Severe Erosion Threatens Dighaltarang Tea Estate's Future

Erosion Crisis at Dighaltarang Tea Estate

DOOMDOOMA, April 27: The Dighaltarang Tea Estate, located in the Doomdooma Revenue Circle, is facing a critical situation due to severe riverbank erosion caused by the Brahmaputra River, which is now entering through the Dangari river channel. This erosion poses a significant threat to essential infrastructure and the livelihoods of numerous families.

Reports indicate that extensive areas of tea plantation have been lost, with approximately 35.48 hectares of land and thousands of tea bushes already washed away. The ongoing erosion presents a dire risk to crucial facilities within the estate, including the factory, hospital, primary school, labor quarters, and managerial residences, all of which are in jeopardy if immediate action is not taken.

The erosion has also affected the 'Purana Line', a residential area designed for workers on the northern side of the estate. Currently, Sections 1 to 8, 10, and 15 are experiencing severe erosion, with the factory and hospital situated alarmingly close—just 300 meters from the eroded zone.

Concerns have been raised regarding an embankment project initiated by the State government last year, which cost Rs 4 crore but only addressed a 200-meter stretch using geobags between Sections 7, 8, and 10. Workers claim that the construction quality was poor and that funds were misappropriated, leaving the erosion issue unresolved. Despite numerous appeals to local authorities and representatives, no substantial measures have been implemented.

The estate employs 1,360 laborers, along with 56 sub-staff and 58 staff members, making the ongoing erosion a critical issue for 1,474 families. A significant portion of the estate's total plantation area of 616.37 hectares has already been compromised.

Adding to the challenges, Oil India Limited has taken over 19.48 hectares of land within the estate for six oil wells and 19 drilling points, which has resulted in a decrease in green leaf production. Although the company has been extracting crude oil and natural gas from this land since 2009, it has reportedly not taken any steps to address the erosion problem.

Leaders from the Assam Chah Mazdoor Sangha (ACMS) and the Assam Chah Karmachari Sangha (ACKS) have called for urgent and effective measures to combat the erosion and protect the estate. However, they express frustration over the apparent indifference of the authorities as the situation worsens daily.