Category Archives: Green Initiatives / Environment

DCF of Madikeri division passes away

Agriculture, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Green Initiatives / Environment, Leaders, Nature, World Opinion
T P Shivaiah
T P Shivaiah

T P Shivaiah, who was serving as Deputy Conservator of Forests of Madikeri Wildlife Division, passed away on Friday. He was 59.

He had suffered a heart attack on April 19 and was admitted to a hospital in Mysuru. However, he did not respond to the treatment and breathed his last on Friday morning.

The final rites were performed with state honours at his native place in Bidalli village in Somvarpet taluk on Friday evening.

Deputy Commissioner Annies Kanmani Joy, CCF Hirelal, DCF Prabhakaran, Nagarahole DCF Mahesh Kumar, Virajpet DCF Shivashankar and other paid their respects to the departed soul.

Shivaiah is survived by wife, a son and a daughter. Both of his children could not take part in the last rites as son is based in USA and daughter in Australia.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Somwarpet / April 24th, 2020

Kodagu’s efforts to combat COVID-19 come in for praise

Green Initiatives / Environment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All
Deputy Commissioner Annies Kanmani Joy and SP Suman D. Pennekar at a containment area in Kodagu for checking the spread of COVID-19. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Deputy Commissioner Annies Kanmani Joy and SP Suman D. Pennekar at a containment area in Kodagu for checking the spread of COVID-19. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Kodagu had reported its first and only case on March 19 and thereafter zero cases till date; Union Health Ministry quotes containment efforts

Kodagu’s efforts to contain the spread of novel Coronavirus have been admired nationally since it is one among two districts in the entire country where no new COVID-19 case had surfaced for 28 continuous days even as cases had been soaring in other States, including in many parts of Karnataka as well.

The first case in Kodagu was reported on March 19 and there had been zero cases subsequently. Besides Kodagu, Mahe in Puducherry had also reported nil cases since over four weeks.

Joint Secretary (Health) Luv Agarwal, while citing Kodagu’s COVID-19 combat efforts during his media briefing, lauded the containment efforts and felt that such results can also be expected in other districts if such efforts were replicated.

The Centre’s appreciation has boosted the morale of Kodagu district administration, which, under the direction of Deputy Commissioner Annies Kanmani Joy, got into a “battle mode” almost a month before the first case was reported and when the virus was causing havoc in neighbouring China and spreading fast in Europe.

How did the district administration fight COVID-19?

The biggest challenge before it was the surveillance on the border with Kerala, which had a spike in cases, particularly from Kasaragod and Kannur areas. The health authorities started screening the people entering Kodagu from Kerala and later sealed some key border check-posts after the cases soared in the neighbouring State.

Sources in the Health Department told The Hindu that awareness programmes on COVID-19 that took off in February and surveillance on the borders helped the administration to confidently combat the disease.

Another reason for containing the spread of the contagion was the quick tracing of primary and secondary contacts of the first positive case (Kondangeri village) and the lockdown in 3-km radius of village to which the patient belonged to and its buffer area.

“None of the residents were allowed to step out of their village. All essentials were supplied to them by the district administration. After the two-week quarantine, they were under observation for any symptoms. Such containment efforts with round-the-clock monitoring with police patrol helped us to a large extent,” says Kodagu District Health Officer K. Mohan.

Also, the administration’s launch of e-commerce portal under #KodaguFightsCorona for delivering essential goods to the people’s doorsteps (to stop them from moving around) and the strict enforcement of the lockdown while easing the curbs three days a week for procuring essential supplies, and surveillance of fever cases on the district borders are the other efforts which could have worked in Kodagu’s favour.

The efforts of the district police, led by Superintendent of Police Suman D. Pennekar, in reaching out the ration and other essentials to the poor and migrant workers also helped to keep them indoors.

Also, 15 attendees of Tablighi Jamaat at Nizamuddin were identified and all of them were placed in hospital quarantine. They are now in 15-day home quarantine.

Around 400 medical teams are on the look-out for fever cases with door-to-door surveillance and reporting the suspected cases to the isolation ward.

With cases soaring in Mysuru, the administration, as a preventive measure, has decided to screen those transporting vegetables, fruits and other essentials in trucks from Mysuru to Kodagu from Monday.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Karnataka / by Shankar Bennur / Mysuru – April 20th, 2020

CNC Celebrates Edmyar-1 Kodava New Year Day By Ploughing Paddy Fields

Agriculture, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All

Edmyar01KF15apr2020

Madikeri:

Codava National Council (CNC), which is aspiring for Codavaland Geo-Political Autonomy and ST tag for Kodava tribalism, celebrated its 26th Annual Codava (Kodava) New Year Day Edmyar-1 as per Kodava tribal almanac by ritualistic ploughing of paddy fields.

