SILCHAR: Barak Valley Tea Industry which has historically been suffering from several traditional problems is also reeling under severe economic crisis due to long recessionary conditions. The Indian Tea Association has expressed deep concern on the situation in the tea industry in Barak Valley region which has been further compounded by the recent spate of floods.
Owing to incessant rainfall since the first week of May, the whole of Barak Valley is in the grip of severe floods. All the rivers which are reportedly flowing much above the danger level have caused erosion in several areas apart from submerging several towns of that region including Silchar, the main hub of activities.
Road communication between Barak Valley and the Brahmaputra Valley has been disrupted. This in turn has severely affected the supply of several essential inputs and the dispatch of made teas. Disruption of road communication to several tea estates from the major towns of that region has been affected. The inability of the tea estates to dispatch teas is causing serious financial bottlenecks. The inclement weather is also causing disruptions in power and instability in telecommunications. There is great apprehension of the scarcity of essential items like POL, Coal, etc. If this kind of weather conditions continues, shortage of food items in the coming days cannot be ruled out. The association and its Surma Valley Branch are actively coordinating with the administration to cope with the situation. The government of Assam has been requested for appropriate measures to protect life and livelihood in that region, stated a press release.
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