Ol Chiki Script

Why in News?

The Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with Fagun (a monthly Santhali newspaper), is organising the Inaugural Function of the Centenary Celebrations of the Ol Chiki Script at Dr Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi.

What is the Ol Chiki Script?

• Oral Tradition – For centuries, knowledge and cultural memory were transmitted through speech rather than writing.
• Rooted in rich traditions of folklore, songs, rituals, and storytelling, the Santhali language sustained its continuity through a vibrant oral heritage that preserved identity across generations.
• Script Development – The Ol Chiki script is the official script of the Santhali language, one of India’s prominent tribal languages.
• Spoken widely – Across Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Assam, and Bihar.
• Belonging to – The Austroasiatic language family, Santhali has historically thrived through these oral traditions.
• Strengths & Challenges – While oral traditions kept Santhali culture alive, the lack of a standard script created major hurdles in documentation, formal education, and literary growth.

What is the Historical Background?

• Using Borrowed Scripts – Prior to the 20th century, Santhali was transcribed using various borrowed scripts, including Roman, Bengali, Odia, and Devanagari.
• These scripts facilitated limited written expression, but they were not designed to capture its unique phonetic features accurately.
• Tribal languages historically faced marginalisation under dominant linguistic groups (Bengali, Odia, Hindi).
• Phonetic Challenges – The language includes unique sounds, such as glottal stops and specific vowel patterns, which have been difficult to accurately represent using external writing systems.
• Impact – Consequently, this often led to distortions in pronunciation and meaning, thereby creating obstacles in educational contexts and hampering systematic linguistic development preservation.
• Rise of Ol Chiki – At the heart of the Ol Chiki movement stands the visionary who transformed Santhali from an oral tradition into a written legacy.
• This innovation gave the language a script tailored to its phonetics, enabling literary growth and cultural revival.

Who was the key architect of Ol Chiki script?

• Development – Ol Chiki was developed in 1925 by Pandit Raghunath Murmu to provide Santhali with a scientific and dedicated writing system.
• Guru Pandit Raghunath Murmu – A revered figure in the Santhali community, was born in 1905 in Dandbose village of Mayurbhanj district in Odisha.
• Deeply immersed in Santhali traditions from a young age, he was driven by the need to give his language a distinct written identity.
• This vision led to the creation of the Ol Chiki script, providing Santhali with its own scientific and phonetic writing system.
• Title – His dedication to cultural preservation and education earned him the honorary title of “Pandit”.
• Literary Contributions
  • High Serena (1936) – First book written in Ol Chiki.
  • Bidu-Chandan – A celebrated work reflecting Santhali culture and emotions.
  • Authored other influential texts to promote literacy and awareness of Ol Chiki.
• Recognition – His contributions received wide recognition, including an honorary doctorate from Ranchi University and honours from the Odisha Sahitya Akademi.

How the Ol Chiki Script was created?

• The creation of Ol Chiki was not merely a linguistic reform but a cultural resistance movement against assimilation.
• Key Linguistic Features
• Designed exclusively for Santhali
• 30 letters representing vowels and consonants
• Each symbol corresponds directly to a specific sound
• Accurately captures glottal stops and unique phonetic elements.
• Tool of Identity and Resistance – By developing a distinct script, the Santhal community asserted
  • Intellectual autonomy
  • Cultural sovereignty
  • Resistance to linguistic homogenization.
• This reflects how language becomes a political instrument of identity formation.
• A Distinct Script – Unlike adapted scripts, Ol Chiki provided a linguistically precise and culturally rooted medium of written expression.
• Turning Point in Language Evolution – The introduction of Ol Chiki marked a turning point in the evolution of Santhali as a written language.
• By providing a script rooted in linguistic authenticity, it enabled the language to transition from an exclusively oral medium to a structured written form.
• Accuracy & Standardisation – The script made it possible to record vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation with accuracy.
• It also facilitated the standardisation of language use, thereby supporting teaching, translation, and publication.

What was the Constitutional Milestone of Santhali language?

