IDUKKI / MUNNAR: Large-scale destruction of the rare Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) blooms has been reported across several unprotected hills in Munnar. Fueled by viral social media vlogs and Instagram reels, thousands of tourists are trekking into unregulated zones, trampling fragile habitats, and uprooting plants to capture photos and videos.
Vloggers Pinpoint Unprotected Spots
While official authorities have designated regulated access zones—such as Chokramudy hills under the Forest Department and Korandakkad under the Kanan Devan Hills Plantations (KDHP)—unregulated hills like Lakshmi, Pallivasal, and Chinnakkanal remain vulnerable. Travel vloggers have been pinning exact geotagged locations of these unprotected spots, directing huge crowds to ecologically sensitive slopes.
Local adventure organizers reported that hundreds of tourists trekked Lakshmi Hills in the early morning hours, with many trampling plants, dancing on flower carpets, and sleeping among the shrubs to shoot social media content.
Ecological Threat and Extinction Risk
Botany experts and forest officials warn that this reckless behavior threatens the very survival of the species. Neelakurinji plants flower once in their 12-year life cycle and die immediately after. The seeds dropped from these mature flowers are essential for sprouting the next generation. Uprooting or trampling plants before seed dispersal means no Neelakurinji will bloom in these locations 12 years from now, risking localized extinction. Furthermore, heavy foot traffic in these high-altitude corridors risks dangerous encounters with wild elephants and other wildlife.
Strict Legal Action Warning
Munnar Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Abhay Yadav emphasized that Neelakurinji is a protected species under Schedule III of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Uprooting or destroying these plants carries a legal penalty of up to 3 years of imprisonment, a ₹25,000 fine, or both. The Forest Department is registering cases and leveraging social media monitoring to identify offenders. Environmental stakeholders are appealing to the government for immediate regulatory measures and entry bans on unprotected hills to preserve Munnar’s fragile ecosystem.
