The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF) has listed Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) under Schedule III of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, including it on the list of protected plants.
Key points
- The Central government’s decision would help protect Neelakurinji plants.
- Those who uproot or destroy the plant will invite a fine of Rs 25,000 and three years’ imprisonment.
- The cultivation of Neelakurinji and its possession is not allowed, according to the order.
- Neelakurinji has been included on the list when the Centre expanded the earlier protected list of six plant species to 19.
Neelakurunji ranges
- From Neelakurinji in the Western Ghats to the Karvi blooms in the Sahyadri range, travellers are trekking to witness these seasonal flowers.
- Tourists in large numbers had flocked to the location in recent times when flowering of Neelakurinji was reported in a particular area.
- Destroying and uprooting of Neelakurinji plants is a major threat to the flowering areas.
- Normally, the Chief Wildlife Warden issues a statement to the effect that destroying Neelakurinji plants and flowers is a punishable offence under the Wildlife Protection Act and action will be taken accordingly. But it does not prevent the offence .
- As per the new order, the department will take action against those who uproot or destroy Neelakurinji in forest areas, protected areas, and national parks.
- Neelakurinji plant was endemic to a small stretch in the Western Ghats from the Mangaladevi hills to the Nilgiris hills.
- In the Western Ghats region, nearly 70 varieties of Neelakurinji plants have been identified. The most popular Neelakurinji is Strobilanthes kunthiana which blooms once in 12 years. However, some other rare varieties of Neelakurnji are also found in the Western Ghats region.
- The most recent blooming of Neelakurinji was over a vast area on the Kallippara hills at Santhanpara in Idukki.
- An expert team had identified six varieties of the plant across the mountains.
- The Eravikulam National Park, near Munnar, is known for widespread blooming of the kurinji, with the next flowering season expected in 2030.
(Source: The Hindu)
