Agartala, February 17: Controversy is intensifying over the upcoming “Ocean World Carnival cum Trade Expo – International Fish Tunnel with Jalpari Show” scheduled to be held at Swami Vivekananda Maidan in the heart of the capital during the ongoing secondary and higher secondary examination period.

Despite the sensitivity of the examination season, the concerned department has neither cancelled nor postponed the event so far. This has led to disappointment among sections of the city’s conscious citizens and many parents of examinees.

Raising questions over the timing of the programme, several residents asked how reasonable it is to permit a large-scale, potentially noisy and crowded commercial event at a time when thousands of students are preparing for crucial board examinations under significant stress.

While the organisers have described the carnival as an international-standard exhibition, critics argue that social responsibility should take precedence over business interests.

Members of the conscious community have stated that economic gains should not outweigh the future and academic interests of students. As the debate continues, many parents and guardians are urging the authorities to reconsider the timing of the event in the larger public interest.