Tea factories on verge of shutdown in Bihar's Kishanganj

The region which is known for producing premium black tea, attracting several NRIs to set up shop, is now facing a decline. The ever-deteriorating power supply has brought 10 tea factories on the verge of closure in the district. Frequent breakdowns and poor voltage have compounded the woes of the tea manufacturers.

Kishanganj: A lesser known fact, associated with the country's tea industry, lies in the Kishanganj district of Bihar!

The region which is known for producing premium black tea, attracting several NRIs to set up shop, is now facing a decline. The ever-deteriorating power supply has brought 10 tea factories on the verge of closure in the district.

Tea factories on verge of shutdown in Bihar's Kishanganj

Frequent breakdowns and poor voltage have compounded the woes of the tea manufacturers.

The government's assurance to provide electricity has failed with the industrialists being forced to shut their factory down due to heavy losses.

The factory owners, in this regard, claimed that the residents enjoyed uninterrupted power supply for 15-16 hours, alleging that the government does not pay heed to the needs of 'industrialist voters'.

"The power cut happens even during slight rainfall and winds. The owners of many factories including Bajrangbali Tea Factory, RBT Factory and Abhay Tea Factory are facing major losses due to improper supply of electricity in the district," they added.

Tea factories on verge of shutdown in Bihar's Kishanganj

Speaking to ETV Bharat, Kumar Rahul Singh, who is an NRI, said: "I came back to Bihar in 2015 from Russia and set up a tea factory thinking that the scenario might have changed. Now, I am regretting this decision as there is insufficient power supply. In Bengal, there is 24 hrs power supply for factories, Why not here?"

Facts related to the tea industry in the district:

• 10 tea factories are on the verge of shut down
• The tea factories were opened during 2011-2012
• 7 million kg of tea leaves are produced every year in the district
• Tea sellers are compelled to sell their product at lower rates

Commenting on the issue, Electricity Department's Executive Officer Ranjan Kumar Dey said: "The problem will be resolved within 10-15 days. The first priority will be separating the commercial and domestic feeders."

Tea factories on verge of shutdown in Bihar's Kishanganj

Kishanganj is the only district in Bihar which cultivates tea on a large scale, with the government earning crores in revenue. However, the government is unable to supply sufficient electricity to power the only tea producing district in the state.