Agartala, February 1: Tripura Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha on Saturday said that the vision of a “New Tripura” can be achieved by maintaining a balance between preserving the state’s rich cultural heritage and embracing modern development. He emphasized that progress should not come at the cost of history and tradition, but rather should build upon the foundations laid by earlier generations.
The Chief Minister was speaking during the Bhoomi Pujan ceremony for the reconstruction of the historic Jackson Gate in Agartala. The gate, which is associated with Tripura’s royal heritage and historical legacy, was demolished during the tenure of the previous Left Front government. The reconstruction project is aimed at restoring an important symbol of the state's past and preserving it for future generations.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Saha said that historical monuments and heritage structures serve as reminders of a society’s journey and identity. He noted that the reconstruction of Jackson Gate is not merely an infrastructure project but also a cultural initiative intended to reconnect people with Tripura’s rich history.
“We are working towards building a New Tripura where tradition and modernity go hand in hand. Development should preserve our heritage while creating opportunities for future generations. The reconstruction of Jackson Gate reflects this vision,” the Chief Minister said.
He added that restoring historically significant landmarks would help strengthen cultural awareness among younger generations and promote greater appreciation of the state's royal and historical legacy. The reconstructed gate is expected to become an important landmark and a symbol of Tripura’s commitment to preserving its heritage.
Later in the day, Dr. Saha inaugurated the newly constructed building of the Agartala Municipal Corporation Ward No. 20 Office, highlighting the government's efforts to improve urban infrastructure and public service delivery. He stated that strengthening civic infrastructure remains a priority for the state administration, as efficient public services are essential for improving the quality of life of citizens.
The Chief Minister said that modern administrative facilities would enable local bodies to serve residents more effectively and contribute to the overall development of urban areas. He reiterated that the government is investing in infrastructure projects aimed at creating a cleaner, more efficient and citizen-friendly urban environment.
Subsequently, Dr. Saha attended a political joining programme at Burakha Market in connection with the elections to the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC). Addressing supporters and local residents, he called upon indigenous communities to support the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and set an ambitious target of winning all 28 seats in the council elections.
The Chief Minister said the state government has taken several initiatives for the welfare and development of tribal communities and asserted that people in the ADC areas are increasingly recognising the importance of sustained development and effective governance. He claimed that the indigenous population now sees the BJP as a vehicle for comprehensive progress in tribal regions.
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According to Dr. Saha, development efforts in education, healthcare, infrastructure, livelihood generation and social welfare have helped improve conditions in many tribal areas. He stressed that continued support from the people would allow the government to accelerate development initiatives and ensure that the benefits of growth reach every section of society.
The day's events reflected the government's twin focus on preserving cultural heritage and advancing development. While the reconstruction of Jackson Gate symbolized the importance of protecting historical identity, the inauguration of civic infrastructure and outreach to tribal communities underscored the administration’s broader agenda of inclusive growth and modernization.
Dr. Saha concluded by reiterating his commitment to building a prosperous, culturally rooted and forward-looking Tripura. He said that through a combination of heritage preservation, infrastructure development and community empowerment, the state is steadily moving towards the vision of a stronger and more developed future.
