Kolkata: Tea Board of India has decided to accord heritage status to five tea stalls in and around Kolkata in recognition of their legacy of serving tea for more than 75 years. As part of the initiative, Tea Board plans to restore the interiors of the stalls at its own cost while retaining their original heritage character.The five establishments are Chitto Babur Dokan on Dacres Lane, Kona Dukan in Dalhousie, Balwant Singh Dhaba on Harish Mukherjee Road, National Economic Restaurant in Shyambazar and Naresh Babu Tea Stall in Serampore.Tea Board deputy chairperson C Murugan said, “We have recognised tea producers, exporters, sellers and consumers so far. For the first time in history, we have decided to recognise heritage tea stalls that have been selling tea for more than 75 years as stakeholders. They have never received recognition for their service. But heritage tea stalls are our real brand ambassadors.”Tea Board has initiated a survey across the country, particularly in colonial cities such as Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai, as well as princely towns such as Hyderabad, to identify tea stalls with a long-standing legacy.“We have identified five establishments in Kolkata and Serampore and given them a letter of appreciation, recognising their service for more than 100 years. The owners have told us that they will frame the letters and display them at their stalls. We also want to beautify the heritage stalls. If any owner wants it, we will take up interior renovation work at the Tea Board’s cost. We will also install the Tea Board’s logo there, which will increase our visibility,” Murugan said. “If the stalls come under the umbrella of the Tea Board, the owners will feel happy and proud. We hope this initiative will also improve the quality of tea they sell,” he added.Tea Board will continue its survey in Kolkata to identify more such heritage tea stalls. “We are now conducting surveys in Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru to identify tea stalls that have been operating for more than 75 years. We will soon start similar surveys in other colonial cities and princely towns,” Murugan said.Asked whether Tea Board had set a target for the number of stalls to be covered under the initiative, Murugan said there was no fixed number. “We don’t stick to any number. All stalls that fulfil the yardstick will be renovated and beautified by the Tea Board if the owners wish. Funds will not be a constraint for the Tea Board,” he said.
