Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes Kunthiana) is a duodecennial flowering plant which is found southern part of Western Ghat of India. The plant is present in Kerala, Tamilnadu, Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra. Neelakurinji has been included under Shedule III of Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. According to Schedule III, Neelakurinji comes under protected species eventhough it is not endangered.
Blossoming of Neelakurinji once every twelve years attracts thousands of tourists to the different hill stations to view this special phenomenon. Many tourists have destructed and uprooted the plants at the time of blossom. New rules will ban tourists from uprooting and destruction of Neelakurinji. The violators will invite Rs 25000 fine and 3 years imprisonment. If the violations are repeated, a fine of Rs 100,000 and an imprisonment of 7 years will be charged.The posession of Neelakurinji flowers and plants will be a punishable offence.
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