Large-scale destruction of Neelakurinji reported in Munnar hills
Travel vloggers have been pinpointing unprotected locations and posting footage on social media, driving tourists to these spots
Tourists' unchecked visitation to unregulated areas of Munnar hills is severely impacting the Neelakurinji blooms, a rare species crucial to the region's biodiversity. Forest officials have noted that the plants, which bloomed this year across Chinnakkanal, Lakshmi, Pallivasal, and nearby hills, are being trampled and uprooted by tourists influenced by social media footage of protected zones.
Munnar Divisional Forest Officer Abhay Yadav reported that despite enforcement efforts, the destruction of the rare species persists. Senthil Kumar, CEO of Kestrel Adventures and organizer of the Munnar Marathon, highlighted that over 500 tourists trekked Lakshmi Hills to witness the blooms, with some tourists even sleeping in the shrubs to capture photos and videos for Instagram.
Kumar warned that unchecked access could lead to the total loss of the Neelakurinji population. Forest officials emphasized the urgent need for regulatory measures to protect these vulnerable habitats and maintain the region's fragile ecosystem.
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