When I was working in my state after my graduation with the self-help groups for four years in different corners of Tripura. I had visited a Dam, which is very huge, as I have seen for the first time. People used to go for pilgrimage for emersion of deceased bone. When we were small my uncle used to buy big fishes to home. So when I had to visit the area close by that Dam people had asked me whether I was interested to visit the Dam. I was so eager I told them as soon as possible. One day fine morning two ladies accompanied me who know the place well they are Roma Uchoi (animator, JUST) From her House to Jatanbari six km to Jatanbari and again from there by jeep 15 rupees ticket.

When I reached the Dam I was so exited to see the water deep covering many Islands. From there we hired boat to go to coconut garden, which is in the middle of the water, and we need to go through 10000 acres. Slowly we have started our journey towards the destination. As we approach Beautiful Islands covered by water many dry trees standing in the water with half of it. As we approach in some places the water is dark and frightening under the thick jungle on the top leaves of trees and creepers in some places partly sunshine and partly dark. As we move along people are seen coming out of their huts carrying water and going back, some are taking bath and suddenly the open area of water is seen just like the see all water and water then until Roma said that is a 100 hectors of water. My God could not believe my eyes seeing first time such type of water. But I never thought what might have taken place over there what had happened over there all I know was there were two rivers flowing once, and now it went under the water due to dam. Suddenly an island is seen in the distance with full of green then she said that is coconut garden of government, which is submerged from all around. How exiting to see the sight totally different from our home environment. I wanted to make our boat reach fast there, and when we reached there I jumped out of boat and dance around the garden. We took out our Tiffin and ate there plucked some of the Jackfruit undraped to bring for as sabji. When we are in the middle of the water I used to shake the boat and a lady scream out of fear and in enjoyment and fun I used to shake again and again. Really the moment was very memorable.

When I came to study for my BSW in Satara (Maharashtra), we had to study all issues like Dam, Windmill, drought, etc. First I heard the issue of Narmada Bachao Andholan which is led by Medha Patkar. When I met her and her assistant Pratibha shinde we came to know many of the Tribal villages were submerged and they were homeless, landless, displaced from place to place leaving all the hope and live in despair. Hearing all that I was reminded of Dumbur Dam Project where once I enjoyed seeing the sight might also have been once the home of many people that is why people sing of sad songs which automatically the outburst of emotion. “Dumbur you are quiet, Raima Saima (two rivers) you became sad, you changed your name to Gumoti, where you are gone changing the history. As the water rises higher and higher the history is sinking deeper and deeper and disappear. The rocks are hiding their faces in the forest out of shame.” The song strikes my heart and I started humming and murmuring the song. When I went to other programmes of such type of meetings made me more aware of people and the journals made me aware of the difficulties people are facing.

One day we went to Vishwakapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) as students of TISS (Tata Institute of Social Sciences) as a part of our rural camp. All together we were 33 students and two faculty members. Out of where we five of us were sent for Surampallem Dam again 210 km’s from Vishwakpatnam. Seeing the sight I was totally amazed, all the trees with half water, a village submerged, people displaced, the trees were never to be alive again as if they are crying out seeking help and all that was reminding me was Dumbur project of Tripura, once upon a time it might have been the same scene, where the skeleton of the trees standing in their original places, some are lying deep in the water.

As a social workers what must we do? What is our role? This questions from within Made me take up this research and do something for my tribal people who’s voices are also submerging deep in the forest where no outer world can here their voice even after thirty years of displacement.

Those who are interested to accompany for fighting for justice are welcome to give voice on behalfof Displaced Tribal of Tripura by the dam. (Jiban Deb Barma-jibanjohn@yahoo.co.in)