Heavy snowfall and frost have caused extensive damage to tea plantations owned by the Kannan Devan Company in Munnar, affecting nearly 100 hectares across its estates. The frost, which began four days ago, has led to widespread withering of tea bushes.

The worst-affected estates include Silent Valley, Chenduvara, Kannimala, Lakshmi, Nallathanni and Devikulam ODK, where a large number of tea plants have dried up. According to estate officials, overnight frost freezes the leaves, while snow that settles on the foliage melts under the morning sun. This repeated cycle of freezing and thawing has severely damaged the leaves, shoots and stems, leaving the plants dry and parched.

Officials said recovery of the affected tea bushes would be possible only after the winter season ends and adequate rainfall is received. Meanwhile, the company's tea production has declined. Frost damage has also been reported from other estates, including Harrison, Talayar and Kolukkumal, where several hectares of tea plants have been affected.