Documentary Report: Post-Kal Baisakhi Clean-up Drive in River Howrah by Bordowali-Sadar Administration

 

Agartala, April 23:

With the arrival of the first rainfall of the year and the onset of the Bengali month of Baishakh, Agartala witnessed its first seasonal Kal Baisakhi — a sudden, short-lived yet intense storm accompanied by rainfall. While the much-awaited rain brought temporary relief from the summer heat, it also left behind a trail of debris, including wood logs, branches, and a significant amount of urban garbage, much of which found its way into the River Howrah, one of Agartala’s key lifelines.

In the aftermath of the storm, the river was seen choking with tree stumps, plastic waste, household litter, and floating non-biodegradable materials. The sudden accumulation of such debris not only posed a threat to the ecological balance of the river but also disrupted the smooth flow of water, increasing the risk of urban flooding in low-lying areas during upcoming heavy showers.

Taking note of the situation, the Sadar Sub-Divisional Administration under Bordowali constituency, in coordination with the West Tripura District Magistrate’s office, promptly initiated a clean-up drive to restore the health of the river. The campaign, led by field officers, health inspectors, and municipal workers, began within 24 hours of the storm and has been ongoing since.

Teams of manual labourers equipped with boats, rakes, and large nets were deployed to remove tree branches, wooden logs, and floating waste from the river’s surface. The effort was concentrated along the stretches of the river flowing through the Bordowali and Indranagar areas, which had recorded the highest level of blockage.

District officials monitoring the situation on-site mentioned that apart from physical clearance, steps are also being taken to spread awareness among the public about the dangers of throwing garbage into the river, especially during the rainy season. “Nature is not a dustbin. What the storm deposited in the river was largely man-made waste. We need civic responsibility,” said an official.

This prompt initiative by the Bordowali-Sadar administration not only prevented a looming health hazard but also served as a reminder of the importance of sustainable urban waste management, especially in a state like Tripura where rivers and water bodies hold both cultural and ecological significance.

Residents in the area expressed gratitude for the swift action taken. “The river was a mess after the storm. It smelled and looked like a dumping ground. Now it's cleaner, and we hope it stays that way,” said a local shopkeeper.

The district administration has hinted at plans to continue weekly monitoring of River Howrah’s condition during the monsoon months. Additionally, there are proposals to set up barricades in key drainage points to prevent solid waste from entering the river in the first place.

As the Kal Baisakhi storm served its seasonal purpose of bringing much-needed rain, it also highlighted the gaps in urban sanitation and drainage management. However, the response from the local administration stands as an example of efficient governance and timely environmental intervention — an effort that deserves both community support and continued vigilance.