Kodagu should be eco-sensitive zone: Wildlife society

Agriculture, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature

Bangalore :

Kodagu district qualifies to be an eco-sensitive zone with its picturesque landscapes, coffee plantations, and more importantly as it is the principal catchment of Cauvery river, said members of Coorg Wildlife Society here on Thurdsay. The catchment area provides almost 50% of the total water flow into the river.

“It’s in national interest that the district gets the tag,” the members said. Its environment and ecology are under serious threat due to development projects for Kerala, urbanization and invasive tourism.

Tourism is flourishing in Kodagu but the need of the hour is a set of strong regulations, officials pointed out. “Tourist resorts are mushrooming here without proper clearances. They occupy pristine landscapes and consume massive amounts of water. There should be a cap on further licences for resorts until there is a proper evaluation on the carrying capacity for tourism in the district,” said Col C P Muthanna, president, Coorg Wildlife Society.

Land conversion and urbanization are other major threats to Kodagu. Plantations and agricultural lands are increasingly being converted for commercial purposes, affecting the landscape. “Kodagu is one lung space which is increasingly being clouded,” said Suresh Heblikar of Eco Watch, Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development. “Do not overexploit Kodagu in the name of development,” said Heblikar, urging the government to take care of all aspects while thinking of economic development of the region.

Main demands

* A stretch of 55 km through Kodagu has been earmarked for Mysore-Kozhikode power line. At least 2000 trees have been felled along the 5-km stretch of reserve forests. There is another 50-km stretch, of which 30km is coffee plantations, which has to be cleared for this power line. That calls for cutting of 50,000 more trees. This area, close to Nagarahole National Park, could now more instances of man-animal (elephant) conflict. Significantly, this area of South Kodagu is also the catchment of Lakshmantheerta river which is the primary water source for Mysore and an important tributary of the Cauvery. Ongoing work for this power line needs to be suspended with immediate effect.

* There are plans to connect Mattanur airport to Mysore and Bangalore through Kodagu with a four-lane highway, which again will involve massive tree-felling operations.

*A rail link between Kushalnagar and Kerala is being planned through Kodagu, for which funds have been sanctioned. The line may be extended once work is over on the announced stretch, which will destroy the landscape and affect indigenous communities of Kodagu.

* MoUs signed during the Global Investors Meet in 2012 needs to be reviewed and permission granted only to the projects which will benefit Kodagu without damaging its ecology.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Bangalore> Power Line / TNN / January 17th, 2014

Gun licence exemption for Kodavas to continue : Home Minister K.J. George

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence

GeorgeKF01feb2014
Madikeri :

Home Minister K.J. George, who is also In-Charge of Kodagu district, said that he would discuss with the district administration about continuing the provision of possessing guns without licenses, as per the exemption provided under the Indian Arms Act, exclusively for Kodavas by race and Jamma land holders of the district.

He was speaking to press persons after landing at the helipad in Mercara Towns Golf Course here on Saturday.

Referring to a question on the delay in issuing exemption certificate (EC) to the eligible persons in Kodagu, George said the earlier practice would be continued and that the State government had not given any instructions to the district administration in this regard. He also assured to discuss the issue with the officials concerned.

When pointed out that the incidents of crime in the borders of Kodagu were on the rise, mostly involving criminal elements from the neighbouring Kerala State, the Minister said that the State government will deal sternly with persons indulging in anti-social activities and vitiating peace in society.

“Not only Kodagu but the entire State faced shortage of Police personnel,” said the Minister and added that in order to fill up the vacancies, the process for appointing 8,500 Police personnel and 500 Sub-Inspectors had commenced.

Regarding the Opposition parties’ allegations that the law and order situation in the State has deteriorated (following the incident of the attempt to murder Kodagu BJP President Suja Kushalappa), Home Minister George said that those who are making such allegations have been given a befitting reply during the last Assembly elections. He claimed that the law and order situation in State is normal and there is no need for anxiety.

In reply to another query, George said his political career started from Kodagu and he was pleased to serve the district as the in-charge Minister.

District Congress President B.T. Pradeep, spokesperson B.S. Thammaiah, former Minister M.M. Nanaiah and others were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / January 27th, 2014

3-day Flower show at Balyatri Estate near Madikeri from tomorrow

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

BalaytreEstateMPos31jan2014
Madikeri :

An eye-catching flower show has been organised from Jan. 26 to Jan. 28 from 10 am to 5 pm at the Yousuf Ali Khan memorial flower garden at the premises of Balyatri Coffee Estate near Boikeri on Madikeri-Suntikoppa Road in Kodagu.

The estate belongs to former Rajya Sabha member F.M. Khan. Briefing the press on the annual flower show, Khan said that “over 90 varieties of flowers and fruits have been grown in the garden which is the only private flower garden in the country. The garden took shape about 50 years ago and for the last 15 years the flower show is being organised annually for the public. The garden houses Philia, Lorsper, Khel, kelen chus, cactus, dahlia, daisy, roses, pinks, kupia and other exotic varieties including bonsais.

He said that horticulture was bifurcated from agriculture when Indira Gandhi was the Prime Minister to boost the growth of horticulture which has not happened to the desired level yet. Continuing, he opined that Congress needed young leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka.

