Residents of Takka Tulsi in South Tripura erupted in protest after what they describe as sudden and forceful gas exploration activities turned their peaceful villages into zones of fear. Villagers say an outside agency began high-intensity blasting without any prior warning, consultation, or consent, leaving families terrified and homes visibly damaged.
According to protesters, repeated explosions shook the area throughout the day, making it impossible to stay indoors. “The ground was trembling, the noise was unbearable, and cracks started appearing on our walls,” said several residents, adding that such blasting is extremely dangerous in the region’s hilly and fragile terrain.
Villagers were clear that they are not against development or natural gas exploration in Tripura. “We are not anti-project,” they said, “but we cannot accept being treated like we don’t exist.” Their anger stems from what they call complete disregard for local communities, with deep drilling and dynamite blasting carried out without safety briefings or environmental assessment shared with residents.
Tensions escalated when villagers approached agency officials to voice their concerns. Protesters allege that instead of engaging in dialogue, the agency called the police, resulting in the detention of several locals. This move only intensified public outrage, with residents calling it intimidation rather than resolution.
A similar scene unfolded in Purba Takka Tulsi ADC Village, where villagers collectively surrounded the exploration team and demanded an immediate halt to blasting. Facing unified resistance, the agency was ultimately forced to suspend work and withdraw from the area.
Protesters also objected to the detention of a local landowner at whose site drilling was underway. Following mounting pressure, the individual was released, and villagers say the incident exposed how easily locals are targeted when they speak up.
Residents say the episode proves that unity is their only protection. They are now demanding that any future exploration must involve transparent communication, community consent, and strict safety safeguards. “Development cannot come at the cost of our lives and homes,” villagers said, warning that they will continue to resist any project imposed without their participation.
The protests have reignited broader concerns about how large-scale resource projects are pushed through in sensitive regions, often ignoring the voices of those who live on the land.