Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday visited the grief-stricken families of Gelapukhuri Tea Estate in Tinsukia, offering condolences and announcing financial assistance for those who lost their loved ones in the devastating December 8 road accident in Arunachal Pradesh’s Anjaw district that claimed 22 lives, including 19 workers from the tea estate.
The Minister met with bereaved families at Gelapukhuri in Tinsukia, expressing solidarity during what he termed an “irreparable” loss for the community. His visit comes as the estate remains engulfed in mourning, with widows, orphaned children, and elderly parents struggling to comprehend the magnitude of the tragedy that has shattered their lives.
“The loss is irreparable. My deepest condolences to the families of the victims and prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured. In this time of grief, we stand firmly with those affected,” Sonowal said, assuring families that the government would provide all possible assistance.
The Union Minister revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh each from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of those who died in the tragedy. Additionally, the Assam Government has announced financial support of Rs 5 lakh for the affected families.
Sonowal said that he has been closely monitoring the situation since the accident occurred. “I have spoken to the Chief Secretary of Assam and urged him to maintain close coordination with officials in Arunachal Pradesh,” Sonowal stated.
The Minister directed all concerned government agencies to work in tandem to ensure rescue and relief operations continue swiftly and efficiently. A coordinated rescue effort remains underway at the accident site, where teams are working to complete essential procedures including the recovery of bodies and investigation into the cause of the tragedy.
The accident occurred when a truck carrying 22 workers, including 19 from Gelapukhuri’s number 13 labour line and three from neighbouring Dhelaghat tea estate, skidded off the Hayuliang-Chaglagam Road and plunged into a 1,000-feet-deep gorge. The workers were traveling to Chaglagam for construction work, lured by daily wages of Rs 700—nearly triple what they earned at the tea estate.
While 19 bodies have been recovered, authorities suspect 21 deaths occurred, leaving some families in agonising uncertainty about the fate of their loved ones. The bodies are yet to reach the victims’ homes, prolonging the trauma for families still clinging to hope.
