Tourist footfall at Raja Seat in Madikeri has risen with the top tourist destination and one of the most visited sites in Kodagu hosting a flower show since Friday.
The flower show concludes on February 6.
Nearly 20 species of flowers and about 12,000 plants are part of the show with special floral decorations.
The highlights of the show include varieties of exhibits created in flowers, bonsai plants and others.
The Principal Secretary, Horticulture, Rajendra Kumar Kataria, visited the flower show with Deputy Commissioner B.C. Satish on Saturday.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / February 04th, 2023
The boards function as an early warning system for commuters and are automated with infrared signals. The infrared beams have been placed at an optimum height to detect the presence of elephants.
Madikeri :
The Kodagu division forest department is trying new techniques to address the increasing man-elephant conflict in the district. In a first-of-its-kind initiative, elephant signal boards have been erected in a few conflict zones erected by A Rocha India – a conservation research organization, with support from the Kodagu division forest department.
Boards with elephant signage have been placed at five conflict zones across Meenukolli and Anekadu forest limits. These sign boards are functional and signal commuters about the movement or presence of wild elephants.
“The elephant signal boards were first tested in Bannerghatta and over 50 detections of elephant movement have been recorded so far. Still, in its R&D stage, we have now extended this facility in Kodagu on request from the forest department,” shared Avinash Krishnan, CEO of A Rocha India.
An organization that is largely finding resolutions to the human-animal conflict in Bannerghatta and Hosuru areas, A Rocha India has erected five elephant signal boards in the district after availing details on the traditional elephant routes from the ground forest staff and the local community.
“The boards have been erected at strategic locations where elephants have been identified to move frequently – especially in coffee estates and other small patches of land,” he explained.
The Elephant Signal Boards alert commuters on elephant movement. (Photo | Special Arrangement)
The boards function as an early warning system for commuters and are automated with infrared signals. The infrared beams have been placed at an optimum height to detect the presence of elephants.
When the infrared detects the movement of wild elephants, the signal boards light up and warn the commuters to slow down or pause. The signal boards have been tested to make them foolproof.
Further, once the movement of the elephant is detected, the signals are pushed to the SMS server system and the local DRFOs can track and monitor the movement of the wild elephants. The solar-powered beams and signal boards can also be connected with Direct Current in case of the absence of sunlight. The units have been custom-made and are proven to be weatherproof.
“We are conducting a commuter survey across Bannerghatta to see if people are noticing and benefitting from the signal boards. The monitoring process is still ongoing and the data will be shared with the forest department to conceptualize the mitigation plans,” he added.
While the project has been implemented on a small scale in the district, A Rocha India looks forward to scaling it up following its successful implementation. The initiative is being tested in the district on request from the Kodagu division forest department CCF BN Murthy.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Prajna GR, Express News Service / January 31st, 2023
The event is being hosted by the Kodagu district administration alongside support from the Zilla Panchayat and the horticulture department.
Raja Seat gearing up for the annual Flower Show event to take place from February 3 to February 6. (Photo | EPS)
The historic mortar at the Raja Seat in Madikeri is blossoming in vibrant colours and happily stepping into the spring season. While greenery covered most parts of the park, it is now filled with brightly coloured, blossomed plants. The iconic tourist destination is now decking up for the annual Flower Show event, which will be held from February 3 to February 6.
The event is being hosted by the Kodagu district administration alongside support from the Zilla Panchayat and the horticulture department. The flower show will be inaugurated at 4 pm on February 3 with an entry fee of Rs 20.
“Raja Seat is getting ready to host the flower show, with almost 10,000 to 12,000 flowering plants already being set out at the venue,” confirmed Dr BC Sateesha, the Kodagu Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate. Around 15 to 20 varieties of flowering plants including petunia, canna, salbia, chrysanthemum, marigold, zinnia, calendula, phlox and daliya have been seeded in the park’s garden and are already blossoming in vibrant colours.
Furthermore, the venue will have historical structures of Kodagu decorated in flowers, including the iconic Nalknad Palace. The event will also create awareness of voting where the ballot unit, VV Pat, control unit, etc. will be recreated using flowers. From cardboard cutouts of superheroes to well-known leaders, everything will be decorated with flowers along with bonsai and anthurium that will deck up the entire venue.
The event will also provide a platform for the farmers to exhibit their unique products, which will be judged for the competition. A total of 60 shops will be established at the Gandhi Maidan (a few meters away from Raja Seat)consisting of various outlets from various government departments and private partners.
