British-era bungalow razed in fire in teagarden in Kurseong

EOI, DARJEELING, MARCH 22, 2023 : A British era bungalow of the Goomtee Tea Estate in Kurseong was razed to the ground following a short circuit that occurred in the morning of Wednesday. However, there was no damage to other properties, including the three resorts located within the garden. Manager of the tea garden Jawar Chowdhury said it was a case of short circuit. 

"There was an electric short circuit and one of the bungalows caught fire. We could not save the bungalow and property worth Rs 4 to 5 crore," he said. Garden officials informed the fire station who arrived ill equipped. 

"A small fire tender arrived but the hose pipe had leaks. A bigger fire tender arrived later but by then it was too late to save the bungalow and other valuable properties," said Chowdhury. 

The Goomtee Tea Estate is owned by the Mahanadi Tea Company Private Limited and is located south of Kurseong town. 

The garden has over 225hectares with an area of 110 hectares under tea plantation and produces organic Muscatel tea leaf from the China tea bushes. It employs 300 workers in its payroll.