CNC President N. U. Nachappa offered prayers to Guru-Karonas at Koopadira clan and reverential prayers to Mother Earth, Sun, Moon before two bullocks named Karianna – Kulla, ploughed a few rounds in the wetlands of Koopadira clan.

To herald the unbreakable bondage of Kodava tribal world with mother soil to entire universe, CNC is determined to showcase and display the age-old folkloric cultural traits and genus of Kodava tribal ancestry. In other words, all these ancient festivities enriched the civilisation of Kodava martial tribe.

Edmyar02KF15apr2020

CNC also prayed for the well-being of all the people of this world that is reeling under the pandemic COVID-19. Koopadira Sabu, Koopadira Mohan Muthanna, Lt. Col. Parvathi, Kompulira Myna Purandara and Koopadira Pranam participated in the celebrations.

Due to Corona pandemic, CNC’s Annual Edmyar-1 evening’s torchlight (pombolak) procession at Gonikoppal, is not being celebrated today. Speaking on the occasion, Nachappa said, “All Codava folkloric festivities and rituals mirror the agro-pastoral commitment, hunting skills and warrior hood of Codava tribal folk from time immemorial which depicts that we are above the tenets of caste and religion who are living in the rustic hills, mountainous terrain in the midst of rivers and rivulets.”

Edmyar03KF15apr2020

“We are happy that the Founding Father of the Constitution of India, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s birthday coincides with Codava New Year. We are ever grateful to Dr. Ambedkar for his yeomen contribution of accommodating space for expressing grievances of micro-minority tribes like Codava tribe,” he observed.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Covid News / April 14th, 2020

Activists urge to retain 3 GPs in Somwarpet

Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Green Initiatives / Environment, Leaders, Records, All
Office-bearers of Somwarpet Taluk Abhivruddhi Horata Samiti submit a memorandumto Deputy Commissioner Annies Kamani Joy.
Office-bearers of Somwarpet Taluk Abhivruddhi Horata Samiti submit a memorandumto Deputy Commissioner Annies Kamani Joy.

Office-bearers of Somwarpet Taluk Abhivruddhi Horata Samiti submitted a memorandum to Deputy Commissioner Annies Kanmani Joy urging to retain Madapura, Garvale and Haraduru Gram Panchayats in Somwarpet taluk.

The members expressed their discomfort on the omitting of three Gram Panchayats from Somwarpet in the map prepared by the revenue department.

Somwarpet Taluk Abhivruddhi Horata Samiti president M B Abhimanyukumar said that the process is on carve out Kushalnagar taluk from Somwarpet taluk.

Earlier, it was decided to declare the region comprising Garvale, Madapura and Haraduru as Madapur hobli. But, as it was concluded that a new hobli will not be formed, it has now been decided that the three Gram Panchayats will be retained with Suntikoppa hobli. However, the GPs will be part of Kushalnagar taluk according to the recent decision, which is not correct, the activists said.

This will create a huge inconvenience to the people from these three villages, in terms of trade and government works.

Somwarpet Taluk Abhivruddhi Horata Samiti general convener S Mahesh said that Garvale, Madapura and Haraduru panchayats should be clubbed into a separate hobli and should be called as Madapur hobli.

ZP vice president Lokeshwari Gopal, association general secretary K N Deepak, vice president B B Satish, treasurer Muralidhar, office bearers Bharat Kumar and Kavitha Viroopaksha were present.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Madikeri / March 03rd, 2020

Coorg Wildlife Society Hon. Treasurer Resigns

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Green Initiatives / Environment, Leaders, Nature

CoorgWildlifeSocietyK25mar2020

Madikeri:

Coorg Wildlife Society (CWS) Hon. Treasurer C.S. Poovaiah, has tendered his resignation from the post over violations of the Society bylaws by certain individuals in CWS.

In his letter to the President of CWS dated Feb. 18, 2020, Poovaiah has stated, “It is with anguish and a heavy heart I am writing this letter to you. As per the bylaw, the Secretary is responsible for administration and approving the bills of CWS and hence prudently has not authorised him to sign cheques on behalf of CWS to avoid conflict of interest. The bylaw authorises only the President or the Executive Vice-President and Hon. Treasurer to sign cheques (the signature of the Treasurer is mandatory) to prevent any financial fraud.”

