GUWAHATI: Nestled along the National Highway 37 in Dibrugarh district of Assam, the Lepetkatta tea estate is poised to undergo a change, courtesy a collaboration between the owners, Luxmi group, and the Assam government. On the anvil is a tourism-cum-community development project set on the tea estate's vacant land.
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The Lepetkatta Tea Estate Redevelopment Project will not only cater to the burgeoning needs of nearby Dibrugarh town, but also beckon investments from neighbouring towns, such as Tinsukia, Chabua, Lepetkatta, and Moran.
Lepatkatta, along with Durrung tea estate in Sonitpur district, has been handpicked by the Assam government to pioneer tea tourism projects. These initiatives aim to attract domestic and international tourists, while generating employment opportunities and showcasing the region's rich tea heritage.
“It will not only serve the growing needs of Dibrugarh town located nearby but also attract investments from neighboring urban areas. This diverse development will offer a unique lifestyle with a range of amenities and activities,” Atul Rastogi, CEO & Director Luxmi Tea said. The official said that there would be several stakeholders involved in the project, which will generate employment scope for not only the children of tea workers but also for youths of the nearby areas. He said that most of the youths and the children of the tea estate workers/ non workers, educated youths will have direct and indirect benefits with employment and livelihood.
Apart from a hotel and resort, cafeteria, restaurants, banquet halls, wellness centre and spa, there would be skill development centre, educational institutes, art galleries, exposition centre, tea convention centre hospital & medical facility.
The official said that the low lying area will be utilised as agricultural and aquaculture zone with low intensity dwelling units for tourists. “Retail zones, office complex buildings, club house zone, gymnasium, indoor sports facility, cafes and restaurants would be part of this huge project.”
The official said that young and educated individuals will also find employment as teaching and non-teaching staff in the newly developed schools and colleges. The development of the area will lead to improved infrastructure, enhancing the local community as the influx of both domestic and international tourists increases.
Moreover, as the tourism industry grows, locals will have opportunities for training in hospitality, languages, guiding, and customer service, thereby boosting their skill sets and improving their future employment prospects.
While referring to the Makaibari tea estate in Darjeeling – another garden owned by the Luxmi Group - Rastogi said that it stands as a beacon of holistic sustainable development in the Darjeeling region. “Makaibari’s success is largely due to its integration of sustainable practices alongside its focus on community well-being. The estate has created a thriving model of prosperity, largely supported by its tourism infrastructure, developed in partnership with organisations like Taj Hotels, Ama Stay & Trails, and local home stays. These initiatives have significantly boosted the local economy, creating new opportunities for entrepreneurship and increasing employment,” he said.
