The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has moved the NGT to ensure Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka implement dedicated conservation plans for the rare Neelakurinji shrub.

  • MoEFCC has requested the NGT to mandate annual operational plans from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka for Neelakurinji conservation.
  • The Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) is an endemic shrub that blooms once every 12 years.
  • Unregulated tourism and infrastructure expansion are identified as primary threats.
  • The central government provides funding via the 'Development of Wildlife Habitats' scheme.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has formally approached the National Green Tribunal (NGT), requesting a directive to the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. The goal is to ensure these states submit comprehensive annual plans of operation that incorporate a dedicated conservation action plan for Strobilanthes kunthiana, popularly known as Neelakurinji.

The NGT had previously taken suo motu cognizance of a report designating Neelakurinji as a threatened species. Historical documentation spanning from 1832 to 2018 shows that this endemic shrub, which has a unique 12-year blooming cycle, was once widespread across 34 localities in major landscapes including the Nilgiris, Anamalai, and Munnar-Idukki regions of the Western and Eastern Ghats.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the survival of Neelakurinji is intrinsically linked to the health of the Western Ghats ecosystem. As a flagship species of the montane grasslands, its decline signals deeper ecological instability caused by human encroachment and climate shifts.

The conservation of Neelakurinji is vital for maintaining the ecological integrity of the Western Ghats.

A report by the Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI) has sounded the alarm, noting that unregulated tourism and rapid infrastructure expansion are significantly threatening the species. The ministry emphasized that the implementation of these plans should be carried out by state governments in coordination with State Biodiversity Boards.

Proposed Conservation Strategies

To prevent the extinction of this rare flora, the JNTBGRI has proposed several science-based interventions:

  • Implementing species-specific conservation plans that account for life-cycle biology.
  • Establishing long-term ecological monitoring plots to track population dynamics.
  • Restoring degraded grasslands by removing invasive alien species and reintroducing native flora.
  • Regulating tourism through strict carrying capacity assessments and designated pathways during flowering seasons.

On the financial front, the MoEFCC has been actively supporting these efforts. Under the 'Development of Wildlife Habitats' scheme, the Ministry released ₹5.9 crore to Kerala in FY 2025-26, following a ₹9.09 crore assistance in the previous financial year. The Ministry acts as a facilitating and funding agency, providing technical guidance to the states.

Did You Know?: The Neelakurinji bloom is a rare biological phenomenon that transforms entire hillsides into a sea of purple once every 12 years.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What makes Neelakurinji unique?
It is an endemic shrub of the Western Ghats known for its rare blooming cycle that occurs only once every 12 years.

2. What are the main threats to its habitat?
The primary threats include unregulated tourism, infrastructure development, and the spread of invasive plant species.