Thiruvananthapuram, 30 Sept (H.S.):The Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC) has launched a “workation” initiative that allows remote workers to swap city offices and indoor workspaces for the green surroundings of forests, with upgraded accommodation and internet connectivity.

The programme aims to provide a quiet, secluded setting for people who work from home or cafes, enabling them to continue their professional commitments while staying close to nature.

Developed on an idea proposed by Forest Minister Shibu Baby John, the initiative brings together work and a stay in scenic forest locations. Its focus is on creating suitable working conditions without undertaking fresh construction in environmentally sensitive areas.

Instead of building new facilities, KFDC has renovated existing rest centres with modern amenities. This approach is intended to prevent damage to forest areas while adapting available accommodation to the needs of remote workers.

Internet access, a key requirement for the programme, posed a challenge at locations where laying optical fibre cables was impractical. Authorities turned to alternative technology to establish connectivity in the forest.

At Gavi, BSNL engineers succeeded in providing high-speed beamed internet from Sabarimala. The arrangement addresses the difficulty of extending conventional cable infrastructure into the area and supports the initiative’s aim of offering uninterrupted work facilities.

At Suryanelli in Idukki district, internet connectivity with speeds of up to 500 Mbps has also been made available, providing another option for those seeking to work from a forest setting.

The initiative offers an alternative to the enclosed rooms and urban spaces commonly used by remote workers. By combining renovated rest centres with internet access, KFDC seeks to make forest stays compatible with everyday professional responsibilities.

For participants, the central attraction is the opportunity to carry on working in peaceful surroundings, with the greenery of the forest replacing the concrete buildings of the city.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman