Neelakurinji flower crown for Instagram lands two youths in trouble; three-year jail term possible

MUNNAR: A photograph of a youth posing with Neelakurinji flowers and wearing a crown made of the blooms may have been intended to attract attention on Instagram, but it has now landed two youths in trouble with the Forest Department. The department has registered a case against a youth from Kuttiyar in Munnar and another from Ernakulam for plucking Neelakurinji flowers and sharing their pictures on Instagram.

The photograph shared by one of the youths showed him holding Neelakurinji flowers in his hand and wearing a hair crown made of the flowers. The picture went viral, following which the Forest Department launched an investigation and registered a case. The flowers were plucked despite strict directions issued by the Idukki district administration and the Forest Department against plucking Neelakurinji flowers after they bloomed at Chokramudi in Munnar.

The Forest Department will prepare Form I and a mahazar and submit them before the court. Officials said the investigation is under way and further action will be taken after a report is submitted before the court.
Neelakurinji is a protected plant listed under Schedule III of the Wildlife Protection Act. Plucking or destroying the flowers or plants can attract a fine of Rs 25,000 and imprisonment of up to three years.