Totapara Tea Estate: A Glimpse into the Past

 

🌿 Totapara Tea Estate: A Glimpse into the Past

Totapara Tea Estate, located in the Banarhat block of Jalpaiguri district, West Bengal, is part of the Dooars region—a lush, biodiverse area nestled between the eastern Himalayas and the plains of Bengal. The estate has a long history, with records indicating its existence as early as the 19th century. By 1903, the British Assam Tea Company Limited had established several tea estates in the Balipara mauza, including Addabarie and New Addabarie Tea Estates, which were planted with tea on over 800 acres 

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🏭 Recent Developments

In May 2024, the management of Totapara Tea Estate abruptly suspended operations, leaving approximately 850 workers unemployed. Workers claimed the action was illegal, citing unpaid dues including Provident Fund (PF), gratuity, and wages. The owners attributed the suspension to issues with a section of the workforce 

Subsequent protests occurred, including a highway blockade near Banarhat More, demanding the clearance of pending payments 

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🐘 Wildlife Encounters

The estate's proximity to forested areas has led to occasional wildlife encounters. In July 2024, a wild elephant strayed into the estate from the neighboring Moraghat forest, damaging three houses and a grocery shop. Residents expressed concerns over frequent elephant incursions, which have led to property damage and occasional threats to human safety 

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🧭 Exploring the Dooars Region

While Totapara Tea Estate is currently closed, the Dooars region offers several attractions for travelers interested in tea tourism:

• Gorumara National Park: Located near Banarhat, this park is home to the Indian rhinoceros and offers opportunities for wildlife safaris.

• Jaldapara National Park: Situated approximately 20 km from Birpara, this park is known for its one-horned rhinoceros population and diverse flora and fauna 

• Chuapara Tea Estate: A heritage bungalow stay offering a glimpse into colonial-era tea plantation life, complete with tea garden exploration and access to nearby attractions