Protesting the prolonged disruption of drinking water supply for nearly three months, residents of Saikabari in Tripura staged a road blockade on Friday morning, bringing traffic to a standstill on the NH-208 alternative road.
The blockade began around 5 am in the Saikabari area, under the 46-Surma Assembly constituency, with residents demanding the immediate restoration of regular drinking water supply. The protest continued until noon, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded on both sides of the road. Among those caught in the traffic congestion were State Minister Tinku Roy and Wakf Board Chairman Mofaswar Ali.
According to local residents, the area has been facing a severe drinking water crisis for a prolonged period, with supply remaining virtually suspended for the past three months. Despite repeatedly bringing the matter to the attention of officials of the concerned department, no effective measures were taken to resolve the problem, alleged the protesters.
Frustrated by the continued negligence and the absence of a permanent solution, residents eventually took to the streets early Friday morning, blocking the road to press for their demand.
Following the blockade, the Kamalpur Sub-Divisional Magistrate, the Sub-Divisional Officer of the Drinking Water and Sanitation (DWS) department, the Kamalpur Sub-Divisional Police Officer and other administrative officials rushed to the spot. Several rounds of discussions were held between the officials and the protesters to resolve the situation.
The blockade was eventually withdrawn around noon following assurances from Minister Tinku Roy and the administrative authorities that the issue would be addressed.
However, the prolonged road blockade caused considerable hardship to commuters and the general public. Office-goers, passengers travelling to catch flights outside the state, ambulances and government vehicles were among those stranded for hours. The disruption affected both emergency services and regular transportation, causing widespread inconvenience.
Although the agitation was called off following the administration's assurance, uncertainty continues to prevail among residents over when normal drinking water supply will actually be restored. For the people of Saikabari, the immediate priority remains a permanent solution to the three-month-long water crisis rather than temporary assurances.