• Inclusion in 8^th Schedule – The Santhali language was formally included in the 8^th Schedule of the Constitution of India through the 92^nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003.
• This milestone shifted Santhali from a culturally rich but marginalised language to one formally acknowledged in India’s linguistic framework.
• Institutional Support – It enabled Santhali to receive support in education, governance, and public communication.
• It facilitated its use in competitive examinations, literary promotion, and academic research.
• Strengthening Ol Chiki – This recognition strengthened the adoption of the Ol Chiki script in formal domains such as school curricula and state-level publications.
• It was not merely a linguistic inclusion but an affirmation of the identity, heritage, and intellectual traditions of the Santhal community.
• Constitution in Santhali – The Constitution of India was officially translated into the Santhali language using the Ol Chiki script and released in December 2025.
• Published by the Legislative Department, marked the first time that the nation’s foundational legal text became available in Santhali in its own indigenous script.
• Significance of Translation – It  ensures that constitutional values and rights are accessible to Santhali-speaking citizens in a linguistically familiar form.
• By enabling direct engagement with constitutional provisions related to governance, equality, and tribal safeguards under the Fifth and Sixth Schedules.
• 100 Years celebration of Ol Chiki Script – To honour the cultural and linguistic legacy of Ol Chiki, the Government is issuing a Rs.100 commemorative coin and a postage stamp marking its centenary (1925–2025).
• The coin shows the Lion Capital of Ashoka, the denomination, and a portrait of Pandit Raghunath Murmu, set against Ol Chiki characters, with an inscription celebrating 100 years of the script.

What lies ahead?

• Today, Ol Chiki represents far more than a writing system.
• It stands as a symbol of linguistic dignity, cultural resilience, and intellectual self-determination.
• The 100 years of Ol Chiki mark not just time, but the enduring power of language as a foundation of identity, dignity, and cultural continuity.
• As Ol Chiki enters its next century, it serves as a bridge between tradition and modernity and a guide for future generations.
• It reaffirms that language is not just a tool for communication, but a living expression of memory and identity.

Reference

PIB | Ol Chiki Script - 100 Years of Linguistic Empowerment

Ol Chiki Script

Why in News?

The Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with Fagun (a monthly Santhali newspaper), is organising the Inaugural Function of the Centenary Celebrations of the Ol Chiki Script at Dr Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi.

What is the Ol Chiki Script?

• Oral Tradition – For centuries, knowledge and cultural memory were transmitted through speech rather than writing.
• Rooted in rich traditions of folklore, songs, rituals, and storytelling, the Santhali language sustained its continuity through a vibrant oral heritage that preserved identity across generations.
• Script Development – The Ol Chiki script is the official script of the Santhali language, one of India’s prominent tribal languages.
• Spoken widely – Across Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Assam, and Bihar.
• Belonging to – The Austroasiatic language family, Santhali has historically thrived through these oral traditions.
• Strengths & Challenges – While oral traditions kept Santhali culture alive, the lack of a standard script created major hurdles in documentation, formal education, and literary growth.

What is the Historical Background?

• Using Borrowed Scripts – Prior to the 20th century, Santhali was transcribed using various borrowed scripts, including Roman, Bengali, Odia, and Devanagari.
• These scripts facilitated limited written expression, but they were not designed to capture its unique phonetic features accurately.
• Tribal languages historically faced marginalisation under dominant linguistic groups (Bengali, Odia, Hindi).
• Phonetic Challenges – The language includes unique sounds, such as glottal stops and specific vowel patterns, which have been difficult to accurately represent using external writing systems.
• Impact – Consequently, this often led to distortions in pronunciation and meaning, thereby creating obstacles in educational contexts and hampering systematic linguistic development preservation.
• Rise of Ol Chiki – At the heart of the Ol Chiki movement stands the visionary who transformed Santhali from an oral tradition into a written legacy.
• This innovation gave the language a script tailored to its phonetics, enabling literary growth and cultural revival.

Who was the key architect of Ol Chiki script?

• Development – Ol Chiki was developed in 1925 by Pandit Raghunath Murmu to provide Santhali with a scientific and dedicated writing system.
• Guru Pandit Raghunath Murmu – A revered figure in the Santhali community, was born in 1905 in Dandbose village of Mayurbhanj district in Odisha.
• Deeply immersed in Santhali traditions from a young age, he was driven by the need to give his language a distinct written identity.
• This vision led to the creation of the Ol Chiki script, providing Santhali with its own scientific and phonetic writing system.
• Title – His dedication to cultural preservation and education earned him the honorary title of “Pandit”.
• Literary Contributions
  • High Serena (1936) – First book written in Ol Chiki.
  • Bidu-Chandan – A celebrated work reflecting Santhali culture and emotions.
  • Authored other influential texts to promote literacy and awareness of Ol Chiki.
• Recognition – His contributions received wide recognition, including an honorary doctorate from Ranchi University and honours from the Odisha Sahitya Akademi.