Continuing, he has stated that the malafide approval given at the AGM to pay Rs. 90,000 to Col. C.P. Muthanna, former CWS President, towards his lawyer’s fees for his personal Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in the High Court much against the written disapproval of such payments by the auditors shows favouritism and cronyism.

Poovaiah said that the urgency in which the cheque for Rs. 90,000 was given to Col. Muthanna within a few hours after the AGM, without preparing the minutes of the AGM and without consulting the Treasurer and without obtaining the signature of the Treasurer, is a gross violation of all financial norms and the bylaws of CWS.

Pointing out that his complaint was treated very casually, Poovaiah has stated that CWS is being run as per the whims and fancies of a few individuals in CWS.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / March 04th, 2020

Crops Grown In 86,000 Hectares Washed Away In Kodagu Floods

Agriculture, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All

FloodsKF19mar2020

Madikeri:

The Kodagu district which was devastated by last year’s floods, lost crops grown in over 86,000 hectares due to the floods.

Replying to a question by Madikeri MLA Appachhu Ranjan in the Legislative assembly recently, Agriculture Minister B.C. Patil said that agriculture crops grown in 2,460 hectares, horticulture crops grown in 10,331 hectares and coffee grown in 73,774 hectares across Kodagu district were washed away in last year’s floods, that caused havoc in the entire district.

Maintaining that crop loss compensation has been directly credited to the bank accounts of the affected farmers through a software specially developed for the purpose, Patil said that compensation has been paid in accordance with the guidelines for crop relief.

Pointing out that farmers have been paid Rs.10,000 per hectare in addition to the input subsidy, over and above the guidance value notified by the Union Government under SDRF/NDRF guidelines, Patil said that the additional cost has been borne by the State.

Pointing out that farmers have been paid input subsidy of Rs.16,800 for rain-fed crops and Rs. 23,500 for irrigated crops, Patil said the total amount paid to farmers as input subsidy stands at Rs.10,093.38 lakh and a total of 38,900 farmers in Kodagu have been benefited.

Replying to another question, the Minister clarified that the Agriculture Department itself was not directly purchasing agricultural equipment from dealers and agencies, but was only providing subsidy to the equipment purchased by farmers as a measure to encourage farm mechanisation.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / March 18th, 2020

Two Day Kisan Mela Conducted at KVK, Gonikoppal, Kodagu ( Athur Farm )

Agriculture, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All, Science & Technology

KisanMelaKF18mar2020

A two day district kisan mela and Krishi Abhiyana programme was held at Athur farm of KVK Gonikoppal from 11th to 12 March, 2020. An array of farmers friendly technologies were on display in the Krishi Mela organized in collaboration with the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA). Dr. Shankara Hebbar, Principal Scientist, IIHR Bangalore gave a brief introduction about vegetable cultivation and polyhouses. Later Joint Director of Agriculture, Kodagu Dr. K Raju said that the programme was to create awareness among district farmers about latest agricultural technologies and schemes. Dr. Saju George, Head, KVK spoke on the different demonstrations units in the KVK Demonstration farm.

The programme was inaugurated by Shri. B A Harish, President, Zilla Panchayath, Kodagu.The Chief Guest Smt. Sarojamma, Zilla Panchayath Member , inaugurated the Exhibition stalls. Dr. C. G. Kushalappa, Dean, College of Forestry, Ponnampet also addressed the inaugural session. Dr. M R Dinesh, Director, IIHR, Bangalore, in his presidential address highlighted different farmer friendly technologies of horticultural crops, machineries, bio-fertilizers, bio-pesticides, micro nutrient formulation, incubation facilities for entrepreneurship available through ICAR-IIHR, which can be extended to the Kodagu district farmers through the KVK Gonikoppal. He said that there is lot of potential in the district for the adoption of horticultural technologies and thereby increasing increasing farmers income.

During the inaugural session , Shri M.M Aiyyappa, a farmer from Virapet was felicitated for brining the AMC technology to Kodagu through KVK. Shri Kishor Nachappa the farm journalist was felicitated for his role in promoting farm technologies through farm journalism. Smt Suja, was felicitated for her success in mushroom cultivation after undergoing training at KVK through ASCI sponsored skill development training programme. The Agriculture department felicitated the Kodagu district farmers for their achievements.

