Neelakurinji Uprooting in Munnar: Cases Registered Against Two Youths

The Kerala Forest department has registered cases against two youths for allegedly uprooting Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) plants in the Munnar hills. The action followed the circulation of photos and videos on Instagram showing the youths holding uprooted Neelakurinji flowers, according to Munnar Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Abhay Yadav.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Mr. Yadav said the cases were registered under the Devikulam and Munnar forest ranges. He added that the department is working to identify the youths and pinpoint the exact location where the plants were destroyed. “Neelakurinji is a scheduled species under the Wildlife Protection Act; destroying it can attract a prison term of up to three years, a fine of up to ₹25,000, or both,” the DFO said.

The incident comes at a time when Neelakurinji has bloomed across several areas in Munnar, including Chokramudy hills, Chinnakanal, and Korandakkad under the Kanan Devan Hills Plantations (KDHP). The rare flowering event, which occurs once every 12 years, has drawn thousands of tourists to witness the hillsides carpeted in violet.

Botanist and Neelakurinji expert Jomy Augustine underscored the ecological significance of the plant, calling it “an inheritance from our ancestors.” He explained the plant's unique life cycle: “After flowering, the plant dies, and its seeds fall to the ground to grow into new plants that bloom after 12 years. If these flowering plants are destroyed, there will be no Neelakurinji blooming in Munnar 12 years from now. Protecting the flowering plants is critical to the survival of the species.”

The Forest department has cautioned that large-scale destruction could lead to local extinction of Neelakurinji in these flowering zones. “Thousands of people are visiting the area, and large-scale destruction will lead to the local extinction of Neelakurinji in these flowering zones. The Forest department will take stringent action against anyone who destroys or uproots the flowers,” Mr. Yadav warned.

Neelakurinji is a shrub found in the Western Ghats, particularly in the shola grasslands of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. The plant is known for its mass flowering once every 12 years, after which it sets seeds and dies. The bloom attracts not only tourists but also researchers and nature enthusiasts. However, the influx of visitors also raises concerns about environmental damage, including trampling and plucking of flowers.

Legal protections for Neelakurinji are enshrined in the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, under which it is listed as a scheduled species. Penalties for unauthorised destruction include imprisonment, fines, or both. The Forest department has urged visitors to enjoy the bloom responsibly and refrain from damaging plants or their habitats.

Officials have also appealed to the public to report any instances of vandalism or illegal uprooting. “We are committed to preserving this natural treasure for future generations. Strict enforcement and public cooperation are essential to ensure the survival of Neelakurinji,” Mr. Yadav added.

The investigation is ongoing, and the Forest department has said that further action will be taken once the accused are identified. Meanwhile, environmentalists have welcomed the swift response from authorities, emphasising the need for awareness campaigns alongside enforcement.

As the blooming season continues, the focus remains on balancing tourism with conservation. The rare spectacle serves as a reminder of the delicate ecosystems that thrive in the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its biodiversity. Protecting Neelakurinji is not just about preserving a single species; it is about safeguarding the entire ecological network that depends on these flowering plants.