Large-scale destruction of Neelakurinji reported in Munnar hills

The rampant destruction of Neelakurinji blooms in unprotected areas by tourists poses a serious threat to the biodiversity of Munnar. According to Forest department officials, Neelakurinji has bloomed this year across Chinnakkanal, Lakshmi, Pallivasal, and nearby hills. Regulated visitor entry was granted at Chokramudy hills near Devikulam by the Forest department, while the Kanan Devan Hills Plantations (KDHP) permitted access to Korandakkad near Mattupetty, with both authorities safeguarding the plants within these designated zones.

​However, officials noted that travel vloggers have been pinpointing unprotected locations and posting footage on social media. Influenced by these videos, large groups of tourists have been trekking through unregulated hills, trampling blooms, and uprooting plants. Munnar Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Abhay Yadav noted that despite enforcement efforts, the destruction and uprooting of the rare species continue across the hills.