Alongside the flower show, a Wine Utsav will also be hosted which will exhibit both homemade as well as wines from the Wine Board that will be available for tasting activity. The event is seen as a boost to the tourism sector as Rs 15 lakh to Rs 20 lakh has been funded.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / January 27th, 2023
“Tigers never attack human beings from front. They attack from behind. In order to prevent attack of tigers, people of Sundarbans in West Bengal are using human faced mask on the back of their head and it is found to be successful. This might be useful in Kodagu district also,” said Col C P Muttanna, honorary secretary of environment and health foundation.
Muttanna further said, “Many people have died due to tiger attacks in Sundarbans, area were Brahmaputra river joins Bay of Bengal. Now the incidents have reduced due to people wearing human face mask on the back of their heads.
“In the south part of Kodagu, tiger attacks have increased and five people have already died. So a proposal is sent to the government to provide human face mask made of rubber.
“When one studies the tiger attack cases of the district, it becomes apparent that the tiger attacks people who go for open defecation in the morning. Though it is said that Kodagu district is open-defecation free, there are many areas where people still go to fields to defecate as there are no toilets. The government must provide toilets to households where there is no toilet,” he said.
Col Muttanna also asked people to leave the half eaten carcass of cattle as it is as the tiger will come again to eat the same and it will be easier for forest department to cage it.
source: http://www.daijiworld.com / DaijiWorld.com / Home> Top Stories / by Daijiworld Media Network – Madikeri (MS) / January 12th, 2023
The source of Cauvery is also among the most ideal locations to gaze at the sky.
A “star party” organised by the Bangalore Astronomical Society recently at Talacauvery in Kodagu district of Karnataka. Photo: Special Arrangement
Talacauvery in Kodagu district, which is the source of Cauvery river, has emerged as South India’s Hanle, as astronomers have been hosting “star parties” there for some time now. Hanle, located in Ladakh, and known for its pristine skies and minimal light pollution, is also India’s first Dark Sky Reserve.
A Dark Sky Reserve is a designation given to a place that has policies in place to ensure that a tract of land or region has minimal artificial light interference.
In south India, most dark sky locations are in the Western Ghats or some hill ranges nearby, and according to astronomers, Talacauvery is the most ideal location to gaze at the sky and have a star party.
Voluntary work
The Bangalore Astronomical Society (BAS), a group of volunteers working for the promotion of astronomy as a hobby as well as a science, is now hosting star parties at Talacauvery. IT professionals Sudhash Natarajan, Vishwanath S.K. and Keerthi Kiran have been volunteering to conduct the star parties for BAS.
“We at BAS usually arrange star parties on New Moon weekends (Friday-Saturday-Sunday) format as it is the ideal time to observe the celestial objects which we are looking for. We inform people who are interested in joining us for the star party eight to days in advance. Members of the sky party after arriving at the dark sky location set up their equipment like telescopes, binacolours etc and the observation goes on until 4.45 am,” said Sudhash Natarajan.
Mr. Natarajan said that the group which attends the star parties are of all walks of life and that they are a mix of experienced astronomers as well as students and newbies to astronomy. He added that star parties have also been conducted in Koratagere, Hoshalli, Kavalur, and Yercaud in the past.
Less light pollution
“However, Talacauvery is possibly the best dark night location in south India due to less light pollution. In astronomy, there is something called the Bortle scale which measures the night sky’s brightness of a location on a nine level numerical scale. The lesser the numerical scale it qualifies for a better dark sky location. For example, Hanle skies would qualify as Bortle one skies, Talacauvery as Bortle two, and Bengaluru as Bortle nine,” he added.
The star parties are usually conducted in the winter months between December to March as the skies are clearer during these months which is very important for stargazing.
Mr. Natarajan said a star party was conducted between December 23 and 27, 2022, and the next one would be between January 20 and 24.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by Hemanth C S / January 04th, 2023
Mahouts, Kavadis unhappy as they are emotionally attached to pachyderms
Siddapur (Kodagu):
The Karnataka Forest Department has begun the transfer of 13 elephants in batches from various elephant camps in the State to Madhya Pradesh. The purpose is to assist the Forest Department of that State in reducing the human-animal conflict and also ease the pressure on the identified elephant camps of Karnataka.
The camps that are giving the elephants are in Mysuru, Kodagu and Shivamogga. Following a letter from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden, Madhya Pradesh, seeking transfer of camp elephants from Karnataka to Madhya Pradesh, the Karnataka Forest Department initiated the process to shift the identified elephants.
