By TC News Desk
Agartala, 2nd December 2024: A significant protest unfolded at the Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary as Banamitra workers, along with their family members, staged a dharna by locking the main gate of the sanctuary on Monday.
The agitation comes amid demands for permanent appointments and better remuneration, leaving tourists stranded during the forest feasting season.
The workers, who were initially appointed in August 2021 under the contractual Banamitra project initiated by the Forest Department, claim they were promised an increase in salaries over time. While their monthly wages have risen from Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,820, they remain dissatisfied, citing the lack of job security.
Despite prior assurances from the department that permanent appointments were not part of the project framework, the workers have refused to back down, demanding recognition of their services.
“We were told at the beginning that our jobs would remain contractual, but after contributing to forest preservation for over two years, we deserve permanent positions,” said one of the protesting workers.
The situation intensified as police personnel from Bishalgarh Police Station and TSR forces arrived to manage the protest. However, no officials from the Forest Department were present to address the aggrieved workers.
The protest caused inconvenience to visitors, with many tourists expressing frustration over the unannounced closure of the sanctuary. “We traveled miles to experience the beauty of Sepahijala, only to find the gates locked. This is unacceptable,” lamented a visitor.
As the indefinite dharna continues, the impasse underscores the workers’ growing discontent and the need for dialogue between the state authorities and the aggrieved employees.
