Kerala   

Sanctuary for kurinji declared

Roy Mathew

Will also ensure water security in Kottakkambur and Vattavada villages

ABODE FOR THE BEAUTY: The proposed sanctuary will help protect the mystical plants.

MUNNAR: Forest Minister Benoy Viswom announced the formation of a sanctuary for protection of `Neelakurinji' and its habitat in the Kottakkambur and Vattavada villages of Idukki district on Saturday.

At the inaugural function of the three-day `Neelakurinji Fest' here, the Minister said the Government had issued an order in this regard under the Wildlife (Protection) Act. The measure was intended to protect the area and nurture the environment, wildlife and biodiversity in the region. The Government Order (P) No. 36/2006 F & WLD excludes areas with titles from the protected area, Mr. Viswom said.

Revenue Minister, K. P. Rajendran, who was to preside over the function, could not make it.

The sanctuary area mainly consists of shola grasslands, which contain a variety of species besides the Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana), which flowers once in 12 years.

In addition to conservation of the biodiversity, the sanctuary will help to ensure water security in the area. The shola grasslands are the source of several perennial streams. Tamil Nadu would be one of the major beneficiaries of protection of the kurinji, as most of the streams flow down to the Tamil Nadu.

Earlier, inaugurating the `Neelakurinji Fest,' Minister for Home and Tourism Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said the festival and the declaration of the sanctuary was a historic occasion for Munnar and its environs. The Minister announced that a master plan would be prepared for the development of Munnar. Unplanned and unauthorised constructions caused serious problems for the town.

He also inaugurated the ecotourism projects and visitors amenity centre of the Eravikulam National Park at Rajamala. The Minister said `Neelakurinji' would be made a tourism product. Protection of the environment would be ensured while developing tourism, he added.

He said the panchayat boards and Kudumbasree units would have an important role in the proposed projects.

S. Rajendran and Bijimol, MLAs, and chairman of Kerala Tourism Development Corporation Cherian Philip were among those who spoke at the function.

A souvenir of the Neelakurinji Fest was released by Mr. Rajenndran.

Heavy rain dampened some of the festivities organised in connection with the Neelakurinji Fest. Cultural programmes in the evening featured performances by the Todas from the Nilgiris.

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