Agartala, Oct 10 – The city’s newest green space is now officially open, thanks to a Rs 33.08 crore makeover of the Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) College lake. The project, funded by the Asian Development Bank, has turned the 31‑acre site from a crime‑ridden spot into the largest public park in Tripura.
Chief Minister Manik Saha cut the ribbon on Friday, calling the effort a “model of sustainable urban rejuvenation.” His words echoed the hard‑won gains of the project, which kicked off in 2023 and delivered a vibrant, safe, and nature‑filled environment.
The lake’s new layout features a 3‑km walking trail, dedicated yoga zones and water‑sports areas that keep people moving. Plenty of benches and shade trees give visitors a relaxing setting, while over 70,000 plants have been planted to boost air quality and biodiversity. Urban Development Secretary Abhishek Singh highlighted that the oxygen level in the lake water has jumped after the restoration work.
Safety has also been upgraded. The site is now under 24‑hour CCTV surveillance, with 60 cameras linked to the city’s Integrated Command and Control Centre. Entry requires a valid pass, and the area is kept clean and organized. The park also supports migratory birds, providing them with specially built habitats.
“We’re proud to see a place that used to see crime turns into a community hub,” said Shailesh Kumar Yadav, CEO of Agartala Smart City Ltd. “The lake can now host families, tourists, and cultural events, and it even features exhibits on tribal and non‑tribal traditions.”
The lake’s revival comes as part of a broader Smart City push. Other projects on the horizon include the Haora River Front Development. In total, the city’s municipal body plans to revitalize 25 deserted ponds for a combined spending of Rs 106 crore, according to Mayor Dipak Majumder.
Economic benefits are already visible. The park’s facilities create jobs in maintenance, tourism and small businesses. The city says the new recreational spaces help make Agartala cleaner, greener and more livable for its residents.
The inauguration also drew Tripura State BJP president and Rajya Sabha member Rajib Bhattacharjee, who praised the project’s blend of ecology and culture.
For anyone in Tripura or beyond who loves a good green space, the Maharaja Bir Bikram College lake is now the place to be—perfect for a stroll, a yoga session, or simply enjoying the fresh air.
Source: ianslive
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
