Mass-flowering of neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) is at its climax in the vast tracts of the southern Western Ghats. The little flower with no fragrance blooms once every 12 years. The

A plantation economy, land grabbing and migrations from neighbouring states have forced Gudalur s tribals into destitution

Problem: Terrain forbids water supply systems that work in plains; Status: Water crisis in peak season every year; Challenge: Develop decentralised water supply systems

Problem: Lack of space for garbage disposal; inadequate sewerage; Status: Garbage disposed on hill slopes ends in streams/rivers; Challenge: Introduce decentralised technologies for wast

Problem: Tall buildings risky in high seismic zones; Status: Hill stations are getting concretised and growing vertically; Challenge: Use local construction material; regulate traffic

Planners must stop looking down at hill stations

Problem: Tourist influx too large; earnings flow downhill; Status: Residents forced to share meagre facilities with tourists; Challenge: Regulate tourist flow; channelise funds for devel

Problem: Terrain forbids sprawl as in cities in the plains; Status: Alarming population density people per sq km ; Challenge: Policy question is: decongest, but how?