Dispute between the administration and a club over the installation of a water treatment plant at Masterpara.

The condition of educational institutions in the state has become deplorable. With the tacit support of the administration, wedding feasts are being organized in some schools, while in others, band performances are held in the presence of the Chief Minister during examination periods. Elsewhere, school playgrounds are being occupied to construct water treatment plants.

In the Masterpara area of Agartala, the state capital, the administration has planned to set up a 5.5 MLD water treatment plant on the playground of a school. However, local residents have opposed the installation of this water treatment plant from the very beginning. Ignoring their objections, the administration has unilaterally decided to go ahead with the project on the school ground.

The foundation-laying (Bhoomi Pujan) ceremony of the water treatment plant will be held on December 19, and Chief Minister Professor (Dr.) Manik Saha is scheduled to be present. In connection with this event, administrative officials visited the Masterpara school on Thursday. They were accompanied by Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumder. When the administrative team attempted to speak with local residents, members of a local club protested, leading to an altercation with the authorities. In the presence of the Mayor, the club representatives submitted a memorandum to the authorities. The situation turned tense in the Masterpara area over the issue.

Speaking on the matter, Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumder said that there was no obstruction and that discussions were held. He stated that if the water treatment plant is set up at this location, it will meet the drinking water requirements of the area. Additionally, it will make it possible to provide household drinking water connections in various parts of the Bardowali and Ramnagar Assembly constituencies. He further confirmed that the Bhoomi Pujan will be held on the 19th, and construction work will formally begin in the presence of the Chief Minister.

It is noteworthy that there is another serious concern related to the proposed site. About 100 meters away from the location is the main station of TNGCL, from where gas is supplied to households through pipelines. If soil cracks occur due to water seepage, this gas station could be severely affected. However, according to various quarters, the authorities appear to be paying little attention to this potential risk.