Large scale dolomite contamination of river water is retarding production of tea gardens

SILIGURI: Despite diplomatic initiatives, officially from both sides, continuing illegal dolomite mining in Bhutan has become a major concern for the tea gardens in foothills region of West Bengal.

The illegal dolomite mining practice is a major production retardant for more than 50 tea gardens in Dooars areas of foothills in northern West Bengal.

"Gardens in Birpara, Banarhat, Kalchini or Jayanti areas, served by the rivers having Bhutan at upstream, are large sufferers. These mining practices in Bhutan cause huge volume of dolomite mixed debris to flow down and drench tea garden soils affecting productivity. The crisis increases manifold during Monsoon," said Mr. Ranjit Kumar Dutta, Secretary, Tea Association of India's( TAI) north Bengal chapter.

"All these affected gardens suffer from low productivity round the year for this contamination. But the loss goes much higher during monsoon. Overall production loss goes even as high as 25%-30%," said Mr. S Prasad, Managing Director of a major tea company and Ex President of TAI.

Dr. B. Bera, Director Research, Indian Tea Board, said, "When put into soil, Dolomite increases alkalinity of soil by reducing its acidity. Sometime we use dolomite in controlled manner to balance soil character that is too important to ensure proper productivity. But, too high dolomite concentration in soil is bad for bushes."

Bhutan has an estimated reserve of nearly 13,500 million ton of dolomite . With around 3 lakh ton production per annum, it usedto be a major official export item to India during 60s. Though theofficial trade lost its importance in the 80s and official mining took a downturn, open pit illegal mining continued.

"Now, a major portion of excavation at India adjoining south Bhutan is illegal and without following excavation norms," accepted even Bhutan administrative officials. But, "it continues as a major money spinner for its beneficiaries, including many Indian financers," they said.

Despite many initiatives of both the countries so far on this, "Thesituation remained same," complained planters. But, " We urgently need a joint river commission with Bhutan. The chief minister will write to the Centre about this," WB Irrigation Minister Mr. Manas Bhunia said recently showing new ray of hope.