A team of Forest Department from Madhya Pradesh visited the elephant camps at Ramapura in Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Gundlupet taluk, Dubare Elephant Camp at Siddapura in Kodagu and Sakrebyle Elephant Camp in Shivamogga where they identified the 14 elephants (12 male and 2 female). Though 14 elephants were identified for transfer, one male elephant died, reducing the number to 13 — 11 male and two female.
Subsequently, they submitted a detailed report to the Madhya Pradesh Government for consideration of their transfer from Karnataka. Following up on the matter, the Karnataka Government sought the opinion of field officers who approved the transfer and later, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change permitted the shifting.
The name of the selected elephants are: Krishna (21 yrs), Gaja (7 yrs), both male elephants, Marsiha (7 yrs) and Pooja (9 yrs), both female elephants — all four lodged in Ramapura camp of Bandipur Tiger Reserve; General Thimayya (8 yrs), Field Marshal (General) Cariappa (8 yrs), Valli (40 yrs), Lava (21 yrs) and Maruthi (20 yrs), all five male elephants from Dubare camp; Ravi (25 yrs), Shiva (6 yrs), Manikanta (35 yrs) and Bengaluru Ganesha (36 yrs), all four male elephants of Sakrebyle camp.
As per the agreement and the orders, yesterday, the five elephants were shifted from the Dubare Elephant Camp in trucks and the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department took possession of the elephants. They will subsequently reach Bhopal. The shipment includes Mahouts and Kavadis who will stay in Madhya Pradesh for some time till the elephants are acclimatised with new surroundings and new handlers.
The Ramapura camp gave four elephants instead of five as the male pachyderm Ganesha (17 yrs) that was identified to be shifted died due to illness. The remaining four elephants have already been sent to Madhya Pradesh.
Now with the shifting, the Ramapura Elephant Camp has been left with 14 elephants, Dubare Camp with 27 and Sakrebyle Camp has 15 elephants.
Kodagu Chief Conservator of Forests B. Niranjan Murthy said that there are elephant camps at Dubare, Harangi, Mathigodu, Bheemanakatte and Balle in Kodagu with a total of 70 tamed elephants and two of them from Mathigodu camp have been sent for capture and taming of wild elephants and other departmental purposes.
Mahouts, Kavadis unhappy
Even as the process of shifting began, the Mahouts and Kavadis have opposed it as they are emotionally attached to the elephants. This apart, they are scared of losing their livelihood as they will be left with no job after the elephants are shifted.
Pointing out that they are not permanent staff, Dobi, State Vice-President of Mahouts and Kavadis Association, said that it is the Mahouts who have captured and tamed these elephants in deep forests and their livelihood is now under threat.
Urging the Government to regularise their service and also to hike their wages, he wanted the Government to address the issues concerning daily wage Mahouts and Kavadis, who are serving the Forest Department for years without any job security.
source: http://www.staromysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / December 23rd, 2022
While the team is currently equipped with four vehicles, two more four-wheelers will be allotted to the team to address the conflict efficiently.
The newly appointed Elephant Task Force team. (Photo | Special arrangement)
Madikeri :
To address the issue of wild elephant conflict, Karnataka had ordered the establishment of Elephant Task Forces in four conflict-affected districts. Similarly, the task force has become functional in Kodagu and assures to scientifically tackle the increasing movement of wild elephants.
“The Elephant Task Force team and office have been established at Madikeri, Virajpet, Somwarpet and Thithimathi divisions. A sub-station has been established at Srimangala and the task force will be alert 24X 7 to fight the conflict situation,” confirmed BN Murthy, the CCF of Kodagu division forest department.
Each task force has been appointed a Deputy Conservator of Forest, an Assistant Conservator of Forest, a Range Forest Officer, eight forest guards, forest watchers and Rapid Response Team members.
The department will provide the team with a transport facility and equip them with improved guns.
A control room will be functioning 24X7 and residents can call 8277124444 to alert the Elephant Task Force team about the movement of any conflict wild elephant at any time. CCF confirmed that the teams will be in touch with the wireless connection facility and will stay updated on the movement of conflict wild elephants.
While the team is currently equipped with four vehicles, two more four-wheelers will be allotted to the team to address the conflict efficiently.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / December 20th, 2022
Month-long photo exhibition brings alive one of the jewels that remain on earth
Mysore/Mysuru:
Marking International Mountain Day, a month-long photography exhibition on the theme ‘Western Ghats’ began at Regional Museum of Natural History (RMNH), Siddarthanagar in the city on Sunday (Dec. 11).
