In a bid to restore the pristine beauty of Neermahal, the iconic water palace of Tripura, the Tourism Department has announced plans to clean Rudrasagar Lake, which has become overrun by water hyacinths, obstructing boat movement and access to the renowned tourist attraction.
Neermahal, situated in Melaghar under Sepahijala District, is a cherished destination for tourists visiting Tripura.
Prompted by social media reports highlighting the proliferation of water hyacinths hindering access to Neermahal, Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury personally inspected the site and convened a meeting to address the issue.
Addressing reporters, Minister Chowdhury acknowledged the challenges faced by tourists due to the rapid growth of water hyacinths during the monsoon season. Despite ongoing elections, which typically restrict developmental activities, the minister affirmed the government’s commitment to tourism development by allocating funds from the Tourism Department to facilitate the cleanup efforts.
“We have observed that water hyacinths during the monsoon season obstructed the beauty of Neermahal, and this has intensified this year. Today, along with the Tourism Director, we have convened a meeting with forest officials, sub-divisional officers, and other local authorities. We have decided to promptly clean the water hyacinths, and funds will be provided from the Tourism Department to the Melaghar Municipal Council through cooperative means. We are committed to the development of tourism. The Rudrasagar Lake will soon be cleaned,” stated Minister Chowdhury.
He asserted that the department would take measures to prevent similar challenges in the future, including the formation of dedicated teams to ensure the complete removal of water hyacinths from Rudrasagar Lake.
The initiative reflects the government’s proactive approach to preserving Tripura’s natural and cultural heritage, ensuring that tourists can continue to enjoy the splendour of Neermahal for years to come.
