Saving Cauvery’s cradle

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Nri's / Pio's, Records, All, World Opinion
“A forest­depleted Kodagu basin will have reduced capacity to capture and store rainwater.” It is a picture of destruction in Hattihole near Somwarpet, Kodagu, after the floods. | Photo Credit: Sampath Kumar G.P.
“A forest­depleted Kodagu basin will have reduced capacity to capture and store rainwater.” It is a picture of destruction in Hattihole near Somwarpet, Kodagu, after the floods. | Photo Credit: Sampath Kumar G.P.

Protecting the Kodagu watershed is essential to ensure the water security of three States

We require water for everything: drinking, growing crops, producing electricity and industrial production. With the world population projected to grow to about 10 billion by 2050, according to the United Nations, and with climate change discernible, both the quantity and quality of freshwater will become critical, affecting health, food security, and economic well-being. A 2015 UN report, Water for a Sustainable World, pointed out that the gap between the availability of water and our need for water is only going to increase.

Projects in the river basin

The growing demand on freshwater resources demonstrates the need for sustainable management of water. In this context, projects that are being contemplated, such as the laying of multiple railway tracks in the critical Cauvery river basin in Kodagu district, Karnataka, are not only economically unviable but also ecologically damaging. Mega projects pose a clear threat to the long-term water security of the three States that depend on the Cauvery (Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu), and exacerbate the threat posed by seasonal droughts and floods.

The Cauvery basin drains an area of about 81,000 sq. km. Originating in Talakaveri, Kodagu, the river irrigates agricultural fields, generates electricity, and provides drinking water to downstream communities across south India. The Cauvery and its tributaries contribute the bulk of water to the Krishna Raja Sagara dam near Mysuru, the primary water source for Bengaluru. However, increasing development pressure from the transportation and construction sectors poses a severe threat to the forests, riverbeds, wildlife and agricultural lands. This March, for the first time in decades, towns such as Virajpet in Kodagu faced a severe shortage of drinking water. The continuing loss of forest cover and illegal sand mining from river beds endanger water and food security for all the downstream communities in the Cauvery basin.

The three proposed railway plans have major implications. One, all the tracks will cut through large swaths of agricultural farms and fields as well as Protected and Reserve Forests that are spread across Kodagu and Mangaluru districts of Karnataka, and Wayanad and Kannur districts of Kerala. Along this sparsely populated area, transportation needs can be met by simply improving existing roads at a fraction of the monetary and ecological cost of the proposed railways. In fact, in its feasibility report of the Mysuru-Thalassery line, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation stated that the project would not be beneficial to the State. In response to protests by the people of Kodagu in February, the plan to build the Mysuru-Thalassery line was scrapped in March. However, if history is any guide, plans to build the tracks will reemerge in time.

Two, they will affect the Western Ghats, one of the most biodiverse regions on earth. Kodagu has about 45% forest cover and about 30% agroforestry systems (coffee plantations and paddy fields). Between 2013 and 2015, a high-tension power line linking Mysuru and Kozhikode resulted in the loss of about 50,000 trees in Kodagu alone. If the proposed railway lines are constructed, they would conservatively result in tree loss that is 10 times more than this. Forests help capture rainfall, reduce run-off and soil erosion, recharge groundwater aquifers, mitigate flooding, support local communities, and provide refuge for native flora and fauna. Raised railway tracks will also impede wildlife and could result in the deaths of endangered animals such as elephants. Most importantly, a forest-depleted Kodagu basin will have reduced capacity to capture and store rainwater. Even without the railway tracks, a satellite-based report titled India State of Forests 2017 noted that Kodagu lost 102 sq. km. of tree cover in just two years.

Variable monsoon

The Kodagu basin receives heavy rainfall, mainly during the southwest monsoon (June-September), that feeds the Cauvery. However, studies by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology and others, published in the journal Nature, have found evidence for increasingly variable monsoon rainfall. Thus, we can expect to experience more extreme floods as well as droughts in the future. These are scenarios that make preserving forest cover more vital in order to mitigate the collateral effects of these extreme events.