The exhibition is an attempt to celebrate the glorious natural history of the mountain range closest to us — The Western Ghats, which cover Kodagu in Karnataka, Ooty in Tamil Nadu and Munnar Hill Range in Kerala.
The expo is a collaborative effort of RMNH and writer, photographer K.C. Mandappa to raise awareness and inspire passion and conservation of mountains that are responsible for life sustenance and also livelihoods.
The photography exhibition was inaugurated by Munnar Tata Tea Estate Manager Dr. K.N. Chengappa in the presence of RMNH Chief Dr. A.P. Tiwari, senior scientists M. Vijay and Education Officer B.S. Yogendra.
The expo has a total of 36 incredible photographs captured by Mandappa that explore the beautiful scenic geographical features, the flora and fauna, rich greenery and beautiful natural landscapes of Kodagu district. The photograph that displays two wild elephants passing through a water body at Pollibetta in Virajpet taluk, is much symbolic of wildlife and biodiversity in the district.
The photograph of a green snake which can hardly be noticed amidst the rich greenery, showcases the mysteries of nature. A photograph featuring three Nilgiri Tahrs roaming around in Munnar Hill range of Kerala is equally exciting.
Apart from this, the exhibition has many other interesting, exciting and absorbing rare photographs, featuring the hill ranges around the Paadi Igguthappa Temple at Kakkabbe, the flow of Cauvery as a small river near Napoklu, Nilgiri Hill range etc.
Mandappa said that the exhibition, apart from Kodagu district, has many photographs on places close to Mysuru that come under the Western Ghats. Pointing out that the photographs on display cover various aspects and activities concerning wildlife, agriculture, hill ranges, the rich flora and fauna, natural vegetation etc., in Kodagu district, he said that the expo also has many magnificent and captivating photos on Ooty and Munnar Hill ranges and the vast landscapes.
At this exhibition, one can experience the Western Ghats like never before and see some of the most threatened and vulnerable species on the Indian subcontinent in an area that routinely faces obstacles to conservation such as human-wildlife conflict, habitat fragmentation, habitat destruction, and road-related wildlife kills.
RMNH Education Officer B.S. Yogendra said that Mandappa has been excellent in capturing the geographical features of the beautiful landscapes of Western Ghats in a most absorbing manner.
Noting that Mandappa has carried out an in-depth study of the geographical features of Western Ghats, he said that water bodies like lakes and rivers and other water sources can exist only if there are hill ranges.
Pointing out that agriculture is an integral part of our nature, he said that mountains and hill ranges are crucial for survival of wildlife, vegetation and habitation. He further said that the illustration of the photographs too is excellent. “These photographs are arguably the most valuable tools we have for raising awareness and mobilising efforts to protect what jewels remain on this planet,” he added.
Expo open till Jan. 10
The month-long photography expo which opened on Dec. 11, will go on till Jan. 10, 2023. It will be open on all days from 10 am to 6 pm, barring Monday, which is a weekly-off day and other public holidays.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / December 14th, 2022
Large populations of wild elephants moved freely between Kodagu and Kerala states even as the Bramhagiri-Nagarahole-Wayanad forest was known to be an age-old elephant corridor.
Elephant image used for representational purpose only. (Photo | Special Arrangement)
Madikeri :
Elephants are migratory beings and tigers are known to be territorial. However, with forests depleting to make way for human-centric development, wildlife conflict is peaking, as is evident in Kodagu. Nevertheless, experts opine that the conflict can be addressed scientifically by not just establishing conflict-mitigation projects, but by connecting fragmented forest areas.
While humans are confined to district, state, national and international borders, the wildlife, especially elephants, migrate without borders. Similarly, a large population of wild elephants moved freely between Kodagu and Kerala states even as Bramhagiri-Nagarahole-Wayanad forest was known to be an age-old elephant corridor.
However, this corridor has now been fragmented and the Kodagu division of the Forest Department is keen on connecting the fragmented forest area to make way for the free movement of the elephants. This in turn will also create a large undisturbed forest area for the territorial tigers too.
“Over 150 acres of two private coffee estates has disconnected the elephant corridor and is disrupting free movement of the elephants. The department is in talks with estate owners to purchase the land and establish an elephant corridor,” said B N Niranjan Murthy, Chief Conservator of Forests of Kodagu division.
A huge gap between Bramhagiri and Wayanad forest area has forced the elephants to tread through villages and on roads to continue their migration. An estimate of Rs 25 crore has been drawn to procure private lands even as the department holds a vision to invest on a flyover in an area for vehicle movement.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Prajna GR, Express News Service / December 07th, 2022
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