Eravikulam National Park in Munnar has been ranked the best-managed national park in India, based on the Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) 2020–25 by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The park scored an impressive 92.97%, tying for the top spot with Dachigam National Park in Jammu & Kashmir.
Evaluation Criteria and Process
The MEE assessed 438 Protected Areas using 32 parameters grouped under six broad themes, in line with international guidelines from the IUCN and the World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA). The evaluation was carried out by expert panels across multiple phases.
Kerala Leads Nationally
Kerala was the only state to receive an overall rating of ‘Very Good’, with a score of 76.22%, ahead of states like Karnataka (74.24%), Punjab (71.74%), and Himachal Pradesh (71.36%), which were rated as ‘Good’.
Other Top-Performing Sites in Kerala
Two more protected areas from the Munnar Wildlife Division also ranked high:
- Mathikettan Shola National Park scored 90.63%
- Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary scored 89.84%
Ecological Significance of Eravikulam
Spanning 97 sq.km, Eravikulam is located in the high-altitude shola-grassland ecosystem of the southern Western Ghats. It is home to the largest surviving population of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and is famous for the kurinji flower (Strobilanthes kunthianus), which blooms once every 12 years.
Praise for Eco-Tourism and Innovation
The evaluation praised Eravikulam for its:
- Strong eco-tourism model with local community involvement
- Effective cleanliness and park management
- Innovative use of technology, including India’s first Virtual Reality Nature Education Centre
The park also features an interpretation centre, orchidarium, fernery, and tourist zones designed to avoid ecological disruption.
Official Recognition and Golden Jubilee
Kerala’s Forest and Wildlife Minister A K Saseendran congratulated the Forest Department staff, highlighting their dedication. Chief Wildlife Warden Pramod G Krishnan said the recognition was particularly special as Eravikulam celebrates its Golden Jubilee this year.
Model for Conservation and Community
The report called the Western Ghats a vital biodiversity corridor, especially across Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Eravikulam was showcased as a model where conservation, tourism, and local communities coexist successfully without harming ecological balance.
