Bengal Tourism Minister Seeks Probe Into Alleged Tea Garden Land Transactions

MP, August 18, 2026, Kolkata: Bengal Tourism Minister Shankar Ghosh on Tuesday alleged "institutional corruption" in the transfer and use of tea garden land during the previous Trinamool Congress government and demanded an investigation into the transactions.

He also outlined the state government's plans to promote tea tourism in north Bengal by entering into agreements with tea garden owners and companies to convert old garden bungalows into tourist accommodations.

Speaking at a press conference, Ghosh claimed that land belonging to several tea gardens in north Bengal was illegally sold during the TMC government, with the proceeds allegedly diverted to the party's coffers and used for election-related activities.

The state government has already constituted a Commission headed by retired Justice Biswajit Basu and senior IPS officer K Jayaraman as member secretary to investigate alleged corruption in various government sectors.

Ghosh said he would write to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari seeking an inquiry through the commission into tea garden land transfers, leases and commercial use.

He said the investigation should establish how the land was transferred or used and whose interests were served by such transactions.

Ghosh also said the BJP had strongly opposed the previous government's decision to allow 30 per cent of unused tea garden land to be used for tourism and commercial purposes, alleging that the policy could facilitate corruption.

He said he would submit a note on the issue to the Commission.

The Tourism Minister proposed homestays within tea garden areas by integrating garden workers and local residents with the tourism industry so that they can directly benefit from the sector and strengthen the local economy.

The government's broader objective, he said, is to transform tea gardens into major tourism destinations rather than confining them to tea production alone.

However, he stressed that tourism development must not undermine the character of tea gardens or the interests of the tea industry.

Ghosh said the present government has approved a proposal allowing 15 per cent of tea garden land to be used for commercial purposes, while maintaining the need to preserve the gardens themselves.

Ghosh announced a major initiative to globally brand North Bengal's tea heritage, focusing on Darjeeling and Dooars teas.

"We will host two Tea Festivals, one at Darjeeling Mall and another in Siliguri, to highlight local tea identity from leaf plucking to the final cup," he added.