Parba Mohan Roy Tea Garden

Parba Mohan Roy Tea Garden is a well-known tea estate located near Siliguri, in the Indian state of West Bengal. Siliguri is famous for its tea gardens, and this garden holds a special place because of its scenic beauty, local history, and connection with the tea industry. Named after Parba Mohan Roy, a notable personality from the region, this tea garden is part of the lush Terai region, which lies at the foothills of the Himalayas. The garden is a peaceful and beautiful spot surrounded by greenery, hills, and traditional tea culture.

Location and Surroundings

Parba Mohan Roy Tea Garden is situated in the Darjeeling district, close to the town of Siliguri. It lies on the plains, not far from the Himalayan foothills. The area is known for its pleasant weather, rich soil, and natural greenery. The garden is surrounded by small villages, forests, and other tea gardens, making it an important part of the local environment and community. The nearest railway station is Siliguri Junction, and the nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport, which makes the place easy to reach for visitors and workers.

History and Naming

The tea garden is named after Parba Mohan Roy, a local figure remembered for his contributions to the society and development of the area. Although not as widely known as famous tea gardens of Darjeeling, this garden has a strong local identity. It represents the people’s connection to land, labor, and the tea industry. Over the years, the tea garden has developed into a small settlement, with workers and their families living around the estate and making a living through tea production.

Tea Production and Cultivation

Like other tea gardens in the Terai and Dooars regions, Parba Mohan Roy Tea Garden produces CTC (Crush, Tear, Curl) tea. CTC tea is different from the hand-rolled orthodox tea that is famous in the hills of Darjeeling. CTC tea is stronger and darker, and it is widely used in Indian households for making milk tea (chai). The tea bushes in this garden are grown in rows, spread across the gentle slopes and open fields. The soil and climate of the area are suitable for growing healthy tea leaves, which are plucked regularly by hand, mainly by local women workers.

Life in the Tea Garden

The tea garden is not just a place of work. It is also a home to many families. The workers live in small houses built inside or near the garden. Most of the workers are from tribal communities or tea worker families who have been part of the tea industry for generations. Life in the garden is simple but hard. Workers wake up early and begin plucking tea leaves with their baskets. The plucked leaves are then sent to the factory for processing.

Apart from tea work, the people also do small-scale farming, rear animals, and participate in local festivals. Education and health services are limited, but schools and health centers have been improving slowly with the help of government programs and social groups.

Culture and Community

The culture of Parba Mohan Roy Tea Garden is rich and diverse. Most of the people living and working there belong to tribal or Nepali-speaking communities, such as Adivasis, Gorkhas, and Rajbanshis. They follow various customs, traditions, and festivals. Popular festivals in the garden include Durga Puja, Diwali, Holi, Tihar, and Christmas. The garden has its own sense of unity, and the workers often support each other in times of need.

Local dances, music, and food reflect the cultural mix of the region. Women wear traditional saris and men often wear lungis or shirts. People cook simple meals, usually rice, vegetables, and lentils, with tea being an essential part of daily life.

Education and Schools

In the past, education in tea garden areas was not easily available. But now, with the help of the government and NGOs, there are primary and secondary schools in or near the garden. Children of tea workers are encouraged to go to school, though some still drop out to help their families. Schools teach basic subjects like English, Bengali, Math, and Science. Some schools even provide mid-day meals and free books to attract students.

Even though the education system still needs improvement, the younger generation is showing interest in learning and dreaming of jobs beyond the tea gardens.

Healthcare Facilities

Healthcare in tea gardens like Parba Mohan Roy Tea Garden is basic. Earlier, workers had to travel long distances to reach hospitals. But now, there are small health centers or dispensaries nearby, often supported by the tea estate management or local authorities. These centers provide basic treatment, first aid, and vaccinations. In case of serious illness, patients are taken to bigger hospitals in Siliguri. Common health issues among workers include back pain, joint problems, malnutrition, and seasonal diseases like fever or cold.

Access to clean drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene is slowly improving, but still remains a challenge in some parts of the garden.

Challenges Faced by the Tea Garden

Parba Mohan Roy Tea Garden, like many other tea gardens in the region, faces several challenges. Low wages, tough working conditions, and limited benefits are major concerns for tea workers. Though tea is a big industry in West Bengal, the profits often do not reach the workers. There are also issues related to land rights, housing, and fair treatment. Many workers demand better wages, proper housing, clean water, and access to education and healthcare.

In addition, climate change is also affecting tea production. Irregular rainfall, changing seasons, and pests can damage crops and reduce the quality of tea leaves. Because of these reasons, both the workers and the management must adapt to new methods and improve working conditions.

Role in Local Economy

Parba Mohan Roy Tea Garden plays an important role in the local economy. It provides jobs to hundreds of people and supports nearby markets and small businesses. Local vendors, transporters, and shopkeepers benefit from the economic activity of the tea estate. During the tea-picking season, employment rises, and more families earn money.

The garden also helps in keeping the traditional tea culture alive, which attracts interest from researchers, travelers, and people interested in rural life. Some parts of the region are being explored for tea tourism, which could bring more opportunities in the future.

Natural Beauty and Tourism Potential

The tea garden is located in a peaceful area surrounded by greenery, forests, and open fields. Birds, butterflies, and small animals are common here, and the view of the nearby hills adds to its charm. The garden is not a major tourist spot, but people who love nature, tea culture, or rural life often visit these lesser-known places.

Parba Mohan Roy Tea Garden can be developed for rural tourism, offering visitors a chance to stay in homestays, walk through the tea fields, learn about tea-making, and enjoy local food. Such ideas are slowly gaining popularity and can help improve the lives of the local people.