Don't make us scapegoats in conflicts, say defiant forest staff

VK Sanju

Pathanamthitta | A fresh twist has surfaced in the heartbreaking tragedy at the Konni Elephant Sanctuary, where a four-year-old boy lost his life after a pole came crashing down. In a dramatic turn, a public representative swept in, promptly suspending five lower-level forest staff. But the Kerala Forest Protective Staff Association has now locked horns, rising in protest against what they call a knee-jerk scapegoating of the grassroots.

The death of the child is undeniably tragic. Yet, beneath the sorrow, simmering allegations have surfaced - no safety audits have been conducted at eco-tourism centres across Kerala, turning these supposed havens of nature into ticking time bombs. Tragically, at Konni Adavi Eco-tourism Centre, not a single safety audit has been carried out since 2017.

The association claims that when disaster strikes, it is always the lowest rungs that burn, as scapegoats are hastily chosen while systemic failures go unchecked. They warn that even the tree hut rented out to tourists daily are under serious security threat, fragile perches in an ecosystem of negligence.

Security at the Konni Elephant Sanctuary appears to be more of an illusion than infrastructure. There are no proper measures in place to keep visitors at a safe distance from the elephants, leaving both animals and people vulnerable. In a recent scare, a baby elephant named Krishna made a dash for freedom, nearly causing chaos. In a moment of sheer courage, a forest guard sprang into action, placing himself in the path of the charging calf and slamming the gate shut, averting disaster very narrowly. Ironically, this very guard now finds himself suspended, punished instead of praised.

Among the five staff members facing action are two women, adding another layer of disquiet to what many see as a rushed attempt to assign blame.

In the wake of the tragic incident at the Konni Elephant Sanctuary, the Kerala Forest Protective Staff Association has demanded the closure of all eco-tourism centres in the State, including Adavi, that are operating without scientific safety standards.

Konni elephant cage

At a protest meeting held, the association called for immediate withdrawal of disciplinary action against the five suspended forest employees, who they termed innocent. The protest also sought an end to what they described as a "political-official nemesis" and urged the government to implement comprehensive safety protocols at all eco-tourism destinations.

The association alleged that the current disciplinary action stemmed  not from genuine accountability, but from personal animosity. Lower lower-level staff were being unfairly targeted due to a public representative’s ongoing hostility towards a senior forest official.

Kerala Forest department officials in protest

Despite earning up to Rs 1.5 lakh in a single day, the Adavi Eco-Tourism Centre has allegedly failed to allocate even basic funds for ensuring visitor safety, according to the association.

Adding weight to their claims, it recalled a tragic incident six years ago, when a falling tree branch claimed a visitor’s life. But to date, no significant safety overhaul has taken place. They point out that several large, precariously standing trees in the area remain either uprooted or dangerously close to it. Repeated demands to replace the existing fence with a protective wall have also been ignored.

Adavi tree huts

Despite the presence of numerous eligible unemployed individuals among tribal communities, forest-dependent families and members of forest protection committees, there are growing complaints that they are being systematically excluded from employment opportunities in Vanashree stalls and eco-tourism initiatives run by the Forest Development Agency, meant to promote and market forest produce.

Instead, appointments are allegedly being influenced by political favouritism, with postings often decided at the whims of ministers and their close aides. Allegations have surfaced that political figures are attempting to exert control over forest department officials by threatening punitive transfers.

Adavi eco tourism centre

The association alleges that while eco-tourism centres continue to rake in revenue, safety is being sacrificed in the name of profit. Adavi, one of Kerala’s prominent eco-tourism centres, is estimated to generate crores of rupees annually. However, serious concerns are being raised over the lack of reinvestment in safety and environmental protection at the site. Even forest department officials have reportedly admitted that several activities taking place in Adavi deviate from the core principles of eco-tourism, which emphasize minimal ecological impact and sustainability.

Experts argue that the fees collected from visitors to such eco-sensitive areas should not be seen as mere ticket charges, but rather as a symbolic penalty for intruding into fragile biological ecosystems. Yet, the current state of affairs in Adavi paints a contrasting picture, raising ethical and environmental questions.

Environmentalists and forest staff alike stress that revenue generated from eco-tourism centres like Adavi should be channelled towards the protection of local biodiversity and the upkeep of fragile ecosystems. Instead, what is unfolding, they allege, is a disturbing trend of treating nature as a mere cash cow. This commodification, critics warn, defeats the very ethos of eco-tourism, which was envisioned as a sustainable model to educate visitors, empower local communities, and preserve the environment.

Minister's party demands safety inspection

MV Bureau

Pathanamthitta | National Congress Party (NCP) state general secretary Mathews George expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of four-year-old Abhiram in the Konni elephant enclosure accident. The senior leader of the NCP - the party of Forest Minister AK Saseendran -  emphasized that suspending or transferring a few employees would not bring justice or address the root cause of the incident.

“This is a heartbreaking incident, but what difference does it make if a few employees are suspended or shuffled around?” he questioned, suggesting that the true issues lie deeper - in systemic negligence and administrative apathy.

George called for immediate and decisive action to prevent future accidents, urging the government to form a high-powered expert committee without delay. The committee, he emphasized, should conduct thorough safety inspections across all tourism projects under the State Forest Department.

He demanded a comprehensive safety audit for the Konni, Adavi and Poruvali projects in Pathanamthitta district. The committee must include experts from engineering and safety fields, ensuring that all eco-tourism initiatives adhered to stringent safety standards to protect both visitors and forest staff, he added.

He demanded that the government provide adequate compensation to the family of the deceased child and suggested sourcing funds from the forest development agencies. He added that Minister Saseendran had promised prompt government action.