How the Ol Chiki Script was created?

• The creation of Ol Chiki was not merely a linguistic reform but a cultural resistance movement against assimilation.
• Key Linguistic Features
• Designed exclusively for Santhali
• 30 letters representing vowels and consonants
• Each symbol corresponds directly to a specific sound
• Accurately captures glottal stops and unique phonetic elements.
• Tool of Identity and Resistance – By developing a distinct script, the Santhal community asserted
  • Intellectual autonomy
  • Cultural sovereignty
  • Resistance to linguistic homogenization.
• This reflects how language becomes a political instrument of identity formation.
• A Distinct Script – Unlike adapted scripts, Ol Chiki provided a linguistically precise and culturally rooted medium of written expression.
• Turning Point in Language Evolution – The introduction of Ol Chiki marked a turning point in the evolution of Santhali as a written language.
• By providing a script rooted in linguistic authenticity, it enabled the language to transition from an exclusively oral medium to a structured written form.
• Accuracy & Standardisation – The script made it possible to record vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation with accuracy.
• It also facilitated the standardisation of language use, thereby supporting teaching, translation, and publication.

What was the Constitutional Milestone of Santhali language?

• Inclusion in 8^th Schedule – The Santhali language was formally included in the 8^th Schedule of the Constitution of India through the 92^nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003.
• This milestone shifted Santhali from a culturally rich but marginalised language to one formally acknowledged in India’s linguistic framework.
• Institutional Support – It enabled Santhali to receive support in education, governance, and public communication.
• It facilitated its use in competitive examinations, literary promotion, and academic research.
• Strengthening Ol Chiki – This recognition strengthened the adoption of the Ol Chiki script in formal domains such as school curricula and state-level publications.
• It was not merely a linguistic inclusion but an affirmation of the identity, heritage, and intellectual traditions of the Santhal community.
• Constitution in Santhali – The Constitution of India was officially translated into the Santhali language using the Ol Chiki script and released in December 2025.
• Published by the Legislative Department, marked the first time that the nation’s foundational legal text became available in Santhali in its own indigenous script.
• Significance of Translation – It  ensures that constitutional values and rights are accessible to Santhali-speaking citizens in a linguistically familiar form.
• By enabling direct engagement with constitutional provisions related to governance, equality, and tribal safeguards under the Fifth and Sixth Schedules.
• 100 Years celebration of Ol Chiki Script – To honour the cultural and linguistic legacy of Ol Chiki, the Government is issuing a Rs.100 commemorative coin and a postage stamp marking its centenary (1925–2025).
• The coin shows the Lion Capital of Ashoka, the denomination, and a portrait of Pandit Raghunath Murmu, set against Ol Chiki characters, with an inscription celebrating 100 years of the script.

What lies ahead?

• Today, Ol Chiki represents far more than a writing system.
• It stands as a symbol of linguistic dignity, cultural resilience, and intellectual self-determination.
• The 100 years of Ol Chiki mark not just time, but the enduring power of language as a foundation of identity, dignity, and cultural continuity.
• As Ol Chiki enters its next century, it serves as a bridge between tradition and modernity and a guide for future generations.
• It reaffirms that language is not just a tool for communication, but a living expression of memory and identity.

Reference

PIB | Ol Chiki Script - 100 Years of Linguistic Empowerment

Kerala Declares Tidal Flooding a State-Specific Disaster

Why in News?

In a significant policy move, the Government of Kerala has declared tidal flooding caused by sea-level rise and high tides as a “State-specific disaster.”

What are tidal floods?

