Munnar : The forest department has registered a case against two youths for allegedly plucking flowers of the protected Neelakurinji plant and posting photographs on the social media app Instagram .
The action was taken on the directions of the Munnar divisional forest officer after the photographs came to the department’s attention.
Violations can attract imprisonment of up to three years, or a fine of up to Rs 25,000, or both, according to the forest department. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kochi | Silver Rate in Kochi | Bank Holidays in Kochi | Public Holidays in Kochi Stay updated with the latest Kochi news.
The case was registered on the basis of the photographs and other evidence available on social media, forest officers said. The Munnar DFO said plucking flowers or damaging plants would not be permitted in areas where Neelakurinji blooms. Strict legal action would be initiated against those attempting to damage the plants, the officer said.
Neelakurinji is a protected plant under Wildlife (Protection) Act, and plucking or destroying the plant is prohibited. Download the TOI App.