Heavy Rainfall in the mountains of Darjeeling of West Bengal, caused the worst devastation in this era. Landslides and floods have damaged the Darjeeling tea estates, giving a severe blow to Darjeeling’s world-famous tea industry, along with claiming the lives of several. The autumn crop, which accounts for approximately 15-20% of the annual production, has been destroyed, substantially affecting tea supply and prices.
Darjeeling Tea gardens wash out in Landslides
Amid Heavy Rainfall, Landslides have swept away thousands of tea plants in the Darjeeling tea plantations, completely halting production. According to sources, it will take at least five years for production to return to normal after new bushes are planted, as the yield of new plants will remain low in the initial years. Darjeeling Tea disaster– Lost about 500,000 kilograms of tea
S.S. Bagaria, chairman of the Bagaria Group, called this mishap a complete disaster, saying that “We have lost about 500,000 kilograms of tea. Several old plants have been destroyed. This will have a long-term impact on production.” Darjeeling tea production in 2024 had fallen to below 6 million kilograms, the lowest level in recent years. This year’s disaster could further reduce production.
Darjeeling floods- a mishap claimed nearly 28 lives
Floods and landslides in Darjeeling and North Bengal have claimed 28 lives so far, 23 of which were recorded in Darjeeling district alone on October 4th and 5th. The local administration is engaged in relief and rescue operations, but communication and road links in the hilly areas remain disrupted.