During this year’s southwest monsoon season, Kodagu received twice as much annual rainfall as usual and with greater intensity. This resulted in landslides and floods. A recent study of nearly 5,000 landslides around the world, published in Earth and Space Science News (Eos), has revealed that activities like construction, illegal mining and hill cutting are increasingly responsible for the uptick in fatal landslides, particularly in Asia. It will be hard to claim that the uncontrolled development and forest clearance in the steep slopes of the Western Ghats in recent years has not been a factor in the tragedy that just unfolded in Kodagu, and in the coastal districts of Kerala. With 100-year storms likely to become more frequent as the climate becomes warmer, business as usual is sure to increasingly endanger lives and property.

Erratic monsoon rains can cause flooding, droughts, water and food security. Preserving existing forests in the watershed provides an effective ‘insurance policy’ for reducing the effect of floods and droughts while recharging groundwater across the Cauvery river basin. Nature has reported that diminished access to water resources increases the risk of social unrest, political instability, intensified refugee flows and armed conflicts, even within borders. The variable nature of monsoons makes India one of the most vulnerable regions to water-related disasters associated with climate change and extreme weather events. According to a BBC report, Bengaluru is likely to run out of drinking water in the next decade. Economists should estimate the monetary and human cost of cities like Bengaluru becoming dry, and implement policies focused on achieving and maintaining sustainable water resources.

We are at the start of the UN Decade for Water, which emphasises water security for all. Everyone lives in a watershed, yet water remains a remote concept for those who consume it the most — people, industries and farmers. There are no substitutes for water as the very basis for life. Protecting the Cauvery’s source is essential for the sustained well-being of the entire basin and of the three States that the river nourishes. In fact, good water governance of the nation’s watersheds will be key to its sustainable future. We can begin by saving Cauvery’s cradle.

Bopaiah Biddanda is Professor of Water Resources at the Robert B. Annis Water Resources Institute, U.S.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Opinion> Comment / by Bopaiah Biddanda / September 24th, 2018

Birth Anniversary Of Poet Appacha To Be Observed As ‘Kodava Sahitya Dina’

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, Records, All

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Gonikoppal:

The birth anniversary of ancient poet of Kodagu Haradasa Appaneravanda Appacha (Sept.21) will henceforth be celebrated as ‘Kodava Sahitya Dina’ in recognition of the poet’s immense contribution to Kodava literature.

A decision to that effect was taken at a function organised jointly by Shivamogga Agriculture and Horticulture University, Ponnampet College and Kodagu Rangabhoomi Pratisthana to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Haradasa Appacha Kavi at Forest College auditorium in Ponnampet on Friday.

A declaration to that effect was released by M. Asha Mandanna, Chairperson, Appacha Kavi College Management Council, Ponnampet.

Inaugurating the programme after offering floral tributes to a portrait of poet Appacha, Star of Mysore Editor-in-Chief K.B. Ganapathy recalled that Appacha had come out with many poems on spirituality and wished that the poet could have written a few poems on reformation of the social system for which the poet had enough knowledge and strength. He contended that theatre and poetry were powerful tools to correct society.

Releasing a book of Appacha, Akhila Kodava Samaja Working President I.K. Biddappa expressed happiness that Kodava literature had gained importance and popularity despite a thin population of Kodavas.

Speaking on the occasion, Kendra Sahitya Academy Member A. Cariappa recalled that the then Chief Minister of Kodagu ‘C’ State C.M. Poonacha had conferred the title of ‘Varakavi’ on poet Appacha who popularised Kodava literature using Kannada script.

Kodagu Rangabhoomi Prathistana Chief Convenor Anitha Cariappa welcomed the gathering. Former College Dean Dr. C. Kushalappa and others were present. Cariappa and other artistes presented a programme ‘Amarakavya’ featuring poems of Appacha Kavi.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 23rd, 2018

Simple ‘Kail Muhurtha’ At Kodagu Gowda Samaja On Sept.30

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Mysuru:

With Kodagu devastated by floods and landslides, the Mysuru Kodagu Gowda Samaja will be celebrating ‘Kail Muhurtha’ get-together in a simple manner at the Samaja premises in Vijayanagar II Stage at 9.30 am on Sept.30.

