Coal crisis in tea sector: 'Tea Maestro' has a 'solution'

MANAS R BANNERJEE, SNS, SILIGURI , 22 FEBRUARY 2022:  As planters in North Bengal express concern over the ongoing coal crisis, which, they say, may hit tea production in both the plains and the hills, 'Tea Maestro' Rajah Banerjee has said that planters have a "sustainable solution" as an alternative to coal, which they can use to overcome the present crisis.

"We have a solution and it is completely sustainable solution, but no one is looking into the matter seriously. We have discovered the solution, come to me... and it is the future. There is no need to depend on others," Mr Banerjee told this correspondent.

"I have the solution and have been working on it for the past 10 years. Hopefully, I will be able to make that sustainable solution ready within six months. It means such a thing is in your grip, an alternative to coal, and I will demonstrate it," he said.

Mr Banerjee was in Siliguri today to inaugurate an event at the 'Sunday Haat'. where farmers sell their organic produce and artisans display their creations to promote tourism. The 'Haat' (market) on Church Road in Siliguri has completed its 4th year.

It maybe mentioned here that planters associations like the Tea Association of India (TAI), India Tea Association (ITA), and the Terai Indian Planters' Association (TIPA) have informed authorities concerned of the coal issue and have urged them to resolve the crisis, which came up after several coal-laden lorries coming in from Northeastern states, were not allowed to enter Bengal at the Alipurduar border.

Sources said many coal-laden lorries had to return to Assam. "At present, a few coal-laden lorries are coming in, which is not sufficient to meet the requirements in the Terai and the Dooars," a source said.

Notably, following media reports, the Alipurduar district administration held a meeting and it is scheduled to hold another one H K Dwivedi. on 16 February in Siliguri.

"We are in deep trouble due to the crisis of coal, because green leaves are perishable items. If the coal crisis continues, tea manufacturing will be hampered at many places," said the secretary of the ITA, Terai Branch, Rana Dey.