Census Team Treks Through Dense Forest to Reach Three Isolated Families on One of Tripura's Highest Hilltops

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, August 7, 2026

In a remarkable display of dedication, a Census team undertook a strenuous trek through dense forests and the rugged Hataikatar (Baramura) hill terrain to reach three remote tribal households in Gati Chhara village under Hezamara Block in West Tripura, one of the state's most inaccessible hilltop habitations. The visit brought government representatives to the village after many years, highlighting both the commitment of Census officials and the continuing challenges of connectivity in the area.

The enumeration exercise was led by National Award-winning science teacher Anjan Banik, who was assigned Census duties in the remote settlement located near one of the highest peaks of the Baramura Hills.

The first three houses in the village are home to eight tribal residents living without road connectivity in an area surrounded by dense forests.

Reaching the settlement required a trek of more than an hour through steep hill slopes, thick vegetation and barely visible foot trails. During the monsoon, even the narrow pathways created by villagers become concealed beneath overgrown foliage. The Census team had to clear branches and bushes manually while navigating through the forest to reach the settlement.

The Census team, led by Banik, received valuable support from Mahesh Debbarma, a teacher of Radhanagar Higher Secondary School, local ward member Krishna Kishore Debbarma, and Hezamara Block Development Officer Manas Murasing, whose assistance made the difficult journey possible.

The trek resembled a wilderness expedition, requiring the team to carefully navigate dense forests with little indication of the correct route. At one point, after encountering multiple diverging forest trails, the team relied on the distant barking of dogs nearly two kilometres away to identify the direction of the village.

The village lies beyond the end of the Amisha Dangar Bottola road from Dumrakari Dok. According to local residents, another one and a half hours of trekking and several river crossings are required to reach Chhanakhala Bazaar in Khowai district.

The three families living in Gati Chhara depend primarily on organic vegetable cultivation and traditional jhum farming for their livelihood.However, they continue to face severe hardships due to the absence of road connectivity, limited access to healthcare and frequent encounters with wildlife, particularly snakes and wild bears.

One resident, Shubhalakshi Debbarma, reportedly continues to suffer from the effects of repeated snake bites and has had to rely on traditional remedies because timely medical assistance is unavailable. Wildlife attacks remain a constant threat to the isolated community.

Despite these challenges, solar power has become a crucial lifeline for the villagers. Two of the three households now have solar lighting, providing basic electricity in an otherwise completely disconnected settlement. Among the youngest residents is 10-month-old Ayan Debbarma, who is growing up in this remote hilltop village, where modern amenities remain largely out of reach.

One resident, Shubhalakshi Debbarma, reportedly continues to suffer from the effects of repeated snake bites and has resorted to traditional remedies in the absence of timely medical care. Wildlife attacks remain a constant threat to the isolated community.

Despite the hardships, solar power has emerged as a crucial lifeline. Two of the three households now have solar lighting, providing basic electricity in an otherwise completely disconnected settlement. Among the youngest residents is ten-month-old Ayan Debbarma, who is growing up in the remote hilltop village.

Notably, the tribal settlements there were once clustered together, families gradually shifted to separate hilltops because of chronic water scarcity. Each household constructed its own traditional water source near nearby streams, resulting in scattered habitation across the hills. It was reported that the indigenous communities possess extensive knowledge of forests, biodiversity and natural resources, much of which remains undocumented and risks being lost over time.

Local ward member Krishna Kishore Debbarma has urged the state government to develop and upgrade the road from Dumra Kari Dok to Amisha Dangar Bottola and eventually extend it to Chhanakhala Bazaar in Khowai district. He said the proposed road would connect two districts while significantly improving access to education, healthcare and essential services for remote tribal communities.

He appealed to Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha and the concerned authorities to prioritise road connectivity to Gati Chhara, describing it as an essential step towards inclusive development. He also expressed gratitude to the teachers and officials who undertook the challenging journey to implement the government's census programme in one of Tripura's most remote villages.

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