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Kurinji flower fest inaugurated at Munnar hills

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Also declared the 1st sanctuary in its kind for Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana), which flowers once in twelve years

Munnar: State Minister for Home and Tourism, Mr. Kodiyeri Balakrishnan inaugurated the Kurinji flower's fest in a function held at Munnar on Oct. 7 2006, Saturday. At the inaugural function of the three-day 'Neelakurinji fest' 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 unauthorized constructions caused serious problems for the town. He also inaugurated the ecotourism projects and visitors amenity center 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 project.

Kerala Forest Minister Binoy Viswom announced the formation of a sanctuary for protection of 'Neelakurinji' and its habitat in the Kottakkambur and Vattavada villages of Idukki district. At the inaugural function of '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 nature the environment, wildlife and bio-diversity in the region. The Government Order (P) No.36/2006 F & WLD excludes areas with titles from the protected area, Mr. Viswom said.

The sanctuary area mainly consist of shola grasslands, which contains a variety of species besides the Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana), which flowers once in twelve years.In addition to conservation of the biodiversity, the sanctuary will help to mention water security in the area. The shola grasslands are the source of several perennial streams. Tamil Nadu was one of the major beneficiaries of protection of the kurinji, as most of the streams flow down to the Tamil Nadu.

S. Rajendaran 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. Rajendran.

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