Tragedy in Tripura: Two MGNREGA Workers Killed by Falling Tree

By  Firstdespatch Desk   Apr 16, 2025

Agartala, Apr 16 (FD) In a heartbreaking incident from Tripura’s remote Dhalai district, two workers engaged under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) lost their lives, and two others sustained injuries when a tree collapsed on them during construction work on a check dam.

The accident occurred on Wednesday at Nailafabari village under the Ambassa block, where MGNREGA workers were involved in excavation for a check dam project on government land. The deceased were identified as Robert Malsum (22), who died on the spot, and Juhi Rani Malsum (26), who succumbed to her injuries at a local government hospital. Two others — Surjyasa Malsum (35) and Jagat Bhakta Malsum (5) — were seriously injured and are receiving treatment.

The victims were part of an MGNREGA initiative aimed at constructing check dams to manage water flow and reduce soil erosion in hilly, erosion-prone regions like Dhalai. Such projects not only improve ecological resilience but also provide guaranteed employment to rural households through unskilled manual work.

District officials confirmed that immediate compensation has been provided to the families of the deceased and injured. An inquiry has been initiated to assess the circumstances and determine whether proper safety protocols were in place.

Implemented jointly by the central and state governments along with Panchayati Raj Institutions, the MGNREGA scheme is a crucial livelihood support in rural Tripura, with the Centre contributing 90% of the funds. However, the incident has reignited calls for stricter safety oversight at work sites.