Covid-19: Despite Centre's directive, West Bengal keeps tea estates shut

While many estates are close to Kalimpong most usually maintain self-isolation all year round. Six people from the family of a woman in Kalimpong who died on April 2 have tested positive for Covid-19

Stating that the situation to be still volatile in northern West Bengal owing to the Covid-19 outbreak, chief minister Mamata Banerjee has refused to allow tea estates in the state to open for business. 

This is despite the Centre's directive allowing tea companies to resume plantation activities with 50 per cent workforce across the country.

Banerjee reasoned that northern West Bengal is located strategically and shares international borders with countries like Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan, it is also is India’s sole gateway to the North-East and Sikkim.

“We need to observe it carefully for some more time and not rush into allowing the