WB Election 2026: Flood-hit Hasimara residents demand protection for tea gardens

Residents of Hasimara in West Bengal say they are frustrated with recurring floods that repeatedly damage homes, tea plantations, and livelihoods. With the West Bengal Assembly elections approaching, locals are stepping up their demands for long-term solutions.

Purni Urao, tea garden worker, Hasimara, says,"Our tea garden here got completely submerged due to heavy waterlogging. The owner suffered huge losses, there are so many labourers, where will he get so much money to pay them? A large area had been newly planted, and that too has been destroyed, tea cultivation will not be possible again there. So for this, we are requesting that the government provide some kind of assistance to the owner. Otherwise it will be very difficult for him to manage, especially with such a large labour pool..."

The area has been plagued by flooding for over ten years. Recollections of the most recent floods in October of last year are still vivid in the Alipurduar district's Kalchini Assembly constituency.

According to Somra Urao, retired tea garden supervisor, Hasimara, "There are a lot of problems. The river came forward and spread all the way up to the football ground. Everyone had to leave this area. The entire place was flooded with water. If an embankment is constructed, it will be very helpful for us; otherwise, water may enter again like it did earlier on October 5..”

Residents recall how the severe floods last October brought life in tea plantations and nearby villages to a standstill. Along with flood prevention, they say development work and employment generation are equally important.

Bhola Sahu, grocery shop owner, Hasimara, “Our tea gardens have suffered severe damages. Floodwaters caused extensive destruction. There should be some development in the tea gardens. We want peace and development. Every citizen should get work and should have access to livelihood and employment."

In the upcoming months, West Bengal will elect 294 members to the State Assembly. The people of Hasimara hope that the incoming administration will take decisive action to safeguard their homes and means of subsistence.