A public park developed under the Smart City project in Agartala’s Battala area is facing growing concerns over poor sanitation, waste dumping and alleged substance use, with local residents demanding urgent intervention from the civic authorities.
The park was developed at a substantial cost with the aim of providing residents with a clean and safe recreational space. However, residents now allege that inadequate maintenance has affected the surroundings, particularly during the evening hours.
According to locals, groups of people allegedly gather inside the park after dusk and engage in substance use. Empty liquor bottles and other waste are reportedly found scattered across parts of the premises. Residents visiting the park with children and families have expressed concern over the situation and called for better surveillance.
The location of the park, next to the busy Battala fish market, has added to the sanitation problem. Residents allege that fish waste, discarded boxes and other garbage are frequently dumped along the park boundary and nearby roads. The accumulated waste reportedly produces a foul smell and creates an unhygienic environment, especially when it is not removed promptly.
Locals have questioned why waste from the fish market continues to spill onto public areas despite garbage collection facilities being available in the vicinity. They said better coordination between the market authorities and civic agencies is needed to prevent roadside dumping.
Residents have urged the Agartala Municipal Corporation, police and Smart City authorities to conduct regular inspections, improve waste disposal arrangements and increase security around the park, particularly after evening.
They said the success of a Smart City project should not be measured only by its construction cost or appearance. Regular maintenance, cleanliness and public safety, they stressed, are equally important to ensure that such facilities genuinely serve the community.
The residents have now demanded immediate removal of accumulated waste, stricter monitoring of the park and effective measures to prevent misuse of the public space.
