym, yoga space, zipline, children’s playground, bird aviary, nature trail, food plaza and an art and craft village.
Where does the current riverfront stretch run?
The existing stretch extends from the Steel Bridge to Dashamighat.
Will the Haora Riverfront expand?
Chief Minister Manik Saha said the government plans to extend the riverfront beyond the current stretch.
What did Saha say about Gomati River connectivity?
He said progress had slowed because of the situation in Bangladesh but expressed confidence that the project could move forward in the future.
How long will the riverfront receive maintenance support?
The project includes a five-year Annual Maintenance Contract.
How much has Agartala received under the Smart City Mission?
Saha said more than ₹960 crore has been allocated for various Smart City projects in Agartala.
Location Context
Agartala, the capital of Tripura, sits close to the Bangladesh border and serves as an important urban and commercial centre in Northeast India. Development of the Haora Riverfront forms part of wider efforts to improve public spaces, river infrastructure and urban amenities in the city.
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