Tension is mounting in Agartala after the Municipal Administration issued eviction notices to 53 traders operating along the busy roadside market stretch between Post Office Chowmuhani and Netaji Chowmuhani. The traders have been directed to vacate the area within three days as part of an anti-encroachment drive aimed at reducing traffic congestion and reclaiming public spaces in the city.
According to municipal officials, the initiative forms part of a broader urban management plan intended to improve traffic flow and pedestrian movement along one of Agartala’s most congested commercial corridors. Authorities maintain that clearing encroachments is necessary to ensure smoother transportation and better civic infrastructure.
However, the move has triggered strong reactions from affected traders, many of whom claim to have been conducting business in the area for several decades. They expressed concern that the sudden eviction order could jeopardize their livelihoods and leave numerous families without a stable source of income.
Several traders alleged that no alternative arrangements or rehabilitation measures have been offered before the issuance of the notices. They warned that forced eviction without resettlement could lead to severe economic hardship for hundreds of people dependent on the market for their daily earnings.
The issue has also taken a political turn, with the Tripura Pradesh Congress strongly criticizing the administration’s decision. In a statement, the party described the eviction order as a “Tughlaqi order” and accused the authorities of targeting small traders at a time when many families are already struggling with economic challenges.
Congress leaders further alleged selective enforcement of regulations, claiming that illegal parking and unauthorized commercial activities in the same area have not been addressed. The party also questioned the utilization of centrally funded market stalls reportedly constructed for the rehabilitation of displaced traders, alleging that many of these facilities were leased out to private interests instead of being allotted to eligible shopkeepers.
While supporting urban development and traffic management initiatives, the Congress demanded that the administration adopt a rehabilitation-first approach. It urged authorities to allocate available market stalls to affected traders and take stricter action against illegal parking around shopping complexes and commercial establishments.
With the three-day deadline approaching, uncertainty continues to prevail among traders and residents. Civic groups, political parties and local citizens are closely monitoring the situation as the administration weighs the challenges of balancing urban planning objectives with the protection of livelihoods.
