The Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) is set to take a major step towards modernising the city’s power infrastructure, with underground cabling work scheduled to begin on October 13 through a Bhoomi Pujan ceremony, Mayor Dipak Majumder said on Tuesday.
The announcement was made during a meeting held at the AMC to review preparations for the upcoming Durga Puja and discuss civic arrangements across Agartala. Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath, Mayor Dipak Majumder, Deputy Mayor Monika Das Dutta and several corporators attended the meeting.
According to the Mayor, shifting electricity transmission lines underground is part of a broader effort to improve the city’s infrastructure and reduce the problems associated with overhead power lines. The formal launch of the project will take place on October 13.
At the meeting, the AMC also announced financial relief for Durga Puja organisers. The civic body will bear electricity charges of up to 5 kW for all registered Durga Puja committees under its jurisdiction. The measure is expected to reduce the financial burden on organisers during the festive season.
The Mayor said the civic administration is also focusing on traffic movement, road conditions, lighting and cleanliness as Agartala prepares to receive large numbers of visitors during Durga Puja.
Road repair and maintenance works are being undertaken at different locations, while additional lighting arrangements are being planned in areas expected to witness heavy footfall.
To strengthen cleanliness around Puja venues, members of the AMC’s Green Army will be deployed at major Puja locations during the festival. They will assist in maintaining sanitation and keeping the surroundings of pandals clean.
The AMC leadership said the preparations are aimed at ensuring that residents as well as visitors can enjoy the festival with improved civic amenities and a cleaner and safer city environment.
The announcements assume added significance as the AMC elections are expected to be held within the next few months, with the civic body seeking to showcase infrastructure and public-service initiatives ahead of the polls.