There will be no sports meet and cultural programmes this year.

However, meritorious children of the Samaja members who have scored high marks in SSLC and PUC (2017-18) will be presented pratibha puraskar on the occasion.

Eligible students may applying by Sept.25, according to a press release from Samaja Hon. Secretary Kuntikana S. Ganapathy.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 24th, 2018

I thought I was being pranked: Dayana Erappa on how she bagged Mani Ratnam’s Chekka Chivantha Vaanam

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg

DayanaErappa01KF25sept2018

When you’ve successfully built a modelling career, what do you do when you get a call from Mani Ratnam’s production house?

When you’ve successfully built a modelling career, walking for the biggest designers and working with international brands, what do you do when you get a call from Mani Ratnam’s production house? “I thought I was being pranked! I really didn’t think it was real,” says Dayana Erappa, one of the leading ladies in Mani Ratnam’s multi-starrer Chekka Chivantha Vaanam. But it really was Madras Talkies reaching out to her, asking if she knew Tamil and Telugu.

Dayana, who’s from Coorg, said she was fluent in Tamil and Kannada, and sent over her portfolio and forgot all about it. Two months later, she was called for an audition in Mumbai, for a project with Mani Ratnam. When it was time for her to meet the man himself, Dayana had no idea what to expect. Describing the meeting, her voice still has a starstruck quiver, “On the entire flight to Chennai, I was thinking about what I would do when I finally faced him. I grew up watching and falling in love with his movies, how could I be anything but excited?”

The meeting went well. A chat, a script reading with him, and a few weeks later, she got the call confirming her part. “I knew nothing about the role or the character, but I had zero worries. Women have been depicted beautifully in all of Mani sir’s movies, so I knew I was in good hands.” In fact, she says she had no idea she was one of the leading ladies in the movie until the film’s cast poster was released.

DayanaErappa02KF25sept2018

With no previous training or experience in acting, Dayana attended a few acting workshops to prepare herself. “When I found out I’d be acting opposite Simbu, I was quite nervous because I’d heard how talented he is. I’d also seen his movies and I wasn’t sure if I could match up to him.” And the first day on set she told Simbu exactly that. But he was supportive, telling her not to worry even if she needed 10 takes to get it right. “Sometimes it did take 10 takes,” she says laughing, but it was the encouragement she received on set that gave her the confidence to pull through. “From the actors to the ADs and stylists, it felt as though the entire crew was rooting for me.”

The transition from a successful model to an actor could not have been easy, but she says, “Even modelling is not something that you learn in a day or two; you work at it every day. So I was prepared to put in the hard work necessary to act from the get-go.” It also helped that she was surrounded by veteran actors. “I got to learn from just being around all that experience. Everyone was easy to talk to. No one treated me like a newcomer.”

Get her talking about her director and she switches to fangirl mode, “Mani sir is a patient craftsman and definitely a man with a vision. He works with you in a way that puts you at ease; so he gets the best performance out of his actors. His movies like Kannathil Muthamittaal and Thalapathi are my favourites. Now I see where the magic comes from.”

Ask her about Chaaya, the character she’s playing, and she won’t say anything more than that she’s a fun and adventurous girl, quite like herself. With a dream début in her hands, Dayana says she will continue modelling while she works on her acting skills, in case an interesting script comes knocking.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Entertainment> Movies / by Anugraha Sundaravelu / September 24th, 2018

Rs 50,000 to be handed over to distressed families in Kodagu

About Kodagu / Coorg, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Green Initiatives / Environment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Nature, Records, All

With donors from across the state contributing to CM’s Relief Fund, exclusively released to Kodagu district, over Rs 62 crore has been collected as on September 20.

Madikeri :

Following the natural disaster in Kodagu district, the numerous families that had lost houses and other properties were handed over Rs 3,800 – Rs 1,800 for clothing and Rs 2,000 for utensils and other household goods (per family)- under SDRF/NDRF guidelines.

