A massive fire broke out at a chemical factory in Dhulagarh, Howrah. Firefighters rushed to the scene, with 15 fire engines engaged in efforts to control the blaze.
Massive fire guts 120 hectares of tea bushes at Historic tea state
A devastating fire engulfed around 120 hectares of tea bushes at the 144-year-old Longview Tea Estate in Kurseong on Wednesday, causing significant damage to the Darjeeling tea industry. The fire, which spread rapidly due to strong winds and dry conditions, did not result in any casualties but inflicted heavy losses ahead of the crucial first flush season.
Firefighters struggle against strong winds
Fire officials received an alert around 10 a.m. and dispatched three fire engines each from Kurseong, Matigara, and Siliguri. “After a five-hour operation, we managed to bring the fire under control. However, the dry season and strong winds made firefighting extremely challenging,” said Kurseong fire station officer Rahul Mondal. Authorities used earth movers to create firebreaks and prevent the blaze from reaching nearby villages. Fortunately, the estate’s tea factory remained unaffected.
Cause of fire under investigation
Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire may have been sparked by a high-tension wire or carelessly discarded smoking materials. Given the estate’s vast dry tea bushes and leaves, the flames spread rapidly.
Impact on tea industry amidst worker unrest
Established on January 16, 1879, Longview Tea Estate is one of the oldest and most renowned plantations in Darjeeling, spanning 500 hectares. Last year, the garden produced 18,000 kg of tea during the first flush, a season when Darjeeling tea commands high prices globally.
The estate has been embroiled in a labor dispute, with workers refusing to pluck tea over unpaid wages, bonuses, and retirement benefits. In response, the management issued a “no work, no pay” notice on March 3.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire while assessing the full extent of the damage.