In Tripura's remote hills, teacher Anjan Banik reaches Gatichhara Village, calls for road connectivity

In a striking reminder of the isolation faced by communities in Tripura’s western district, national award-winning science teacher Anjan Banik has trekked through dense forests and steep hill tracks to reach the first three households of Gatichhara village in Hejamara block — a settlement cut off from road access even today.

Banik, who has been honoured with the National Award for Science and Technology Communication (2022), described the journey as “an experience akin to a survival expedition,” recalling how he and his companions had to clear branches, follow faint footpaths, and even rely on distant sounds of dogs barking to confirm direction in the jungle. He was assisted by Mahesh Debbarma of Radhanagar High School, local ward member Krishna Kishore Debbarma, and Hejamara BDO Manash Murasing.

The visit revealed the stark reality of Gatichhara, three families living on hilltops, surviving on organic vegetables and jhum rice, with solar lamps in two houses providing the only light. Residents face constant threats from snakes and wild bears, with little access to healthcare. One villager, Shubhalakshmi Debbarma, has resorted to tying threads around her leg as a traditional remedy after repeated snake bites, underscoring the absence of medical facilities.

Banik noted that the villagers’ knowledge of forests, water sources and biodiversity remains rich but undocumented, at risk of being lost. He pointed out that settlements have become scattered across hilltops due to water scarcity, with families digging their own wells near streams to meet daily needs.

Local leader Krishna Kishore Debbarma urged the government to prioritise road connectivity from Dumrakari Dock in Hejamara block to Amisha Danga Battala, extending further to Chonkhola market in Khowai subdivision. “This road must be recognised as the first lifeline of West Tripura’s frontier village. It will connect two districts and ensure access to education, healthcare and basic services. Without it, the promise of building a developed Tripura remains incomplete,” he said.

Banik’s journey highlights both the resilience of remote tribal families and the urgent need for infrastructure. His efforts were praised not only for reaching the village but also for drawing attention to communities that remain invisible in official records.

Beyond his fieldwork, Banik is widely respected for his contributions to science education. He has implemented innovative teaching methods, collaborated with Vigyan Prasar, and received recognition from NCERT for over 20 educational research projects. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has personally commended his work in letters of appreciation.

The story of Gatichhara — a village where solar light flickers amidst jungle darkness — now stands as a symbol of both neglect and possibility. With road connectivity, its families could move from survival to development, embodying the vision of a truly inclusive Tripura.