The Tripura Human Rights Commission (THRC) has recommended deferring the official inauguration of the newly redeveloped MBB College Lake project after receiving a formal complaint highlighting potential legal and environmental conflicts. The complaint, lodged by the Forum for Protection of Environment and Water Bodies along with concerned citizens, argued that launching the project before August 15, 2025, could undermine judicial processes still underway.
Registered under case no. 88/2020, the matter was brought forward by environmental advocate Nikhil Debnath, who voiced concerns that an early inauguration might mislead the public regarding the lake’s completion and compliance with environmental standards. The THRC, headed by Acting Chairperson Justice Arindam Lodh, took the position that a premature inauguration could obstruct the larger purpose of environmental safeguarding and due process.
“The objectives of the complaint would be rendered ineffective if the redevelopment is inaugurated before resolving outstanding issues,” the Commission noted in its recommendation. It advised the concerned authorities to delay the event to avoid public confusion and respect ongoing proceedings.
In a related development, the THRC also took a critical stance on poorly timed drainage construction across Agartala, initiated under the Smart City Mission. A separate complaint from a local non-profit group flagged the inconvenience and hazards caused by abrupt excavation and uncoordinated works.
Expressing serious concern, the Commission issued a show-cause notice to the Agartala Smart City Limited and demanded clarification for the disruptions. The hearing on this matter is scheduled for August 12, 2025.
These two cases underscore broader issues related to urban development in Tripura, particularly around the lack of transparency, inadequate public consultation, and the environmental and civic fallout of rushed execution.