Strict legal action against tourists for environmental damage at Horton Plains National Park

Wildlife officials at the Horton Plains National Park are strictly enforcing the law against tourists for engaging in illicit behaviour while visiting to see the rare Nelu flowers, which are reported to bloom only once every 12 years.

During the recent long weekend holiday, which saw a massive influx of local and foreign tourists, wildlife officials collected over Rs. 100,000 in spot fines from visitors engaged in illegal activities, including plucking flowers and uprooting plants.

Legal action has also been initiated against a further 20 individuals.

Sisira Kumara Rathnayake, Warden of Horton Plains National Park, stated that legal action will also be pursued against those who took photographs causing damage to the park's flora and biodiversity and subsequently shared them on social media.

The Warden warned that those who posted pictures "for fun on Facebook" may be required to travel to Nuwara Eliya and appear before the court.

The Nelu flowers, which bloom once every 12 years, attracted a flurry of domestic tourists last weekend after various pictures and details were shared on social media.

This led to severe traffic congestion and a crowd of tourists that became difficult for the police and wildlife officials to manage.

Reports indicate that the uncontrolled behaviour of some visitors who flagrantly violated the National Park's regulations has caused serious environmental damage.

The Warden confirmed that thousands of tourists are still arriving at the park.

He emphasised that visitors coming to witness the Nelu Spring at Horton Plains National Park must adhere to the park's strict regulations.

Rathnayake noted that this year, four varieties of Nelu flowers have bloomed simultaneously for the first time in 12 years, which has contributed to the excessive crowd.

He reaffirmed that legal action has been taken against those who acted in contravention of the park rules.