Passionate Stand: Dibrugarh Tea Garden Workers Fiercely Protect Estate Land from Proposed Tourism Project
In Dibrugarh, tea workers from the Bolai tea estate staged a protest against a proposed tourism project that threatens to convert 300 bighas of tea garden land into a tourism development site, including plans for a luxury hotel and other infrastructure. Hundreds of workers joined the protest, carrying placards and voicing their strong opposition to the estate management’s decision, fearing it could lead to the uprooting of acres of tea plants and jeopardize their livelihoods.
Basanta Kurmi, organizing secretary of the Assam Tea Tribes Students’ Association (ATTSA), led the protest and emphasized the vital role these tea gardens play in the lives of hundreds of families. “These lands are more than just soil and plants; they are the sustenance of generations,” Kurmi stated. He highlighted the dilemma faced by the workers, many of whom lack the skills for alternative jobs. The conversion of tea garden lands for commercial purposes is part of a broader issue affecting several tea gardens across Assam, leading to significant concern about the future of tea cultivation in the region.
This protest reflects the workers’ determination to preserve their way of life and protect their economic stability. As the management considers forging ahead with the tourism project, tensions have escalated, igniting a conversation about the balance between development and preserving traditional livelihoods. The situation underscores the challenges faced by regions heavily reliant on specific industries, where altering land use can significantly impact local communities.
Original Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/dibrugarh-tea-garden-workers-oppose-proposed-tourism-project-on-estate-land/articleshow/117489777.cms
Category :
Tags:
Publish Date: 2025-01-23 18:14:00
