AMC launches first-ever massive eviction drive across Agartala, hundreds of footpath shops removed

As scheduled, the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) on Wednesday launched its first-ever massive eviction drive across the city from the wee hours of Wednesday, clearing footpaths and public spaces of encroachments. Hundreds of illegally set-up footpath shops were removed from major roads and market areas.

The large-scale eviction operation was carried out simultaneously in the busiest parts of the city. It began at the Battala–Howrah market area, where traders operating without valid documentation from the AMC had earlier been directed to vacate the premises by February 3.

Teams of the AMC, along with officials from the Traffic Department and Public Works Department (PWD), were deployed to clear encroachments from roads, footpaths, and public passages. Major stretches of footpaths were cleared across several key locations, including Battala, Melarmath, Post Office Choumohani, Sakuntala Road, Kaman Chowmuhani, and areas in front of Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan. Notably, even some vendors holding valid vending licences were removed from congested zones.

In the early hours of Wednesday, large task force teams comprising AMC officials and law-enforcement personnel began clearing areas long occupied by footpath hawkers. By the evening, major portions of Sakuntala Road, RMS Chowmuhani, Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan, and parts of Kaman Chowmuhani had been almost entirely freed from encroachments.

The eviction drive followed recent visits by AMC Mayor Dipak Majumder, along with the Municipal Commissioner, councillors, and market authorities, to Battala Bazar as part of a beautification and cleanliness initiative. During these visits, detailed discussions were held with traders and business owners to make the market encroachment-free, particularly along the stretch from Battala Shiv Mandir to Dashamighat. Traders were given time until February 3 to remove all illegal structures.

As per the decision, AMC teams equipped with bulldozers and heavy machinery commenced eviction in the Battala market area on Wednesday. By evening, roads across most parts of the city were largely cleared of encroachments.

Speaking to the media, AMC Commissioner Saju Vaheed said the corporation had made repeated public announcements over the past few days urging illegal footpath traders to vacate encroached areas. He said the eviction drive began from midnight to minimise inconvenience to city residents.

Vaheed added that the drive was undertaken to ease congestion on footpaths, address frequent waterlogging after heavy rainfall, and prepare the city for a cleaner and more organised urban environment. He said AMC has intensified cleaning of roads, markets, water bodies, and residential areas following repeated complaints regarding footpath encroachments. All municipal officials have been deployed on the ground to supervise the eviction and cleaning work and complete it within a stipulated time.

Mayor Dipak Majumder said that the task force also acted against illegal parking, lifting several cars and motorcycles parked in unauthorised areas. He said the Traffic Department, in coordination with AMC, is clearing roads of illegal parking and footpath stalls to reduce congestion.

The Mayor further stated that even authorised vendors would not be allowed to operate on city roads outside designated vending zones. The AMC has imposed strict restrictions, allowing only licensed mobile vendors with carts measuring 6 feet by 4 feet to operate in designated zones until 11 PM.

Majumder emphasised that encroachment removal is a regular duty of the AMC and that no unauthorised hawkers would be permitted to set up makeshift stalls that hinder traffic movement. He also said the AMC and Traffic teams raided garment stalls that had illegally occupied newly constructed covered drains and seized goods.

Highlighting future planning, Majumder noted that Agartala’s growing population has led to increased traffic congestion and changing commercial patterns, including the rise of large shopping malls. Keeping long-term needs in mind, the AMC has prepared plans for comprehensive urban development. The state government is also working to develop Agartala, Dharmanagar, and Udaipur as satellite cities and is considering the construction of another flyover in Agartala.

Stressing cleanliness and order, the Mayor warned that strict legal action would be taken against those conducting business or parking vehicles outside designated vending and parking zones. Restaurants, small hotels, and food stalls occupying covered drains will also be removed to ensure smooth pedestrian movement.

Meanwhile, AMC Police Task Force teams continued patrolling major roads to check fresh encroachments on roads, drains, and footpaths. The corporation has decided to continue the eviction drive relentlessly across all areas of the city.