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Ecology & Environment
Mahesh

15/01/23 09:11 AM IST

Centre puts Neelakurinji on the list of protected plants

In News
  • 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.
About Neelakurinji
  • Neelakurinji is an endemic plant found in a small stretch in the Western Ghats, from the Mangaladevi hills to the Nilgiris hills.
  • 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.
Significance
  • The new order will help in protecting the plant and its habitats.
  • Forest department officials will take action against those who uproot or destroy Neelakurinji in forest areas, protected areas, and national parks.
  • The new order will also help in penalizing those who destroy or uproot the plant, which is a major threat to the flowering areas.
  • The Forest department should ensure the protection of the areas where Neelakurinji blooms, especially the Kallippara hills in Idukki, where the plant was recently in bloom.
  • This will help in preserving the plant for future generations and ensuring that tourists continue to enjoy the beauty of the blooming Neelakurinji.
Source- The Hindu

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