Lakshmi Chhara ADC Village, located in the Shantir Bazar block under the South Tripura District has witnessed a demonstration and protest as residents have staged a road blockade to express their outrage over the ongoing blasting operations conducted by Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) for gas exploration.
Local villagers are raising serious concerns about the blasts, which they allege are causing extensive harm to both the environment and public safety.
The protestors blamed the blast for fatal landslides in the sub division during recent floods in the State.
According to the protestors, the blasts loosened the soil resulting fatal landslides during incessant rains followed by floods.
Such landslides occurred in several hamlets under the Shantirbazar sub division.
The landslides, not only, caused substantial damage to their homes and farmlands but also killed several villagers including children.
They also said many of the villagers are depended on rubber cultivation and they are suffering significant losses to their crops due to the blasts.
The villagers also claim that ONGC initiated the blasting operations without prior consultation with landowners or conducting proper assessments of the potential risks.
As a result, they say the blasts have caused irreversible damage to local ecosystems and the livelihoods of the residents.
The villagers also alleged, the blasts have led to a noticeable drop in water levels, making it difficult for the community to access drinking water.
In addition to the environmental damage, the villagers report that the blasts have caused noise pollution, which they say is negatively impacting the health of the community, particularly pregnant women who have fallen ill.
There are also allegations that some individuals are exploiting the situation by illegally charging laborers and goods-carrying trucks while using ONGC’s resources for personal gain.
Frustrated with the lack of response from ONGC and local authorities, the villagers have vowed to intensify their protests unless the blasts are halted.
They have also accused the police of filing false cases against those leading the protests in an attempt to suppress their voices.
The villagers have called on the state government, the ADC administration, and district authorities to intervene and halt the blasting activities.
The villagers are demanding that the situation be addressed before it causes further damage to the community’s health, environment, and livelihood.
However, no official statement regarding the allegations of the villagers was available till the report was filed.
(Tripura, Northeast)
