In a bid to safeguard the river embankments the West Tripura district administration has imposed a blanket ban on the movement of heavy vehicles along the embankments of the Howrah and Katakhal rivers.

District Magistrate Dr. Vishal Kumar issued the order by invoking powers under Rule-30 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. The directive, which comes into immediate effect, warns of punitive action against violators. Police have been instructed to seize any vehicle found plying on the embankments and present them before the district administration.

“This order has been issued to prevent damage to the embankments and ensure public safety,” the notification stated.

The order has been circulated to the Superintendent of Police (West), SP (Traffic), and the Joint Transport Commissioner for strict enforcement. Departments including PWD, ICA, SDM (Sadar), and NIC West Tripura have been tasked with ensuring wide publicity through local newspapers, public announcements, and official portals so that citizens are made aware.

Copies of the order have also been forwarded to the Chief Minister’s Office, Revenue Department, and Transport Department for information.

Officials emphasized that the embankments play a critical role in shielding low-lying areas of the city from recurring floods, as the overflow of the Howrah and Katakhal rivers often triggers waterlogging and inundation. The restriction, they added, is necessary to preserve this vital infrastructure and protect the city’s residents.