“The Corporation will take action against the thieves of the Prabhu Bari pond in the capital.”

Prabhu Bari is a well-known name not only in the capital but also to all citizens of the state. Like the Durgabari, Prabhu Bari’s Durga Puja also has an ancient tradition. In front of Prabhu Bari, there is a water body named Prabhu Bari Pond. This name has existed since the time of the kings.

However, the pond is now almost submerged and in poor condition. Local residents lodged a complaint with the Chief Minister about the matter. After receiving the complaint, the Chief Minister instructed the Mayor of Agartala Municipal Corporation and MLA, Deepak Majumdar, to look into the condition of Prabhu Bari Pond.

Acting on this instruction, the Mayor visited Prabhu Bari Pond on Monday. He was accompanied by Agartala Municipal Corporation Commissioner D.K. Chakma, Corporator Ratna Dutta, and other officials.

Currently, the pond is filled with garbage and water hyacinths dumped by local residents. The Mayor saw this with his own eyes. He also observed that a large portion of the pond’s land has been encroached upon by nearby residents.

During the inspection, the Mayor instructed the officials to clearly report the exact measurement of the pond’s land and how much of it has been encroached upon.

Speaking to the media afterwards, the Mayor said that the pond once covered a large area, but many residents living along its banks have occupied parts of it. They have been asked to come to the office with their documents. If proof of encroachment is found, they will be ordered to vacate the land. Otherwise, the Corporation itself will take action to clear the encroachment from Prabhu Bari Pond.

The Mayor and MLA also stated that the pond’s surrounding embankment will be reinforced, lighting arrangements will be made, and a bathing/utility ghat will be constructed for social and other community activities.