Gavi is moving toward energy neutrality by shifting to electric mobility and solar power. The Kerala Forest Development Corporation started these measures to curb pollution from vehicles. “There is no scope for banning these vehicles at present,” an official said. They also tightened plastic use to protect the forest area.
The picturesque destination of Gavi, located deep inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve, is gearing up for an energy-neutral future through a shift to electric mobility and solar power.
The Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC), which manages the forest settlement, has initiated measures to curb pollution from vehicles and reduce environmental impact of tourism. The green push follows Forest Minister Shibu Baby John’s public backing for a proposal to make Gavi carbon-neutral.
“The idea is to regulate pollution caused by vehicles powered by combustion engines. Electric buses will be stationed at the Vallakkadavu checkpost to ferry visitors who book trips to Gavi. We are also working to convert accommodation facilities, including the newly opened workation units, to solar energy,” an official said.
Charging station
A solar-powered electric fence is also being erected at a cost of ₹30 lakh to ensure visitor safety. Plans are under way to set up a solar-powered vehicle charging station at Gavi. The authorities are also considering incentives for tourists arriving in electric vehicles.
The authorities, meanwhile, have also mooted a proposal to convert the Kerala State Road Transport Services (KSRTC) buses operating services to Gavi into electric vehicles in a phased manner. Initial discussions have been held with the KSRTC managing director, and further talks with the Transport Minister are expected soon.
According to them, a complete ban on petrol and diesel vehicles entering Gavi is not being considered for now. “There is no scope for banning these vehicles at present. But we can certainly restrict their use and thereby reduce air pollution,” an official said.
Restrictions on plastic use
The authorities have also tightened restrictions on plastic use and launched weekly drives to collect waste littered across the region.
The green push comes against the backdrop of a sharp rise in tourist arrivals, putting pressure on Gavi’s carrying capacity. Visitor numbers exceeded 2,000 on certain days, far above the limit envisaged in the area’s management plan, which remains in force until 2030, officials said.
Spread across nearly 1,100 acres, the KFDC-managed estate has cardamom plantations, with tourism emerging as an important additional source of revenue. The KFDC permits only 100 tourists a day for its ecotourism programmes and provides accommodation for 60 overnight guests. However, budget tourism services operated by the KSRTC often bring hundreds of additional visitors to Gavi every day.