• Tidal floods – These are also known as "sunny day" or nuisance flooding, are the temporary inundation of low-lying coastal land, roads, and infrastructure during exceptionally high tides, such as full or new moons, rather than from storm surge or heavy rain.
• Causes – Primarily driven by high tides (often called "king tides"), but intensified by rising sea levels and, in some cases, distant storms.
• Impact – While not usually life-threatening, they cause significant disruption by flooding roads, overwhelming storm drains, and damaging infrastructure.
• Frequency – Increasing in frequency due to climate change-induced sea-level rise.
• Characteristics – Occur in coastal cities and low-lying areas, often during calm, sunny weather.
• Tidal Flooding in Kerala – Tidal flooding along Kerala’s coastline is a recurring phenomenon wherein the level of the Arabian Sea temporarily rises above a defined threshold, leading to inundation of low-lying coastal areas.
• Unlike storm surges caused by cyclones, tidal flooding:
  • Occurs twice daily due to regular tidal cycles.
  • Intensifies during full moon and new moon phases (spring tides).
  • Becomes more severe when high tides coincide with coastal storms and adverse meteorological conditions.
• This phenomenon is particularly acute in nine coastal districts of the State. Areas such as Vypin, Chellanam, Edakochi, and Perumbadappu in Kochi Corporation, along with Kumbalanghi panchayat, frequently experience seawater ingress into residential zones through rivers, backwaters, and canals.

Why Declare a Routine Phenomenon a Disaster?

• Ordinary process – The SDRF provides assistance for disasters arising from extreme or unforeseen events such as cyclones, floods, or earthquakes.
• However, tidal rise is a regular natural process and does not automatically qualify as a disaster under existing norms.
• Legal basis – The basis for Kerala’s move lies in Section 2(d) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, which defines a disaster as a catastrophe or natural phenomenon that causes substantial loss of life, property, or livelihood and disrupts community life.
• Justification of The State government – They reasoned that when tidal flooding leads to recurrent loss of life, livelihood, and shelter, it transcends being a mere natural occurrence and falls within the statutory definition of a disaster.
• By declaring it a State-specific disaster, Kerala has operationalized a legal mechanism to extend financial relief to victims, thereby addressing a long-standing policy gap.

What are the geographic and topographic vulnerability of Kerala?

• Kerala’s distinct physiography significantly amplifies the impact of tidal flooding:
• Low-Lying Coastal Plains – Parts of Alappuzha district, especially the Kuttanad region, lie below sea level.
• Proximity to Sea Level – The commercial city of Kochi is situated barely above sea level, making it highly susceptible to sea incursion.
• Dense River and Backwater Network – High tides cause seawater to travel inland through rivers, canals, and backwaters, increasing the spatial spread of flooding.
• Water crossing the High Tide Line (HTL) often constitutes dangerous sea incursion, affecting habitations and infrastructure.
• In contrast to other coastal States with relatively higher elevations or different coastal geomorphology, Kerala’s narrow coastal belt and intense human settlement heighten vulnerability.

What are the socio-economic impact of coastal flooding?

• Tidal flooding directly affects nearly 10% of Kerala’s population. The impacts are multi-dimensional:
• Livelihood Loss – Fisherfolk, coastal farmers, small traders, and daily wage workers face recurrent income disruptions.
• Agricultural Damage – Saline water intrusion degrades soil quality, affecting paddy cultivation in coastal and below-sea-level areas.
• Infrastructure Damage – Roads, houses, and public utilities are frequently damaged.
• Public Health Risks – Stagnant saline water increases the risk of waterborne diseases.
• Additionally, unregulated land use has resulted in houses and structures being built in floodplains and puramboke lands adjacent to water bodies.
• Excessive siltation and reduced river depth further impede natural drainage, aggravating flood intensity.
• Unlike monsoon-induced flooding, tidal flooding can occur year-round, thereby increasing chronic vulnerability and necessitating sustained institutional response.
• Broader climate change context – Although tidal cycles are natural, rising sea levels due to climate change have amplified their impact.
• Global sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and increased frequency of extreme weather events have combined to make previously manageable tidal events more destructive.
• Kerala’s declaration reflects adaptive governance in response to evolving climate risks.

What are the other state-specific disasters in Kerala?

• Previously declared disasters – Kerala has previously notified several hazards as State-specific disasters, including:
  • Coastal erosion
  • Lightning
  • Strong winds
  • Soil piping
  • Heatwave and sunstroke
  • Human-wildlife conflict
  • A recent example includes the shipwreck of MSE Elsa 3 off the Kerala coast in May 2025.
• The vessel, carrying over 643 containers, capsized approximately 14.6 nautical miles off the coast in the Arabian Sea.
• Considering the potential environmental, economic, and social consequences—such as oil spills and drifting debris—the State declared the wreckage a State-specific disaster.
• This illustrates Kerala’s proactive use of statutory provisions to manage emerging risks.

