Mamata Banerjee Ensures Tea Cultivation Remains Uncompromised Amid Tourism Expansion

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee assured that tea cultivation would not be disrupted by tourism activities. The government allows up to 15% of tea garden land for tourism, only where tea is not cultivated. The local workforce for tourism must comprise 80%. Requests exceeding 15% will be evaluated individually.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has reaffirmed the government's commitment to safeguarding tea cultivation even as it opens up land for tourism-related projects. Announcing the state's stance at a press conference on Tuesday, she made clear that no disruption to tea cultivation would be tolerated and that alternative tourism opportunities would be limited to non-tea-growing areas.

Banerjee highlighted that only up to 15% of tea garden land could be used for tourism activities, and only if the land is not under tea cultivation. To ensure community benefits, she mandated that 80% of the workforce in these new ventures should come from local residents, signaling a strong push for local employment.

The policy also includes a provision for case-by-case evaluation of any request to use more than 15% of the land. Banerjee emphasized the importance of not disturbing tea workers and respecting tribal land rights. Moreover, several closed tea gardens have been granted three-year leases to restart operations, with potential extensions based on performance.