TheKarnataka governmenthas decided to protect all varieties of neelakurinji in the state, thanks to the national kurinji exhibition led by a Malayali neelakurinji expert and botanist. The neelakurinji exhibition was organized inKarnatakaon behalf of the 87th birth anniversary of Kuppali Puttappa Poornachandra Tejaswi, a prominent writer and environmentalist.

In theWestern Ghatsthere are 64 varieties of neelakurinji and 20-25 varieties are found in Karnataka. InKeralawe know the importance and specialities of neelakurinji but Karnataka are yet to identify the same, said Augustine, continuing, In the programme, a detailed discussion was held on the importance of neelakurinji. Later, the minister announced that they will take steps to protect all available varieties of neelakurinji in their state.
He said that most people were unaware of the importance of neelakurinji, which is considered as one of the special Plants with blooming specialities. The government decision will be helpful to preserve the verities of neelakurinji in the state, he said.