Neelakurinji bloom at Chokaramudy hills near Munnar in Idukki.
| Photo Credit: Special arrangement
As a fresh Neelakurinji blooming season draws tourists to the Chokramudy hills following their reopening on Monday (August 24, 2026), a rift has erupted between local civic bodies and the Forest department. Residents and elected representatives alleged that the Forest department failed to invite or even inform them about the opening of the season.In 2024, parts of the Neelakurinji-covered Chokramudy hills witnessed large-scale encroachment, illegal construction, tree felling, and the uprooting of the rare flora. Following the incident, residents from the valley area in Bison Valley panchayat formed the Chokramudy Protection Council to protest and demand the removal of encroachments and the conservation of the hills. Prompted by the public outcry, the State government constituted two special investigation teams (SITs). Based on their reports, the Devikulam Subcollector revoked the illegal title deeds and reclaimed the land in 2025.Bison Valley panchayat president Shalumol Sabu pointed out that the Chokramudy hills fall under the jurisdiction of both the Bison Valley and Chinnakkanal panchayats.“The forest department did not bother to inform or invite local bodies or public representatives to the opening of the flowering season. They have turned the blooming event into their own private affair,” Ms. Sabu said.“Additionally, it is the panchayat’s responsibility to manage the waste generated by visiting tourists. The current entry fee is exorbitant—even locals are forced to pay ₹200 to view the flowers. The panchayat had planned to set up an entrance booth with a nominal fee near Chokramudy, but the District Collector denied permission,” she said.Local vigilanceBaiju C.B., vice-president of the Chokramudy Protection Council, noted that local vigilance saved the blooms. “When the hills faced extensive tree felling and destruction, local residents alerted the Forest department to intervene. They took no action then, but now that the blooms are generating revenue, the department has put up signboards and claimed complete ownership,” Mr. Baiju said.Writer and journalist M.J. Babu emphasised that past conservation efforts in Munnar succeeded because of the involvement of local indigenous communities. “When Chokramudy was threatened by encroachments, local residents and tribal communities raised their voices to protect the hills. Bypassing them and local representatives for the opening event is a highly condemnable move,” Mr. Babu said.The official opening notice further fueled local resentment. Munnar Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Abhay Yadav inaugurated the season, with Munnar Wildlife Warden K.V. Harikrishnan, Mankulam DFO C.P. Aneesh, Idukki Social Forestry ACF Vipin Das P.K., Munnar ACF Sibin N.T., and Kothamangalam Flying Squad DFO Mani S. attending as invitees.‘Informal opening’Addressing the controversy, Chief Conservator of Forests D.K. Vinod Kumar clarified that the event was merely an informal opening ahead of the festive rush.“The hills were opened early to accommodate tourists ahead of the Onam holidays. The department has not excluded any public representatives; we plan to organise a formal event involving all local stakeholders and residents to celebrate the flowering season collaboratively,” said the official. Published - August 25, 2026 06:59 pm IST
