Devastating Floods Hit North Bengal’s Tea Gardens: Urgent Government Aid Needed
Unprecedented Damage from Heavy Rainfall
Kolkata-The tea industry in North Bengal is facing a crisis as relentless rainfall, exacerbated by water inflow from Bhutan, has led to severe flooding and landslides in the Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri districts. The Tea Association of India (TAI) has reported extensive crop damage, infrastructure loss, and disruption to the livelihoods of thousands of workers. Sumit Ghosh, secretary of the TAI’s North Bengal branch, emphasized the urgent need for government intervention to mitigate the situation.
Impact on Tea Estates
Among the most affected is the Mechpara Tea Estate, where floodwaters have devastated approximately 2,000 tea bushes and inundated 30 hectares of plantation. The estate’s infrastructure has also suffered, with a 30-foot embankment completely destroyed, along with 100 feet of road and three culverts. This destruction has severely hampered movement within the estate, which employs around 6,000 workers.
The plight of Mechpara is not an isolated incident. The Nagrakata Tea Estate has also reported significant losses, including the collapse of a 30-foot factory wall due to rainwater intrusion, resulting in the loss of nearly 10,000 kg of processed tea. The flooding has affected about 40 hectares in the South Sukhanbri division, rendering a crucial footbridge unusable for around 8,000 residents, including schoolchildren.
Historical Context of Flooding
The current flooding is reminiscent of similar events in 2023, when the region experienced significant rainfall that led to crop losses and infrastructure damage. Despite repeated appeals for preventive measures, the industry claims that little has been done to address the vulnerabilities of these tea estates. The historical context of flooding in this region highlights a pattern of neglect that has left the tea industry susceptible to natural disasters.
Chengmari Tea Estate: A Major Casualty
The Chengmari Tea Estate, one of Asia’s largest tea plantations, has also been heavily impacted. With around 3,500 workers and 1,450 hectares under cultivation, the estate has reported that nearly 300 hectares are submerged. The flooding has resulted in the loss of approximately 50,000-55,000 kg of processed tea and 70,000 kg of green leaves. Additionally, around 50,000 tea bushes, 200 shade trees, and 150 labor quarters have been destroyed, along with 12 bridges and culverts. The estate’s hospital has also been flooded, necessitating the evacuation of patients.
Economic Ramifications
The total estimated loss across the affected estates is staggering, with figures reaching as high as ₹5.5 crore for Chengmari alone. Other estates, such as Rheabari and Moraghat, have also reported significant losses, with Moraghat estimating damages at ₹2 crore. The economic ramifications of these losses extend beyond the tea estates themselves, threatening the livelihoods of thousands of workers and their families.
Call for Immediate Action
Ghosh has issued a stark warning: “The situation is grim. Without immediate intervention, the livelihoods of thousands of workers and the sustainability of these estates are at risk.” He has urged both the central and state governments to provide immediate relief and infrastructure support to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
Broader Implications for the Tea Industry
The tea industry in India is not just a significant economic contributor; it also plays a vital role in the cultural and social fabric of the region. The current crisis underscores the vulnerability of this industry to climate change and extreme weather events. As global temperatures rise, the frequency and intensity of such weather patterns are likely to increase, posing a long-term threat to tea production in North Bengal.
Conclusion
The recent floods in North Bengal’s tea gardens serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the agricultural sector in the face of climate change. With the livelihoods of thousands at stake, the call for urgent government intervention is more pressing than ever. As the region grapples with the immediate aftermath of this disaster, it is crucial for authorities to implement long-term strategies to safeguard the tea industry against future calamities. The resilience of this vital sector depends not only on immediate relief but also on sustainable practices that can withstand the test of time.
