After being closed for over 17 years, the Ringtong tea plantation in Darjeeling Hills would reopen in January, official sources said.

The Sonada-based tea estate was locked since December 19, 1996, due to labour unrest on January 15, Joint Labour Commissioner Md. Rizwan said today after a meeting.

A tripartite meeting, participated by owners of the tea plantation, trade union representatives and the labour department officials was held at the Joint Labour Commissioner’s office in Siliguri.

Rizwan said the New Dooars tea plantation, which had been closed on December 15, would also reopen on December 27, also due to labour unrest.