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Minister promises to consider Kurinji Sanctuary
The Forest Minister Mr.  Benoy Viswam said at Munnar on 25th of July that the Government would consider establishment of kurinji sanctuary near Munnar.

Eravikulam National ParkThe Minister gave the promise after convening a high level meeting on conservation of the kurinji plants which will be flowering gregariously this year. The meeting, which was attended by forest officials, people's representatives, experts, environmental activists and others, was held to discuss the various aspects of protection of  kurinji from the heavy tourist inflow expected in the coming months.

Mr. Viswam noted that the kurinji plants (Strobilanthes kunthiana) were unique to the ecosystem in Munnar and some other parts of the Western Ghats.

He proposed that the 8000 hectares of revenue land near Munnar, which is now in possession of the Forest Department, could be initially declared as a sanctuary.

The Wildlife Warden of the Eravikulam National Park Mr. Roy P. Thomas said that the area had been fully cleared of ganja cultivators. He also pointed out that area needed to be protected.

 The meeting decided to launch a campaign for protection of the plants and introduce traffic restrictions during the flowering season of kurinji this year. It is expected that around half a million visitors might converge at Munnar thisVisitors season to see the flowers that would cover the hills like a carpet. The season would last beyond September.

It has also been proposed to collect a fine of Rs. 1000 from any person who tries to pick the flowers. Besides, entry of heavy vehicles in to Munnar town and sanctuary area will be prohibited during the season. Tourists will be taken to the kurinji hills by KSRTC bus services.

A large voluntary force consisting of NSS volunteers, National Cadet Corps, environmental activists and local traders will be mobilised to assist police, forest and revenue officials in crowd and traffic control and to prevent visitors from plucking the flowers. Sale of entry tickets to the Park through nationalised banks is under consideration.

Another meeting will be held in early August to finalise the arrangements. If effectively enforced, these proposals could help the  kurinji habitat to retain its beauty and survive the onslaught of tourists. .It is hoped that tourist will recognise the plight of kurinji and would not do anything to damage it. Piling of plastics and waste materials will also have to be prevented.

--Deepak M. Roy
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