The iconic Jacaranda trees (Neela Vaka) that once lined the roadways of Munnar with their vibrant blue blossoms will soon become a sweet memory. Widening work for the Kochi–Dhanushkodi National Highway has led to the felling of most Jacaranda trees on the stretch between Second Mile and Munnar.

These trees, introduced by the British more than 125 years ago for shade and aesthetic appeal, had already dwindled over the decades due to a lack of conservation. The surviving clusters were largely found along the Second Mile–Head Works Dam stretch and the Munnar–Marayoor route. Now, the trees in the Second Mile–Head Works Dam section are being removed to facilitate road expansion.

Jacarandas shed their leaves in December and burst into full bloom by late February, with the purple flowers carpeting the landscape until the end of April. The vivid mid-summer display drew tourists in large numbers and became a familiar seasonal marker for locals, who fondly nicknamed the tree 'Pareeksha Maram' (Exam Tree) because it blossoms during school examination time. It is also known as the 'Violet Panic.'

Environmentalists in the region are facing criticism for failing to preserve seeds or initiate replanting efforts to ensure the survival of rare tree species in Munnar, including the Jacaranda.