After five days of tree quarantine, Bengal youths moved to ICDS centre

The seven youths, who work in Chennai and returned to Bhangdi village on March 24, had been living on the branches of the tree after doctors asked them to stay in home quarantine.

Bengal coronavirus tree quarantine, bengal covid 19, bengal coronavirus isolation, Purulia isolation, indian express

The youths climb down only to relieve themselves, wash their clothes and when food is served thrice a day. (Express photo)

After they had spent five days quarantined on a mango tree, seven youths in West Bengal’s Purulia district have been moved to an Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) centre for isolation. The seven youths, who work in Chennai and returned to Bhangdi village on March 24, had been living on the branches of the tree after doctors asked them to stay in home quarantine.

The villagers had tied cots to the branches and also arranged for mosquito nets and plug points to charge phones. The villagers had asked the youths to not enter the village as proper isolation may not be possible at their homes. There was a separate space where the youths could relieve themselves and another area for washing clothes.

“Last night authorities came to us and saw us on the tree. They spoke to us and got all details. Then they searched for a room where we could be kept since villagers did not want us in the village. They then made arrangements at a nearby ICDS centre. This room has a toilet and ceiling fans. Beds have been put up here. We are fine now,” said Bijoy Singh Laya, one of the seven youths.

“We are also getting proper food from the village and we are maintaining hygiene and distance from others,” said Laya,adding that they are yet to get a cot and are sleeping on the floor.

“After the news broke, the authorities identified the room and now the youths are placed there. They are in isolation. None of them have any symptoms,” said Nitai Mondol, president of Balarampur Panchayat Samiti.

“It is okay with us if they are put in the ICDS centre. Since the rooms in the village are small, we cannot allow them in as isolation is not possible,” said a villager.

In Bhangdi village under Balaparampur police station villagers had quarantined these seven youths who are migrant workers and have recently returned from Chennai, on tree branches about 8 ft to 10 ft above ground. As doctors asked these youths to go for home quarantine, villagers made such arrangements for them.

Ravik Bhattacharya

Ravik Bhattacharya is a highly experienced and award-winning journalist currently serving as the Chief of Bureau of The Indian Express, Kolkata. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, Ravik possesses deep expertise across a wide range of critical subjects and geographical areas. Experience & Authority Current Role: Chief of Bureau, The Indian Express, Kolkata. Expertise: Extensive reporting across West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, and the Andaman Nicobar Islands. Ravik specializes in politics, crime, major incidents and issues, and investigative stories, demonstrating a robust command of complex and sensitive subjects. Experience: His long and distinguished career includes key reporting roles at several prestigious publications, including The Asian Age, The Statesman, The Telegraph, and The Hindustan Times. Ravik's current role marks his second stint with The Indian Express, having previously served as a Principal Correspondent in the Kolkata bureau from 2005 to 2010. Major Award: Ravik's authority and quality of work are substantiated by his winning of the prestigious Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award in 2007 for Political Reporting. Education: His strong academic foundation includes a Bachelor's degree with English Honours from Scottish Church College under Calcutta University, and a PG Diploma in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University. Ravik Bhattacharya's extensive tenure, specialized beat coverage, and notable award confirm his status as a trusted and authoritative voice in Indian journalism, particularly for stories emanating from Eastern India. ... Read More