Munnar: The Wildlife department and the Idduki district administration have decided to slap a penalty on those trying to take away neelakurinji flower as another blooming season is in the offing after 12 years.
“Strict instruction has been passed over to all the enforcement officers and wildlife officials to tackle the stealing of kurinji menace,” said Munnar wildlife warden R. Lakshmi.
Though the quantum of the fine has not been finalised, a decision has been taken to penalise all those who are found carrying the kurinji flower or plant.
“People have a wrong notion that kurinji can bloom in other locations. It has not been reported so far,” said Idukki district collector G. R. Gokul.
The 2018 season, which is likely to start in August, is expected to see a record number of footfalls. Various governmental agencies are working in tandem on a war footing to make this a unique experience for all those visiting.
The collector requested people to avoid spoiling the good times by doing something foolhardy.
A 250-member police team, traffic officers, wildlife guards and volunteers will will be keeping a tight watch on every happening in Munnar this year.