However he felt that Rahul should address more public rallies instead of closed-door meetings to reach the masses.

source:http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / January 25th, 2014

‘Pratibha Karanji, the best stage for students’

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education

Events like Pratibha Karanji provide the best stage for students to unveil their talents, said Zilla Panchayat Vice President Biddanda Usha Devamma.
PrathibaKaranjiKF30jan2014
She was speaking after inaugurating the district-level Pratibha Karanji competitions organised by the Zilla Panchayat and Department of Public Instructions at St Joseph’s School on Thursday.

Students may improve their thinking by taking part in competitions related to art and literature, which will also develop creativity in them, she said.

Noting that ample grants are being provided to the department of Public Instructions by the Government, ZP Vice President called upon the children to utilise the programmes implemented under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, to their best potential.

‘Nali-Kali’ programme for primary students is being successfully implemented and the moral education provided in schools plays a vital role in forming students to be the best civilians, she added.

Deputy Director of Public Instructions Kantharaju, Block Education Officer Aras, DIET Senior Professor Vedamurthy and others were present on the occasion.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / DHNS – Madikeri, January 16th, 2014

Sports for Kodava Sanghas

Sports

Mysore :

The Kodava Samaja Cultural and Sports Club, Vijayanagar, will be conducting annual sports meet for various Kodava Sanghas located in the city and the schedule is as follows:

Adenganda Seethamma Memorial Throwball Tournament for ladies will be held on Feb. 2 at Sree Cauvery Educational Institution, Adichunchanagiri Road, Kuvempunagar.

On the same day, tug-of-war and shot put events will also be held. The shot put event will be held both for men and women in the following categories: For women- below 20 years and above 20 years and for men- below 20 years, between 20 & 50 years and above 50 years. Interested may send in their entries to the Club before Jan. 30.

For details, contact Club Secretary Kuttimada D. Muthappa on Mob: 94498-15155, according to a press release.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / January 24th, 2014

Coffee Board of India reconstituted

Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg)

coffeeindiabboadKF30jan2014
After a slight delay of two months, the Coffee Board of India has been reconstituted in a reshuffle that occurs once every three years.

Many new faces have been added into the group that will oversee all aspects of coffee production from the world’s fifth biggest provider.

The board is set to consist of more than fifty people a notice from The Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry stated in a notice to local press that was released earlier on in the week. The changes in personnel will be in effect until January 2016.

The divisions of the board are to be revised, with the addition of many specialist representatives to work with certain sectors of the nation’s coffee industry. These include;

Large growers – to ensure that the needs and interests of major farms and coffee growing regions are overseen, to protect and invest in future production.

Traders – to focus upon current, topical events such as financial trends, climate change and other variable aspects of business.

Labour – to maintain a strong and skilled workforce in the field, ensuring that labourers’ interests are maintained in line with the increased competition from technological industries. To continue to offer a fair and reasonable working wage.

Consumer – to keep an eye on finances and to try and direct the growers, providers and businesses into receiving the best price for their produce.

Instant coffee – a much small area of concern, but to look after the interest of manufacturers in the Indian instant coffee market.

The Coffee Board of India appear to have meticulously planned it’s structure for the coming years and with coffee gradually becoming an influential commodity in the southern area of the country, the time spent pouring over the structure should, hopefully, pay dividends.

The Coffee Board of India is an autonomous body, functioning under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. The Board serves as a friend, philosopher and a guide to the entire coffee industry in the nation. Set up under an Act of the Parliament in 1942, the Board focuses on research, development, extension, quality, progress, market information, and the domestic and external promotion of the coffees produced and grown in India.

source: http://www.worldcoffeepress.com / World Coffee Press / Home / by Steve / Thursday – January 16th, 2014

Gulshan Devaiah had a blast at Filmfare pre-award bash

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

GulshanKF30jan2014
The Filmfare pre-award bash sure was a fun do, more so for Bangalore boy Gulshan Devaiah, who was spotted along with his wife Kalliroi and friend Kalki Koechlin.

The actor couldn’t contain his excitement when he spotted Madhuri Dixit seated next to him. He told the diarist that she was probably wondering what was wrong with him and his wife as they kept stealing glances at her.

Though Devaiah was tonguetied and couldn’t get a picture with her, he did send the diarist this post party snap with Kalki and Varun Dhawan, looking all relaxed after a night of partying.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Entertainment> Kannada / Bangalore Mirror Bureau / January 17th, 2014

Kodagu should be eco-sensitive zone: Wildlife society

About Kodagu / Coorg, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature

Bangalore :

Kodagu district qualifies to be an eco-sensitive zone with its picturesque landscapes, coffee plantations, and more importantly as it is the principal catchment of Cauvery river, said members of Coorg Wildlife Society here on Thurdsay. The catchment area provides almost 50% of the total water flow into the river.

“It’s in national interest that the district gets the tag,” the members said. Its environment and ecology are under serious threat due to development projects for Kerala, urbanization and invasive tourism.

Tourism is flourishing in Kodagu but the need of the hour is a set of strong regulations, officials pointed out. “Tourist resorts are mushrooming here without proper clearances. They occupy pristine landscapes and consume massive amounts of water. There should be a cap on further licences for resorts until there is a proper evaluation on the carrying capacity for tourism in the district,” said Col C P Muthanna, president, Coorg Wildlife Society.

Land conversion and urbanization are other major threats to Kodagu. