In a tragic development, five people have died following a suspected diarrhoea outbreak in the Chabua Tea Garden area of Assam’s Dibrugarh district. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and triggered urgent calls for medical assistance and improved sanitation facilities.
The deceased include four adults and one child, all residents of the tea garden labor lines. Local sources say the victims showed symptoms such as severe dehydration, vomiting, and diarrhoea in the days leading up to their deaths.
“This is a crisis. We are urging authorities to act fast before more lives are lost,” said a community leader from Chabua.
What Caused the Chabua Tea Garden Diarrhoea Outbreak?
Contaminated Water Suspected
While investigations are still underway, health officials suspect contaminated drinking water as the primary cause of the Chabua Tea Garden diarrhoea outbreak. Initial reports indicate that several water sources in the area may be polluted due to:
- Lack of proper drainage
- Open defecation near water lines
- Unchecked waste disposal from nearby settlements
Medical teams dispatched to the area have taken water samples for lab testing. Results are expected within the next 48 hours.
Health Authorities Launch Emergency Response
Medical Camps and Mobile Units Deployed
In response to the outbreak, the Dibrugarh District Health Department has set up emergency medical camps inside the tea garden premises. Mobile health units have also been deployed to reach more remote sections of the estate.
As of now:
- Over 40 people are receiving treatment
- Oral rehydration salts (ORS), antibiotics, and IV fluids are being administered
- Community awareness drives have begun, educating residents on hygiene and clean water practices
“Our first priority is to stabilize the affected and prevent further spread,” said Dr. Jiten Saikia, a public health official.
Poor Sanitation Worsens Health Crisis
Long-standing Issues Resurface
The Chabua Tea Garden diarrhoea outbreak has reignited discussions around the sanitation crisis in Assam’s tea estates. Many workers live in cramped labor quarters with limited access to clean toilets and proper drainage.
Health activists say this tragedy was waiting to happen.
“These conditions are not new. We’ve warned about them for years,” said a representative from a local NGO.
In 2022, a similar outbreak in a nearby tea estate claimed three lives, highlighting the need for long-term interventions.
Government and Public Reactions
Assam Officials Pledge Action
Assam Health Minister Keshab Mahanta expressed deep concern over the outbreak and promised full support to the affected families.
“We are monitoring the situation closely. Medical teams will remain on site until the situation is under control,” he said.
Local MLAs have also visited the site and distributed emergency relief kits, including clean drinking water, food supplies, and medicines.
Nationwide Concern Over Tea Worker Health
This incident shines a national spotlight on the working and living conditions of tea garden workers in Assam, who contribute significantly to India’s tea industry yet often lack basic amenities.
Efforts are now underway to urge corporate tea estate owners and government departments to collaborate on permanent solutions.
Preventing the Next Outbreak
If you’re a local resident or organization:
- Report any symptoms of diarrhoea, dehydration, or vomiting immediately to health workers
- Boil drinking water before use
- Use ORS solutions for early-stage dehydration
- Support hygiene education programs in tea garden areas
You can also support NGOs working on water, sanitation, and health (WASH) initiatives in tea estates by donating or volunteering.
What’s Next for Chabua Tea Garden?
Monitoring and Long-Term Plans
Authorities will continue to monitor the situation over the coming week. If water contamination is confirmed, large-scale chlorination and infrastructure improvements will be initiated.
Meanwhile, the tragedy serves as a painful reminder of how fragile the health infrastructure is in marginalized communities.
“This shouldn’t have happened in 2025. We need better safeguards,” said a local teacher.
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