Kodagu district witnessed a series of incidents in the year 2013 that has bygone. The year brought joy and sorrow to the district, however a keen look into the year reveals that the district witnessed more negative events than the positive ones.

From the heavy rainfall that proved disasterous to the district, to the reports under the guise of conservation of environment creating ripple in the society, the district has seen it all. It was also a year of protest, as there were repeated protests opposing Madhav Gadgil report and Kasturirangan report on conservation of Western Ghats, demand for title deeds to tribal, demand for relaxing the law on possession of weapons, protest seeking autonomy status to Kodagu.

Of all the events, the rain fury leading to major damage across the district, occupies the first place in the list of events. Coffee growers and agriculturists incurred crores of rupees loss due to rain. Six persons and 30 cattle lost their lives. The district administration had submitted a report to a study team from the Central government estimating the rain loss at Rs 86 crore.

The district witnessed a success in the form of amendment to the Land Revenue Act, 1964, scrapping the tax imposed on Jumma Bane land. Unfortunately, despite the amendment, people complain that the revenue department officials have failed to implement the Act effectively.

The presence of Maoist activities which was felt in the end of 2012, continued even in 2013. Maoist activities were noticed in Madikeri, Virajpet and Somwarpet taluks. In this backdrop, the government has decided to set up an Anti Naxal Force camp in Kutta.

For the first time in the history, Talacauvery – Bhangadeshwara temple management committee offered ‘Annadana’ for a period of one month from October 17 to November 16 as a part of Tulasankramana.

Despite the disputes that prevailed in offering ‘Annadana’ right to private organisation, ‘Annadana’ was offered, thanks to the efforts by Deputy Commissioner Anurag Tiwari who strove hard to co-ordinate between the temple committee and Kodagu Ekikarana Ranga.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / by Shrikanth Kallammanavar / Madikeri, DHNS – December 31st, 2013