As the Kerala government advances plans to rehabilitate survivors of the Mundakkai and Chooralmala landslides by constructing a township on the Elston Estate, a new conflict has emerged. The estate's workers, facing displacement and loss of livelihood, are mounting a protest against the eviction orders.

In the aftermath of the devastating landslides in Wayanad, the state government identified 78.73 acres of the Elston Estate in Kalpetta for the development of a township to resettle affected families. This initiative aims to provide secure housing for those who lost their homes in the disaster.

Elston Estate employs approximately 300 workers across its three divisions, with some continuing their duties even after retirement. These workers claim that the estate management owes them ₹11 crore in pending benefits. The sudden move to acquire the estate land for the township has left 160 workers facing unemployment without any assurances regarding their pending dues or future employment prospects.

The Kerala High Court recently upheld the government's decision to acquire land from Elston Estate for the township project, dismissing the estate owners' petitions challenging the acquisition under the Disaster Management Act. The court mandated that fair compensation be provided to the landowners and directed them to cooperate with the land survey process.

However, the workers' concerns have not been adequately addressed. With eviction notices served, they are now preparing to protest, demanding clarity on their pending benefits and alternative employment opportunities. The lack of communication from both the estate management and the government has exacerbated their anxiety.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is scheduled to lay the foundation stone for the proposed township on March 27. The event is expected to be attended by Opposition Leader VD Satheesan and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi. Preparations for the ceremony are underway, even as the workers' grievances remain unresolved.

The situation at Elston Estate highlights the complex challenges of balancing disaster rehabilitation efforts with the rights and livelihoods of existing communities. As the government proceeds with its township development plans, addressing the legitimate concerns of the displaced workers will be crucial to ensure a just and equitable resolution for all parties involved.