Munnar’s Historic Jacaranda Trees Disappear as Development Projects Push Ahead

The century-old Jacaranda trees, fondly known as Neela Vaka, that once painted Munnar’s roads in shades of purple-blue every summer, are fast disappearing. These iconic trees, which stood as a symbol of Munnar’s colonial-era charm, are being axed as new development and road-widening projects gain pace across the hill station.

🌿 A Visual Identity Under Threat

For decades, the flowering Jacaranda canopy was one of Munnar’s most photographed and celebrated sights, attracting tourists and nature lovers. However, recent reports confirm that many of these trees along major roads and public spaces have already been felled.

Local residents and environmental groups say the removal of these heritage trees is happening quietly, with little public consultation.

🚧 Development Takes Priority

Authorities have argued that road expansion, infrastructure upgrades, and safety concerns necessitate the removal of the old trees. With Munnar witnessing increasing tourist inflow, officials claim that broader, safer roads have become essential.

However, critics say alternatives were never explored—such as rerouting, tree transplantation, or ecological impact assessments.

😟 Public and Environmental Concerns Rise

Environmentalists warn that cutting down these trees:

• disrupts the hill station’s fragile ecosystem
• increases soil erosion on steep slopes
• affects local temperature and shade
• erases a part of Munnar’s cultural history

For many residents, the Jacaranda flowering season symbolized the arrival of summer—a tradition now at risk.

🕊️ A Link to Munnar’s Colonial Past

The Jacaranda trees were planted during the early 1900s by British planters. Over the years, they became an integral part of Munnar’s identity, often featured in travel photos, postcards, and tourism campaigns.

Their vanishing marks the loss of a natural landmark that connected generations.

📢 Calls for Conservation Grow

Local activists and nature groups are urging the Kerala government to:

• halt further felling
• identify remaining Jacaranda clusters
• consider heritage status for surviving trees
• implement eco-friendly development alternatives

They argue that Munnar’s beauty—and its tourism economy—depend heavily on preserving the region’s unique green heritage.