Agartala, Aug 29: Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha on Friday inaugurated the newly constructed sanctum of the Parasundari Temple at Thana Road in Ward No. 20 under Agartala Municipal Corporation. Speaking on the occasion, he emphasized that heritage must be preserved while pursuing modernization to build a true Smart City.
“History can never be erased. We must know our history and preserve our heritage with responsibility. At one point, atheistic forces had neglected Sanatani traditions in the state. Today, the government is working to protect and revive such cultural and religious landmarks,” the Chief Minister said, citing the restoration of Parasundari Kali Temple near West Agartala police station as an example.
Dr. Saha pointed out that due to negligence in the past, several historical sites such as Parasundari Temple and Agartala’s Zero Point had been fading away, but the present government is reviving and restoring them. He stressed the need for faith in God, respect for parents, and the nurturing of spiritual values as the foundation of moral and social progress.
Highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiatives, the Chief Minister said that India has preserved its civilizational roots due to Sanatan Dharma, and since 2014, the Centre has placed special focus on the restoration of religious and heritage sites.
Referring to Tripura’s growth, Dr. Saha said the state has been making rapid progress since 2018, with Tripura ranking second after Assam in GDP growth in the Northeast. Over one lakh women entrepreneurs—popularly known as “Lakhpati Didis”—have emerged in rural Tripura in recent years. He reiterated the government’s guiding principle of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” and its commitment to inclusive development.
On the Smart City mission, the Chief Minister said, “Building high-rises alone does not make a Smart City. A true Smart City is built by preserving heritage alongside modernization. Citizens must also share the responsibility by refraining from dumping waste in drains, encroaching on pavements, or misusing public property. Only with people’s cooperation can Agartala become a well-planned Smart City.”
Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) Mayor and MLA Deepak Majumdar, who attended the event as special guest, said AMC has been working to address people’s needs, from drinking water and electricity to laying new pipelines in previously uncovered areas. “Government and AMC are creating assets, but citizens must also take responsibility for maintaining them,” he added.
AMC’s Ward No. 20 Corporator and Central Zone Chairperson Ratna Dutta, Parasundari Temple priest Samadhi Bandhu Brahmachari, and AMC CEO Dilip Kumar Chakma were also present at the programme. The temple renovation, funded by AMC at a cost of ₹17 lakh, was formally dedicated by the Chief Minister, who also offered prayers.
