Wildlife officials are strictly enforcing regulations at Horton Plains National Park after numerous incidents of illegal activity by tourists visiting to witness the rare Nelu flower bloom, which occurs only once every 12 years.
During the long weekend, when large crowds of local and foreign tourists visited the park, officials imposed on-the-spot fines exceeding Rs. 100,000 on visitors who were caught picking flowers, removing plants, and damaging vegetation within the park premises. Legal action has also been taken against 20 individuals involved in similar offences.
Park Warden Sisira Kumara Ratnayake stated that action will also be taken against those who took photographs harmful to the park’s biodiversity and posted them on social media. Those individuals have been summoned to appear before the Nuwara Eliya Magistrate’s Court.
Thousands of visitors flocked to Horton Plains last weekend following viral social media posts showcasing the blooming Nelu flowers. The sudden influx caused severe traffic congestion and environmental damage, according to officials.
Warden Ratnayake emphasized that tourists visiting Horton Plains to view the Nelu bloom must strictly follow national park regulations to protect the delicate ecosystem.
He further noted that four species of Nelu flowers have bloomed simultaneously this year — a rare natural event that has drawn massive crowds — and reiterated that strict legal measures will continue against anyone violating park rules.
