Gavi reopens to tourists after brief shutdown

Workers at a cardamom plantation in Gavi.
| Photo Credit: FILE

After a brief shutdown triggered by a labour dispute, Gavi, a popular ecotourism destination, has reopened to tourists.

The protesting workers on Tuesday decided to end their strike temporarily following assurances from authorities that their concerns will be addressed in the presence of a labour officer. The strike, which began late last week, not only brought daily operations to a standstill but also dented the revenue of the Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC), which manages tourism and plantations in the area.

Rajan, general convener of the Forest Workers Union in Gavi, confirmed the suspension of the strike, holding that the workers have agreed to wait for the outcome of the next meeting with KFDC authorities. Among their key demands were better safety gear, such as raincoats and protective boots, to prevent snakebites and increased allowances.

Around 280 people work under the KFDC, which oversees both the ecotourism centres at Gavi and Kochu Pampa, as well as cardamom plantations in Meenar.

Meanwhile, officials said that roads blocked by uprooted trees following heavy rain have since been cleared. Kerala State Road Transport Corporation buses have begun operations again and tourism is expected to pick up despite the monsoon.