What are the significance of the decision of Kerala?

The declaration of tidal flooding as a State-specific disaster has multiple implications:

• Financial Relief – Victims can now receive SDRF assistance for loss of life, property damage, and livelihood disruption.
• Policy Innovation – Kerala sets a precedent for other coastal States facing similar challenges.
• Institutional Recognition – It formally acknowledges slow-onset and recurrent climate-linked hazards within disaster management frameworks.

• Improved Preparedness – It encourages systematic data collection, risk mapping, and mitigation planning.

What should be done?

• While financial assistance is crucial, long-term resilience requires structural and policy interventions.
• Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) – Strengthening coastal defenses, mangrove restoration, and regulated development.
• Scientific HTL Mapping – Updating coastal regulation boundaries using advanced geospatial tools.
• Drainage and Desiltation – Enhancing river depth and improving backwater flow to prevent water stagnation.
• Climate Adaptation Planning – Incorporating sea-level rise projections into urban planning and infrastructure development.
• Community-Based Disaster Management – Training coastal communities in early warning and preparedness measures.

What lies ahead?

• Kerala’s recognition of tidal flooding as a State-specific disaster represents a progressive and climate-sensitive governance approach.
• By leveraging the legal framework of the Disaster Management Act, the State has bridged a policy gap and extended social protection to vulnerable coastal communities.
• As sea levels continue to rise and climate variability intensifies, such adaptive and localized disaster management strategies may become increasingly necessary across India’s coastline.

Reference

The Hindu| Tidal Waves in Kerala

India’s first underwater Road-cum-Rail tunnel

Why in News?

Recently, the Cabinet approved India’s first underwater twin-tube road–rail tunnel, the second such project globally.

• Location – Assam (Brahmaputra river region).
• Approved by – Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA).
• Connectivity – Between Gohpur (NH-15) and Numaligarh (NH-715) corridor.
  • Forms part of a 4-lane access-controlled greenfield corridor.
• Key Features –

• Significance – Strategic Importance – Enhances strategic preparedness and disaster-response capabilities in Northeast India.
• Regional Connectivity – Improves connectivity between Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and other Northeastern states.
• Economic Boost – Facilitates trade, industrial growth, and logistics efficiency, reducing transport and logistics costs.
• Tourism Development – Enhances access to Kaziranga National Park and other tourist nodes, boosting the tourism economy.
• Multi-modal Integration – Enhanced connectivity with 04 Major Railway Stations, 02 Airport, and 2 inland waterways.

References

1. TH | Twin tube tunnel
2. IE | India’s first underwater Road-cum-Rail tunnel
3. PIB | India’s first underwater Road-cum-Rail tunnel

Refurbished Medical Devices

Why in News?

Recently, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has formed a committee to frame a policy for refurbished medical devices amid a dispute between domestic and global manufacturers.

• Refurbished medical devices – They are pre-used equipment restored to original operating specifications and resold at a lower cost.
  • They are capital-intensive technologies.
• Components – Includes high-end systems like MRI, CT scanners, PET-CT systems, robotic surgery systems, endoscopy and laparoscopy equipment.
• Procurement Cost –

• Lower cost helps hospitals in Tier-2, Tier-3 cities and standalone diagnostic centres.
• Regulatory Framework – Medical Devices Rules, 2017 – No dedicated regulatory pathway for refurbished medical devices.
• Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 2020 – Under which all medical devices are notified as “drugs”, but refurbished products are not separately defined.
• Import Regulations – Imports allowed through No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) issued by an expert committee under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) –Provides quality assurance and other reports.
  • Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) – Import authorisation.
• Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016 – Primarily governs Imports of used medical equipment.

• Status – India has no legal definitions for “used”, “refurbished”, “reconditioned”, or “remanufactured” medical devices, causing regulatory ambiguity.
• Expert concern – Risk India becoming a dumping ground for outdated technology.

Reference

IE | Refurbished Medical Devices

RBI Cyber-Fraud Compensation Scheme

Why in News?

