Kurseong SDO, officials visit closed Jungpana TE

EOI, Kurseong, 2 August 2014: Kurseong SDO U Swaroop visited the closed Jungpana Tea Estate this morning to take stock of the situation and interact with the residents. Besides the SDO, food and supply and health department officials were also present to take a first-hand view of the situation.

Swaroop told reporters the main task of the officials for the day was to collect detailed information about the stock of food and other essential commodities. He said no major problem was detected, but the administration has taken precautionary measures and set up a temporary ration supply store for the residents’ benefit as the estate’s supply store in closed at the moment.

The SDO also said a medical camp was arranged and fortunately no major heath related problem was reported. Even so, a medical team and the Sukna Block Primary Health Centre have been asked to remain on alert if any matter of emergency is reported from the tea garden.

Further, Swaroop informed he will convene a meeting Sunday at his chamber where representatives of the tea workers, the management and the GTA will be present. “We hope tomorrow’s meeting will sort out the ongoing problem in the tea estate,” he added.

Workers of Jungpana idling away their time.

A meeting has been called on August 4 in Kurseong to find a way out to sort out the bandh problem at Jungpana tea estate. Representatives of the labour department from Kolkata and other concerned bodies are expected to attend it.

One of the finest tea-producing tea gardens in the Darjeeling hills, Jungpana tea estate is located near Mahanadi under Kurseong sub-division. It was closed on July 31 by the management alleging undue harassment by the estate trade that had raised feelings of insecurity. Citing this, the management issued a notice stating unless the authorities provide positive assurance concerning their security, work will remain suspended till further notice.

Talking to reporters, trade union vice president, Dinesh Gurung said the allegation being made by the management is baseless. He said the workers have submitted a deputation to concerned government authorities against the management anti-worker stance.

The bandh has reportedly wasted nearly 3,013kg of green leaves in the garden as they cannot be processed. Besides, tea leaves growing on bushes are also getting affected as plucking has altogether come to a standstill.