Locals block NH-8 in Tripura demanding water, roads repairs

In a strong display of public discontent, residents of Sabroom’s Jalefa area located at South District of Tripura, blocked National Highway No. 8 Tuesday, demanding immediate attention to longstanding issues related to drinking water, roads, and electricity.

The protest erupted in Jalefa Bazar, under the Sabroom subdivision, where locals have reportedly been grappling with an acute water crisis for an extended period. 

Simultaneously, residents of High School Para in Paschim Jalefa Gram Panchayat continue to suffer due to the poor condition of roads and lack of electricity repairs.

The protestors claimed that despite repeated complaints to both the Panchayat Pradhan and the Chairperson of the Satchand Panchayat Samiti, no concrete steps have been taken to resolve the issues, prompting villagers to take to the streets once again. 

Notably, this is not the first such protest — a similar blockade was held a few months ago but was withdrawn after the administration promised swift action.

However, locals say the promises remain unfulfilled.

"The road has been in a deplorable condition for the past ten to twelve years. Once you travel through it, you don’t feel like using it again," said a local resident. 

"It’s impossible to take patients to the hospital. The Panchayat Pradhan simply doesn't care. When asked about the water crisis, he said Jal Jeevan Mission work is underway and that the contractor would complete it soon — but nothing is happening on the ground."