Northeast Desk, 4th July: Jitendra Chaudhury, Leader of Opposition in Tripura and CPIM MLA, strongly criticized the state government on July 4 for its alleged failure to improve the welfare and development of tea garden workers. His remarks came following a tragic incident at Mekhlipara Tea Garden in the West district, where two individuals lost their lives after a mud wall collapsed on their house during heavy rain early on July 3.
Chaudhury, who visited the site, expressed deep concern over the living conditions of tea garden workers. He claimed that despite promises and announcements over the past six years, little progress has been made in improving their situation. “There has been only rhetoric in the name of welfare for tea workers and the tea industry. The living conditions are substandard, with inadequate housing that requires maintenance and replacement,” he stated.
Describing the incident, Chaudhury mentioned that due to heavy rain, a portion of the mud wall collapsed, leading to the immediate death of one person and another succumbing on the way to the hospital. He also highlighted the critical condition of a four-month-old child with a skull fracture, currently under intensive care.
Addressing reporters, Chaudhury criticized the BJP-led government for announcing schemes like land allocation, housing improvements, and wage hikes for tea garden workers without substantial follow-through. “Despite these announcements, nothing tangible has been done on the ground,” he asserted.
The tragic deaths were identified as Pranesh Tanti and Jhuma Tanti, residents of Mekhlipara tea garden. Their surviving children, including a three-month-old and a 9-year-old, sustained serious injuries and are receiving medical treatment. Local authorities, including the District Magistrate and Sub-Divisional Magistrate, have visited the site and extended assistance to the affected families.
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