Since the damage has been severe and the process of permanent rehabilitation will take some more time, the district administration including Deputy Commissioner Sreevidya P I and Kodagu District Minister Sa Ra Mahesh had proposed a request to the State government to increase the amount from meagre Rs 3,800/- per family to Rs 50,000, in a letter dated 28 August.

While the State and National Disaster Fund guidelines do not allow any changes to be made to the gratuitous funds, the state revenue department had stepped into people’s aid and had forwarded the proposal of releasing Rs 50,000/- each for the distressed families from the Karnataka Chief Minister Relief Fund-Natural Calamity 2018. The proposal, which was forwarded to CM H D Kumaraswamy was later forwarded to the Cabinet Committee for approval, which has now been sanctioned.

With donors from across the state contributing to CM’s Relief Fund, exclusively released to Kodagu district, over Rs 62 crore has been collected as on September 20. As many as 1,156 families have been directly affected by natural disaster and 186 houses have been damaged completely, 530 houses have been damaged severely and 404 houses have undergone partial damage.

While Rs 320 crore has been allotted to Karnataka under SDRF, an additional state fund of Rs 400 crore is provided to the state.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / September 22nd, 2018

Alka Marala is Miss India Connecticut 2018, Other CT Pageant Winners Announced

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Nri's / Pio's, Records, All, World Opinion
Rekha Gopal - Mrs. India Connecticut 2018 (Left), Alka Marala - Miss India Connecticut 2018 (Middle), Nikitha Kikanamada - Miss Teen India Connecticut 2018 (Right)
Rekha Gopal – Mrs. India Connecticut 2018 (Left), Alka Marala – Miss India Connecticut 2018 (Middle), Nikitha Kikanamada – Miss Teen India Connecticut 2018 (Right)

Cromwell, Conn.(USA):

Alka Marala has been crowned as Miss India Connecticut 2018. Other winners in the state pageant, which was held last week and directed by Sumathi Narayanan, were: Nikitha Kikanamada, Miss Teen India Connecticut; and Rekha Gopal, Mrs. India Connecticut.

The winners will go on to compete at the national level pageant hosted by Dharmatma Saran, Chairman of IFC, for the title of Miss, Teen, and Mrs. India USA.

Sumathi Narayanan
Sumathi Narayanan

“We are so proud of the beautiful, talented, and successful women of Connecticut, and we’re excited to see how they further their causes and missions in this upcoming year by using the platform given to them,” said Narayanan, president of Sumathi Narayanan Realty, owner of Swaagat Collections in Shrewsbury, MA, and State Director of Miss India Connecticut Pageant. “We also encourage all women to continue to pursue their dreams and seize these opportunities.”

Miss Marala is a student at University at Buffalo and is currently finishing up her second major. She was elected as vice president of Finance for The Women in Management organization at her university. She is a part of UB Zeal, an inter-college competitive dance team. She is also a Kuchipudi dancer, and is fortunate to have her mother as her guru. She loves to travel the world, try different foods and learn about different cultures.

The Connecticut pageant, which was held on Saturday in Cromwell, CT, was directed by Ms. Narayanan, featuring three categories: Miss, Teen, and Mrs. A total of 23 contestants participated in the pageant and confidently portrayed Indian culture, unique talents, and American pride with grace and elegance.

“The pageant was not just about outer beauty, but also valued inner beauty, intelligence, and ambition of the young women of Connecticut,” Ms. Narayanan said in statement.

State Director Sumathi Narayanan along with all 2018 Winners and 2017 Winner Prachi Shah.
State Director Sumathi Narayanan along with all 2018 Winners and 2017 Winner Prachi Shah.

Miss India Connecticut is associated and part of IFC, a pioneer in organizing Indian pageants and fashion shows in USA, and aptly called the ‘Mother of all Indian Pageants in USA.’

The Connecticut pageant event started with an opening dance choreographed by P&P Dance Crew of Connecticut, in which all the contestants performed energetic and graceful introductory dances alongside the reigning Miss India CT 2017 and 1stRunner Up of Miss India USA 2017: Prachi Shah.

