Agartala, February 2:
Continuing the state government’s development push across tribal-dominated regions ahead of the crucial Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Monday inaugurated and virtually launched a series of infrastructure and welfare projects worth several crores under Killa subdivision in Gomati district.
The Chief Minister inaugurated a state-of-the-art Astro-Turf Synthetic Football Mini Stadium at Atharabhola, constructed at an estimated cost of around ₹5.5 crore.
Alongside, Dr Saha also virtually inaugurated a 50-seated ST girls’ hostel attached to Dasharath Deb Memorial English Medium Model School, another similar hostel at Debta Mura High School, and a 10-bedded Primary Health Centre with staff quarters at Nitya Bazar.
Each of the projects involved an investment of ₹2–3 crore, collectively reflecting significant public spending in the tribal belt.
Later speaking to reporters, Dr. Saha said multiple renovation and development works have been completed in the area and expressed satisfaction that tribal regions are witnessing rapid infrastructure growth that was “once unimaginable.”
“Development work is happening every day somewhere in the state — projects worth ₹20 crore, ₹50 crore, even ₹100 crore. Today also similar works are being inaugurated here. Especially in tribal areas, the kind of development we are seeing now was never even thought of earlier,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of sports infrastructure for indigenous youth, the Chief Minister said tribal youngsters have a natural inclination towards games and athletics and are already performing well at state and national levels.
“This synthetic turf ground is not just a football field. We are developing multiple sports facilities including tracks, open gyms and other infrastructure so that our youth remain engaged in sports,” he said.
Dr. Saha reiterated the government’s campaign against substance abuse, linking sports with the vision of a healthy and drug-free society.
“We always say Drug-Free Tripura and Drug-Free India. Our slogan is ‘Drugs is the shame, football is the game.’ When youth stay connected with sports, they stay away from drugs. A healthy mind always remains in a healthy body,” he added.
He also referred to the Union Budget’s emphasis on sports and youth development, stating that such national priorities would further benefit states like Tripura.
Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Tinku Roy, Tribal Welfare Minister Bikas Debbarma, MLA and former Minister Rampada Jamatia, and other dignitaries were present at the programme.
The back-to-back inaugurations in Killa — a key ADC region — are being viewed as part of the government’s sustained outreach and infrastructure expansion drive in tribal areas ahead of the TTAADC elections, with a focus on education, healthcare, sports and youth empowerment.