Recently, the rising digital payment frauds and low recovery rates prompted the RBI to introduce a cyber-fraud compensation scheme.

• It is a new consumer protection measure by the Reserve Bank of India.
• Aim – To provide financial protection to victims of small-value digital frauds and enhance trust in digital payment systems.
• Objective – Protect consumers against financial losses from unauthorised digital transactions.
• Clarify liability and redressal mechanism for banks and payment service providers.
• RBI Observations – Card & Internet Frauds (2024‑25) –More than 13,000 cases reported in the banking sector, involving Rs 520 crore.
• National Cyber Crime Portal Complaints (2025) – Up by 25% compared to 2024, reaching 24.03 lakh cases.
• Small-Value Frauds – Account for more than two-thirds of fraud cases but less than 15% of total monetary losses.
  • 65% of frauds involve amounts smaller than Rs 50,000.
• Key Features – Maximum Compensation – Rs. 25,000 per case or 85% of loss, whichever is lower.
• Eligible Victims – Customers facing small-value unauthorised digital fraud, including cases where OTP was shared.
• Shared Liability –
  • RBI around 70% of compensation
  • Banks around 15%
  • Customer around 15% to encourage vigilance.
• Funding Source – Potentially RBI’s Depositor Education and Awareness (DEA) Fund, with banks contributing their portion of the compensation.
• Eligibility – Victims of digital fraud via UPI, cards, and net banking.
• Condition – One-time compensation per individual for their lifetime. Timely reporting and submission of proof required.
• Implementation – RBI will issue draft guidelines, with banks implementing them for fast and automatic compensation.
• Significance –
• Strengthens consumer protection in digital finance.
• Reduces the financial vulnerability of small victims.
• Encourages wider adoption of secure digital payments.

Reference

IE | RBI Cyber-Fraud Compensation Scheme

Report on RuPay & BHIM-UPI Incentive Scheme

Why in News?

Recently, the “Socio-Economic Impact Analysis of Incentive Scheme for Promotion of RuPay Debit Card and low-value BHIM-UPI (Person-to-Merchant) Transactions” was released at Chintan Shivir 2026.

• Released by – Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance.
• Conducted by – An independent third-party research agency in consultation with National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
• Objective – Accelerating universal adoption of digital payments, reducing dependence on cash, and formalising routine economic activity.

Digital transactions increased nearly 11 times, with UPI’s share in total digital transactions surging to ~80%, between 2021 and 2025

• Coverage – Sample Size – More than 10,000 respondents (users, merchants, service providers).
• Geographical Coverage – 15 States across 5 zones (North, South, East, West, North-East).
• Key Findings –

• Recommendations – Strengthen RuPay debit card usage, especially in rural/semi-urban areas.
• Promote low-value digital payments (e.g., UPI Lite).
• Invest in connectivity, digital literacy, and fraud mitigation.
• Significance – Increased formalisation, transparency, business efficiency, fintech innovation, and financial inclusion.
• Reinforces India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and vision of a less-cash, inclusive digital economy.

Reference

PIB | Report on RuPay & BHIM-UPI Incentive Scheme

Tetrataenium paikadae

Why in News?

Recently, researchers discovered a new plant species, Tetrataenium paikadae, in the high-altitude grasslands of Eravikulam National Park in the Western Ghats.

• The new species belongs to the carrot and coriander family called Apiaceae.
• Genus – Tetrataenium.
• Nomenclature – Named in honour of Rev. Fr. Joseph Paikada, former Principal and Manager of Devagiri College.
• Habitat – Moist, marshy high-altitude grasslands.
• Distribution – Endemic to Eravikulam National Park, Idukki district, Kerala.
  • Elevation range – 1,000–2,500 metres above sea level
• Key Characteristics – Height – 30–80 cm
• Flowering – July–September
• Fruiting – October–November
  • Distinguished by the number and structural arrangement of oil tubes in fruits.
• Feature – The stem is covered with thick, rough hairs.
• The leaves are oval or egg-shaped.
• Clusters of small white flowers
• Threats – Habitat degradation, climate change impacts on montane ecosystems, and human disturbances such as tourism and invasive species.
• Ecological Significance – Highlights the high endemism of montane grasslands and the biodiversity of the Western Ghats.

Reference

ETV BHARAT | Tetrataenium paikadae