The opening dance was then followed by the ethnic wear round, where each contestant proudly displayed their Indian culture. Next was the talent round, in which contestants displayed their talent through dance and musical performances, acting, martial arts, crafts, and even magic shows. The contestants then gave their introduction in the evening gown round. Lastly, the finalists amazed everyone with their wits in the question and answer round.

The judges of the pageant were accomplished patrons of the arts from the New England area. The judges’ panel included: Tirthankar Das, a filmmaker and music composer from New Jersey; Sankar Gangaikondan, a singer and musician; Shaila Verma, Artistic Director of Shaila School of Dance in Massachusetts; Dr. Kavita Pattani, Mrs India USA 2017; and Namita Dodwadkar, Mrs India USA 2014 and Mrs India Worldwide 2016.

The crowned winners of each category are:

Miss India Connecticut – Alka Marala

Miss Teen India Connecticut – Nikitha Kikanamada

Mrs. India Connecticut – Rekha Gopal

1stRunner Ups:

Miss India Connecticut 1stRunner Up – Daman Brar

Miss Teen India Connecticut 1stRunner Up – Archita Mundrathi

Mrs. India Connecticut 1stRunner Up – Vidhi Dave

2ndRunner Ups:

Miss India Connecticut 2ndRunner Up – Radhika Rathore

Miss Teen India Connecticut 2ndRunner Up – Athulya Narayanan

Mrs. India Connecticut 2ndRunner Up – Mamatha Puttaswamy.

Here are some other subtitles given in each category, including Miss/Teen/Mrs. Social Media – Radhika Rathore, Athulya Narayanan, Debashree Rupalin. Miss/Teen/Mrs. Congeniality – Radhika Rathore, Nikitha Kikanamada, Mamatha Puttaswamy. Miss/Teen. Talent – Alka Marala, Athulya Narayanan. Miss/Teen/Mrs. Photogenic – Alka Marala, Dhruvi Patel, Nidhi Sinha and Miss/Teen/Mrs. Viewer’s Choice – Alka Marala, Archita Mundrathi, Mamatha Puttaswamy.

source: http://www.indianewengland.com / India New England News / Home> Lifestyle / by The New England News / September 18th, 2018

Bureaucrat swung into action as Kodagu reeled under floods…

Green Initiatives / Environment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All
Taking note of the geographical factors typical of hilly Kodagu also known for its origin of the river Cauvery, Sreevidya began vacating people the next day from danger-prone areas.
Taking note of the geographical factors typical of hilly Kodagu also known for its origin of the river Cauvery, Sreevidya began vacating people the next day from danger-prone areas.

When the whole of Kerala reeled under floods last month amid rain-triggered landslides along its eastern mountains, just east of upstate Malabar, Kodagu too was hit by the calamity. Yet, if the people of southern Karnataka’s scenic district largely escaped the effects of the monsoon fury, a share of the credit goes to a Malayali bureaucrat’s prompt administrative initiatives.

A native of Kollam district in Kerala, P I Sreevidya was only eight months old with her capacity as the deputy commissioner of Kodagu when her office got information last month that the district along the Western Ghats was set to receive “very heavy and unusual rains.” Far from laughing off the alert received on August 12 through various agencies, the 2009-batch IAS officer swung into action.

Taking note of the geographical factors typical of hilly Kodagu also known for its origin of the river Cauvery, Sreevidya began vacating people the next day from danger-prone areas. Relief camps came up within hours.

As it rained cats and dogs on August 15 and 16, Kodagu lost 2,500 houses while crops perished in acres of farmlands. Roads developed cracks, some simply vanished.

Sreevidya, who had earlier served as Kodagu zilla panchayat chief executive officer for six months from mid-November 2013, opened a control room this time by her office, coordinating rescue and relief operations. She ensured that the district got aid from all the three arms of the service, besides the IAF’s special Garud commando service and the state police, fire force as well as the National Disaster Response Force under the Centre.

Joining her in the efforts were zilla panchayat CEO Prashanth Kumar Mishra, police chief Suman D Pennekar, MLAs Appachu Ranjan (Madikeri) and K G Bopaiah (Virajpet) along with other people’s representatives and social workers. The office of Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy would enquire about the developments on an hourly basis. There were opportune interventions from state chief secretary T M Vijay Bhaskar.

