Gavi grinds to a halt after standoff between workers, KFDC officials

Workers on duty at a cardamom plantation in Gavi. | Photo Credit: LEJU KAMAL

Gavi, the remote forest hamlet nestled deep inside the Sabarimala forests, is witnessing a simmering standoff between plantation workers and officials of the Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC).

All tourism-related activities in Gavi have come to a complete standstill after workers attached to the ecotourism centre launched an indefinite strike, raising multiple demands. The workers alleged that the KFDC has redeployed them to plantation duties even as several tasks remain pending at the ecotourism centre.

Accusing the corporation of neglecting even their basic needs, such as providing raincoats and shoes, the workers alleged that the corporation has scant regard for addressing their grievances, largely because the current division manager, ecotourism manager and assistant manager are due for promotion and are unwilling to intervene.

Around 280 people work under the in Gavi, which manages ecotourism centres at Gavi and Kochu Pampa, along with cardamom plantations in Meenar. Of these, about 60 are temporary employees. Although discussions were held in the presence of officials at the Moozhiyar police station, no agreement has been reached so far. However, it has been decided that no tourists will be brought to the destination until the strike is resolved.

End of tourist season

The KFDC, however, attributed the deadlock to a small section of workers who are reportedly unwilling to return to plantation work. “A handful of them, deployed at the ecotourism centres on a temporary basis, are unwilling to work in the plantations even when there are no tourists at all. This is what has led to the current bout of unrest,” a senior KFDC official said.

According to the official, the monsoon season marks the beginning of a crucial period for organic cardamom plantations in the region. “Yet some workers show little interest in plantation duties, as they find tourism-related tasks more rewarding. That’s where the friction lies,” he added.

When contacted, KFDC managing director Georgy P. Mathachan said efforts were under way at the official level to resolve the impasse. “The district labour office has convened a meeting and we’re hopeful of finding a resolution soon,” he said.

Meanwhile, the agitating workers have threatened to extend the strike to Kochu Pampa as well if the dispute is not settled without delay.

Published - June 16, 2025 08:02 pm IST