In the technical session, Dr. Shivaprasad, Deputy Director, gave a talk on the importance of soil testing and INM practices in coffee. Mr. Devaiah, K. A. Subject Matter Specialist spoke on the trellies method of black pepper multiplication. Sri. Thimmiah, S. C. Krishi Pandit, spoke on his experiences of mechanization in paddy for better realization of yield.In the second day technical session, Dr. S. J. Ankegowda, Principal Scientist & Head, Regional Station, IISR, Appangala gave a talk on holistic management of black pepper in the coffee based farming system. Dr. A. S. Shanthesh, Chief Veterinary Officer, Department of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Sciences, Virajpet taluk spoke on the importance of livestock for milk, meat and manure in the mixed farming system. Dr. S.C. Suresh, Subject Matter Specialist (Livestock) spoke on scientific piggery farming. Smt. Veena Sudheer, awardee farmer shared her experience of integrated farming system. Mr. K P Subbaiah, President, Puthari Farmers Producers Organization spoke on recent developments in marketing of coffee and initiatives of Puthari FPO.

In the Valedictory session, Mr. Srinivas, P. V., DDM, NABARD, Kodagu spoke on the different NABARD schemes for farmers, rural institutions. Mr. Vijay Angadi, Programme Officer, All India Radio, Madikeri spoke on the relevancy of this type programme and he opined that in coming programmes a separate session can be conducted on organic farming. Farmers were also taken to different demonstration plots in KVK Viz. vegetable demonstration plot where different varieties (Chilli- Arka Meghana & Kyathi, Brinjal -Arka Keshav, Pole bean- Arka Sukomal, yard long bean- Arka Mangala, cowpea- Arka Suman, Dolichos- Arka Adarsh were raised in one acre with raised bed, polyethene mulch with fertigation, different livestock units –piggery, Goatary, Diary, Poultry, Fodder crops, Propagation unit of Black pepper, arecanut, coffee, Solar irrigation unit, farm machineries unit etc. during the occasion.

More than 20 exhibition stalls were arranged for the benefit of the farmers on the occasion involving the government, private and FPOs. More than 750 farmers witnessed the event in two days and interacted with the scientists, specialists and officials. Overall the participating farmers appreciated the efforts and felt that such melas give the farmers the technological guidance for increasing the farmers income in a sustainable manner.

source: http://www.iihr.res.in / ICAR – Indian Institute of Horticultural Research / Home / March 2020

Karnangeri Betta In Madikeri To Be A Tourist Hub With Saalumarada Thimmakka Tree Park

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Records, All

ThimmakkaPark01KF03mar2020

Mysore/Mysuru:

In an effort to promote tourism and create an awareness about nature, the Forest Department is developing Saalumarada Thimmakka Tree Park at Karnangeri Betta in Madikeri at an estimated cost of Rs 50 lakh.

It may be recalled that former Forest Minister Ramanath Rai in the earlier Government had proposed to set up Tree Parks in each Assembly constituency. And now this project is inching closer to become a reality as construction of a view point, welcome arches and other amenities have already begun.

The said Tree Park is being built on 45 acres of forest area at Karnangeri Betta. Saplings of popular tree species including Tega (teak), Beete (Indian blackwood), Honne (Indian Kino), Rakta Chandan (Red sanders), Silver oak, numerous bamboo species, Hebbevu (Melia dubia), Hunase (Tamarind), Bilva (Indian bael), Ala (Banyan), Tapasi (Indian elm) and others are being planted in the tree park.

ThimmakkaPark02KF03mar2020

There will also be play area for children, butterfly park, watchtowers, seating arrangements, walking paths, separate toilets for men and women, drinking water facilities and other basic amenities for visitors of the park.

Besides, the Tree Park would also include a garden in which flowering plants will be cultivated. Four specially designed Pergolas will be an added attraction here. Also, a viewpoint being built on the top of the hills, will offer spell-binding views of nature’s spectacle around Madikeri city.

The Forest Department has already sent a proposal to the Government for sanctioning Rs. 25 lakh for this project. The visitors have to pay Rs. 10 as an entry fee to the Park, which in all likelihood will open by the end of this month.

The local residents here are a little apprehensive about this project. “Mandalapatti is a popular tourist spot in Madikeri. Environment is at the receiving end in the name of tourism here. Tourists visiting Mandalapatti are polluting this area by throwing plastic bottles and other waste all around. We are worried that Saalumarada Thimmakka Tree Park, being developed at Karnangeri Betta might also face similar issues. Stringent measures should be taken up to prevent tourists from polluting this serene environment,” say some of the residents.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / by Prasad Sampigekatte / March 02nd, 2020

Information about Kariyappa Memorial Park in Hindi

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Green Initiatives / Environment

CariappaParkKF27feb2020

Cariappa Memorial Park is located in the middle of Bangalore city as a component of the Parade Grounds on M.G Road. The Cariappa Park was set up in 1996 as a memorial to Field Marshall K.M. Cariappa of Karnataka.

