The government’s attempt to start the township project—one of the biggest rehabilitation projects in the country—had suffered a setback after the estate owners moved the HC challenging the acquisition and demanding more compensation earlier.

On Friday, when the government received the favourable order, the authorities wrapped up land acquisition procedures — by paying an additional Rs 17.7 crore — by 10.30pm to avoid further challenges.

The workers had hopped the HC verdict on acquiring estate land would also have directives on their pending benefits, but it did not happen.

On Saturday, the estate staff blocked revenue officials at the site, demanding a solution to their issues before starting the construction work. They alleged that provident fund arrears since 2014 and medical benefits of seven years are pending.

Labour unions, including CITU, blamed the authorities for starting construction of the township before considering the estate workers’ issues.

“The district collector, special officer and other officials associated with the project should apprise us of the next step to resolve the issues of workers of the Elstone Estate before starting construction.

Since the government has acquired the land, we are now asking it for our benefits. We do not have other options,” said P Gagarin, former CPM Wayanad district secretary who inaugurated the strike at Elstone Estate on Sunday.