“All these ensured that we could minimise the loss to property and the impact on public life,” says Sreevidya, who belongs to Chakkuvarakkal near Kottarakara and had secured 14th rank in her civil service exams. “I couldn’t even call home those two days.”

The bureaucrat’s four-year-old son Madhav, sensing the gravity of the situation, threw no tantrums and stayed quietly with his grandparents in the camp house.

As for Sreevidya’s husband, he is also a top officer. T Narayanan, who is Pathanamthitta district police chief, was that time busy in a similar rescue operation in his area. There, in south-central Kerala, the Pamba had swollen dangerously, invading places along both its banks, much to the trauma of their residents. “Believe me, I didn’t know his place was that badly affected. Neither did he know anything about the Kodagu floods,” says Sreevidya. “We were both cut off that time.”

Today, Kodagu people are all praise for their deputy commissioner. Social media posts, especially on Facebook, speak of Sreevidya’s administrative efforts that assuaged their misery.

source: http://www.english.manoramaonline.com / Home> Women / by Malayalam Manorama Correspondent / September 17th, 2018

Hanging In Balance

Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Records, All, Science & Technology

Bridge01KF20sept2018

Kushalnagar:

The hanging bride built across Cauvery River near Sri Ramalingeshwara Temple at Kanive close to Kushalnagar in Somwarpet taluk of Kodagu District has been severely damaged by recent floods that devastated Kodagu.

The hanging bridge connects villages along the border between Kodagu and Mysuru Districts. It also acted as a bond between villagers. The bridge with its unique nature, also attracted thousands of tourists. But heavy rains resulting in the flooding of Cauvery and Harangi Rivers, has caused huge damages to the bridge, which is on the verge of collapsing.

The Steel-Suspension Bridge supported by piers on both the banks of the river, has been so devastated by floods, that even pedestrians too are scared to walk on this bridge.

The steel rods that hold the bridge have broken and the wooden planks meant for pedestrian commute, have come apart. Thousands of people who depended on this bridge for their daily commute to work, are now scared about their future, with the bridge no longer safe for commuting.

Entry to the bridge has been banned by the Police.
Entry to the bridge has been banned by the Police.

This hanging bridge was built eight years ago at a cost of Rs. 45 lakh, funded by Malnad Area Development Board (MADB), Shivamogga. Sullai’s renowned suspension bridge expert Girish and his team constructed the bridge using the latest technology. The bridge had been the dream of thousands of people living in villages along Kodagu’s border with Mysuru District. The bridge connects many villages of Periyapatna taluk in Mysuru District, including Dodda Kammanahalli, Shanubhoganahalli, Dindigadu, Muttina Mulluroge, Kanagalu, Hanumanthapura and Karadi Lakkanakere with Kodagu villages such as Kanive, Bhuvanagiri, Huluse, Hakke, Kudige, Mararu and Hebbale. Before the construction of this hanging bridges, the villagers had to cross the river on boats and on the dangerous bridge along the aqueduct built at a height of over 50ft. This dangerous and risky bridge was a bane to hundreds of students and labourers who used to commute daily. The authorities taking note of the daily hardship of the people, built this bridge at Kanive.

As flooding waters submerged this bridge and caused considerable damage to it, pedestrian movement on the bridge has been banned. The Police have erected barricades across the bridge. With the closure of his hanging bridge, villagers along the border are forced to take a detour of about 20kms via Avarti to reach Kushalnagar and other places.

With the recent floods weakening the bridge, the villagers have urged the Kodagu District Administration to repair this bridge at the earliest and throw it open once again for the benefit of villagers, who consider this bridge as a very important part of their life.

Unfortunately, for the people who depended on the bridge, the District Administration has not yet announced any funds to repair the bridge.

