Nilgiri tahr in the Chokaramudi hills near Munnar in Idukki. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
In 2024, the Chokramudi hills under Bison Valley panchayat near Munnar in Idukki were primarily known as a hub for raiders. However, just two years later, the landscape was transformed into a thriving natural habitat for the endangered Nilgiri tahr.
The crisis began in August 2024 when a native of Adimala purchased 14.69 acres of land in the ecologically fragile Chokramudi Hills and attempted to subdivide and sell the area into more than 60 plots. The attacker built an illegal road, cut down numerous trees and built a dam on the hillside. In response, residents of Bison Valley formed the “Chokramudi Conservation Council” to protest illegal construction and encroachment.
Two Special Investigation Teams (SITs) — one led by K. Sethuraman, former director of the Police Training Academy, and the other led by Sub-Collector Devikulam — have uncovered widespread encroachment on government land and massive destruction of rare Neelakurinji plants.
Following these reports, the revenue department canceled 13.69 acres of land title deeds in March 2025 and reclaimed the land for the government. By August 2025, the authorities had also canceled the title deed of another 1.05 acres and confiscated the resort built on the disturbed land on the Chokramudi hills.
Since the government took over, the absence of unregulated tourism has allowed nature to rebound. Local tribesmen report that the Nilgiri tahri now frequently camp in the area and often graze alongside tribal cattle.
Botanist Jomy Augustine confirmed that the Chokramudi Hills became an active habitat for the Nilgiri and Neelakurinji tahrs. “The climate and pastures here are most favorable for the Nilgiri tahr,” said Mr. Augustine. “Besides, the hills will witness a massive Neelakurinji bloom this August. The valleys will be colored in shades of purple,” he added.
According to local residents, other wild animals, including wild elephants, are increasingly being sighted in the Chokramudi hills.
Published – 21 March 2026 20:30 IST
