Mysuru MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar has urged Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia to take immediate steps to improve BSNL connectivity in Karnataka’s Kodagu district, which continues to suffer from poor network coverage and service disruptions.

During a recent meeting with the Union Minister in New Delhi, Mr. Wadiyar submitted a detailed memorandum outlining the urgent need to upgrade BSNL infrastructure, particularly in the wake of recent heavy rains that have damaged key telecom assets.

Speaking to mediapersons after the meeting, the MP said that continuous rainfall in Kodagu has uprooted several electricity and telephone poles, leading to a breakdown in telecom services.

He appealed to the minister to instruct concerned authorities to expedite repair and restoration efforts.

“Despite repeated appeals to BSNL officials for replacing outdated towers and improving connectivity, little has been done on the ground,” Mr. Wadiyar said. “The quality of BSNL service in Kodagu is abysmal, and it is essential to take immediate corrective measures.”

The MP expressed concern over the severe impact on students, who are struggling to attend online classes or access digital learning platforms due to poor connectivity. Government offices, too, are facing operational hurdles, he informed.

Another key issue raised by Mr. Wadiyar was the non-functional power backup systems at BSNL towers. “Most backup batteries have failed. Repairing or replacing them takes considerable time and effort. I had brought this to the notice of officials during the DISHA meeting held on March 8, but their inaction has only worsened the situation,” he stated.

Mr. Wadiyar said that the Union Minister responded positively, and assured that necessary steps would be taken at the earliest to address the concerns raised.

Immediate actions requested by the MP include repair and upgradation of existing BSNL towers, installation of new towers in underserved and low-connectivity areas, and reliable power backup systems to ensure uninterrupted services.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka /by The Hindu Bureau / June 18th, 2025

MLA Mantar Gowda, Deputy Commissioner Venkataraja and other officials during a meeting of the River Rafting Management and Monitoring Committee, held at Harangi reservoir in Kodagu on Friday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

In a move to tighten safety regulations in adventure tourism, river rafting operators in Dubare and Barapole have been directed to renew their licences and obtain fitness certificates before resuming any water sports activities.

The decision was taken during a meeting of the River Rafting Management and Monitoring Committee, held at the Harangi reservoir, near Kushalnagar, on Friday.

Madikeri MLA Mantar Gowda emphasised the importance of enforcing strict safety protocols, especially during the monsoon season, when tourist footfall goes up.

River rafting operators have to secure fitness certification for their rafts from the General Thimayya National Academy of Adventure (GETHNAA), and police verification is mandatory, he said.

Mr. Gowda said no rafting operation would be permitted without valid certificates, and that life jackets were mandatory. All guides should undergo skill assessments and wear uniforms while on duty, he said. To promote tourism, Mr. Gowda proposed installing signboards at important junctions such as Bilikere, Hunsur-Gonikoppal junction, and near Siddapura on Periyapatna Road.

“Tourist safety is non-negotiable. One mishap could severely damage Kodagu’s tourism image,” said Deputy Commissioner Venkataraja. He said that all operators should undergo training and get certification through GETHNAA to ensure quality and safety in water-based adventure activities.

In view of the growing number of tourists visiting Kodagu for river rafting, the committee approved major infrastructure upgrades such as shelters at ticket counters, stair railings for river access, changing rooms and restrooms, benches, drinking water facilities, informative signage and CCTV surveillance.

Tourism Department Deputy Director Anita Bhaskar said 75 rafts were currently operating in Dubare and 24 in Barapole. Under the Karnataka Tourism Policy 2024–29, 11 applications for kayaking licences had been received for operation along the Hemavathi and Cauvery riverbanks, as well as Harangi backwaters.

The committee said feasibility reports for these locations would be studied before granting approvals.

Meanwhile, rafting has been permitted at Kumaralli (Bidalli) in Somwarpet taluk, though commercial activity has not yet begun. A final site inspection is awaited.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / June 13th, 2025

HIGHLIGHTS

Madikeri:

In a significant push for regional autonomy and constitutional recognition, the Codava National Council (CNC) is set to organise a seminar…

Madikeri:

In a significant push for regional autonomy and constitutional recognition, the Codava National Council (CNC) is set to organise a seminar this week highlighting its 35-year-long peaceful movement for the political, cultural, and territorial rights of the Codava people.

Speaking to Hand India President of the CNC NU Nachappa, the seminar will address CNC’s core demands, including the creation of a Codava Autonomous Region (CAR) under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution — akin to the autonomous councils in the Northeast and the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council. The organisation is also seeking Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the Codavas, whom it identifies as a distinct animistic, mono-ethnic indigenous community.

The keynote speaker for the event is Vikram Hegde, a constitutional lawyer practising in the Supreme Court, who has previously represented the CNC in the landmark Codava Gun Rights case. His lecture will delve into constitutional provisions for regional autonomy, linguistic rights, and the protection of customary practices — subjects he also teaches as a visiting faculty at the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru.

Among the other issues to be discussed at the seminar are:

Restoration of hereditary land rights lost during the rule of the Keladhi dynasty and British colonial administration.

Inclusion of Codava Thakk in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution to preserve the community’s language.

Continuation of exemptions under the Indian Arms Act, which currently allow Codavas to carry traditional firearms as part of their religious and cultural identity — similar to the Kirpan exemption for Sikhs.

Protection of Codava cultural and historical sites, customary laws, and their ecological lifelines, particularly the Cauvery river basin.

Political representation, including demands for reserved seats in legislative bodies, modelled after the unique ‘Sangha’ constituency for Buddhist monks in Sikkim.

“The CNC’s movement has always been peaceful, rooted in constitutional advocacy,” said CNC founder and president N.U. Nachappa Codava. “Our goal is to secure the rightful identity, autonomy, and dignity of the Codava people — not only within India’s democratic framework but also under international conventions on indigenous rights.”

The CNC is currently pursuing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that seeks legal recognition of Codavaland’s claim for geo-political autonomy, arguing that their demands are both constitutionally viable and historically justified.

Joining Hegde at the seminar will be his wife, Hima Lawrance also a Supreme Court lawyer, qualified to practice in both India and New York.

The event is expected to draw academics, legal experts, regional leaders, and community stakeholders from across Karnataka, as discussions around regional autonomy and tribal classification continue to gain traction in India’s federal structure.

source: http://www.thehansindia.com / The Hans India / Home> News> States> Karnataka> Bengaluru / by The Hans India / June 13th, 2024