The bridge is crucial for the devotees to go to the historic Ramalingeshwara Temple and as the bridge is unsafe now, many people are robbed off the opportunity to go to the temple, said Bharadhwaj K. Anandatheertha, a writer from Kanive.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News /
September 16th, 2018

Mangaluru: St Agnes College felicitates Poovamma

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All

Mangaluru:

With a view to empower and encourage young women achievers, St Agnes College (autonomous) organized a felicitation programme for Poovamma, an Indian spinster who hails from the district.

The programme was held on September 14 at St Agnes College.

Sr Dr M Jeswina AC principal St Agnes College, Sr Dr Venisssa AC, vice principal St Agnes College, Malavika, dean administration and Vasudha, physical education directress were present for the programme.

Vasudha, the physical education directress of the college welcomed the gathering.

Ladleen Monteiro introduced Poovamma to the gathering who was then felicitated by the dignitaries on the dais. Poovamma addressed the gathering and said that with hard work and determination, one can surely achieve great heights.

This was followed by a short message by the principal Sr Dr M Jeswina AC wherein she encouraged the students to take inspiration from Poovamma’s life.

Vijayashree, the sports secretary proposed the vote of thanks.

The programme concluded by singing the college anthem.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / DaijiWorld.com / Home> CampusBeat / by Media Release / Mangaluru – September 18th, 2018

Mapping sustainability

Amazing Feats, Green Initiatives / Environment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Science & Technology

RajKF20sept2018

Raj Bhagat Palanichamy of WRI India is preparing open source free online tools and maps to deal with floods.

As Bengaluru and Chennai stare into a future which is likely to be dotted with more floods, Raj Bhagat Palanichamy is busy working on a defence strategy. He is preparing an online tool and maps for Chennai and Bengaluru. Raj works as a GIS and remote sensing analyst with WRI Ross Cities program at WRI (World Resources Institute) India. A not-for-profit global research organisation, WRI works on ideas to create sustainable cities.

During the recent floods, he had released maps of Kodagu and Kerala that aimed at helping authorities and people involved in rescue work by sharing information. On whether his maps could achieve their objective, the young researcher says, “I got an SOS call from the disaster management wing of the Revenue Department of Karnataka, one morning asking for these maps. I shared with them an interactive website which gave them access to these maps. I think drone surveys were commissioned in Kodagu after consulting our maps. With Kerala, there was no direct channel of communication between us and its government. Also, the authorities in Kerala were right in the thick of action so we couldn’t really interact. The idea was to tell the governments that there are ways to seek information. Social media was interested. My tweets had 40,000 impressions.”

Mapping01KF20sept2018

With high possibilities of flooding occurring in Bengaluru and Chennai in the coming months, Raj is now working on maps for both the cities and plans to release it five days before the meteorological department predict heavy downpours. Raj reveals that one can extract more accurate data closer to the date. An hour of observation is needed to generate maps. “Our mandate was never to deal with a crisis on a short-term basis. The 2015 Chennai floods made us realise that there is a need to have a structure for a short-term solution to save lives. We are now working on an open source online tool that will predict the areas to be most affected and also monitor those areas. The online tool will be ready sometime in 2019 as it is stuck right now due to paucity of funds but the maps will be there soon, though.”

Mapping02KF20sept2018

Raj feels the conversations should be on handling the climate change. “Like how to diversify our cities so they don’t get overburdened. While the government looks at flooding with an engineering perspective — building and clearing canals, the main thing is rainwater harvesting. We could use parks to hold rainfall and avoid constructions on flood plains.”

He says the flood tool can send out a warning. The findings can be integrated into the planning to identify critical areas and avoid construction there. The tool will help in identifying critical buildings such as hospitals and schools to come up with a proper defence mechanism against floods.

Raj feels too much dependence on dams is not recommended. “Traditional ways of water conservation and improvement of water efficiency and productivity need to be the focus. The government shouldn’t focus on mega projects.” He also feels that the gap between analytics and planning should be bridged. “There are 100 of research projects about the flooding in Mahanadi river but these have not been integrated into planning because researchers probably don’t know how to reach out and publicise their work. The Amaravati floods very often not just because of the infrastructure but also due to lack of planning.”

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Society / by Shailaja Tripathi / September 18th, 2018