The recent heavy torrential rains and subsequent landslides in West Bengal have significantly affected the prominent tea-producing areas of Darjeeling, Dooars, and Terai, resulting in substantial losses to the regional tea economy, with the Tea Association of India (TAI) estimating the damage to be around Rs 11-12 crore.

The heavy flooding, sudden river course changes, and extensive soil erosion on October 4 battered numerous tea gardens, with Darjeeling alone losing an estimated 5 per cent of its famed estates.

However, the crisis has been particularly acute in the Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar districts.

Chengmari tea estate in Jalpaiguri suffered the most severe impact, with officials estimating losses ranging from Rs 5 crore to Rs 5.5 crore. Around 300 hectares of the estate were affect

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