The park is laid out in a section of the parade grounds amid M.G. Road and Cubbon Road. The park stretches over 22 acres. It has six segments including an entry plaza and a 7 foot massive memorial of Cariappa. It is a very well maintained memorial Park in Bengaluru.

Man-Made Waterfall, Pond & the Bandstand
The park contains a big artificial waterfall. There is a pond that charms birds towards the park. Every fortnight, 6 military bands perform at the bandstand which is a grand lawn. The lush dunes surrounding the bandstand offer relaxed seating for the visitors. The patch is preserved by different segments of the Army.

Park’s Play Area
A play area has been systematically created in military-style. This is to enhance bodily strength and mental skills of kids. Sandpits, Tarzan-swing, Burma Bridge, zigzag tunnels, a spider web, and balance bars are also in this park.

Walker’s Path & Variety of Trees
A walker’s path which is 1.8 km long is tiled with cobblestones. There are home-grown and imported 3000 species of trees and plants. There are lots of bamboo trees too.

No chemical fertilizers or pesticides are used for the growth or maintenance of the plants to encourage an eco-friendly approach.

Cariappa Memorial Park’s Timings
Cariappa Memorial Park can be visited by the public on Saturdays. The timings for visiting this memorial park are between 1 pm and 7 pm. On Sundays, it can be visited between 9 am and 7 pm. The rest of the days, it can be visited by the public between 5:30 pm and 8 pm.

‘Not Allowed’ Details
Snacks, drinks, and pets are strictly prohibited in the park.

Address Details
The Parade Ground amid M.G Road & Cubbon Park

Nagarathpete

Bengaluru

Pincode: 560009

Chief Details of the General Cariappa Memorial Park, Bengaluru
The main aspects of the General Cariappa Memorial Park, Bangalore are:

Main attractions: Play area, Military Theme activities

Entry Fees: Free

The time required: 2 Hours

Facility type: Outdoor

Is it a Picnic Spot: No, it is not a picnic spot.

Photography or video recording: Allowed

Food and water facility: Yes

Restrooms present: Yes

Parking Space Provided: Yes

source: http://www.newzsquare.com / Newz Square / Home> Education / by Sandra William / February 23rd, 2020

This Coorg resort is charging guests for wasting food

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features

The Ibnii Spa and Resort in Coorg, Karnataka, weigh the food wasted by customers and makes them pay for it at the time of checkout.

The guests have to pay Rs 100 for every 10 gram of food wasted by them. | Image: Unsplash | Photo Credit: Representative Image
The guests have to pay Rs 100 for every 10 gram of food wasted by them. | Image: Unsplash | Photo Credit: Representative Image

Bengaluru:

Food waste is definitely not a good taste. A luxury resort in Karnataka came up with an ingenious way to decrease the wastage of food by its guests. The Ibnii Spa Resort started charging its customers for wasting food.

The resort which is located in the hills of Coorg, Karnataka, has come down from 14 waste bins to just one since the initiative was implemented.

The composting unit of the resort used to be overworked with 14 huge garbage bins of leftover food daily. The resort decided to decrease the quantity of waste by informing guests that they could place their orders any number of times.

However, when the wastage of food did not stop, the resort came up with the unique idea of making the guests pay for the food they ordered but did not eat.

How much do the guests pay for wasting food?
The idea was simple. At the end of every meal, all the leftover food is weighed on a weighing machine in front of the guests. At the time of checkout, the guests are told how much food they wasted during their stay. They have to pay Rs 100 for every 10 gram of food wasted by them. The amount is to be dropped in a donation box which goes to a not-for-profit organisation that feeds children at an orphanage in Madikeri.

How have the guests reacted to the initiative?
The initiative which was started six months ago has made a huge impact on the conscience of the guests. “We have seen a drastic decrease in the quantity of food waste. From fourteen waste bins every day, we now only need one,” Shreya Krishnan, CSR adviser at The Ibnii, told Deccan Chronicle. The guests have appreciated the resort’s efforts to reduce food wastage.

How much food do we waste?
One-third of the food produced in the world for human consumption every year gets lost or wasted, according to the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations.

Not only is wasting food doing wrong to the farmers who grow the crop and to the chefs who cook the dishes but it is also unfair to those people who can’t afford two meals in a day and impacts the environment too.

source: http://www.timesnownews.com / TimesNowNews.com / Home> News> Buzz / by Saumya Agrawal / February 21st, 2020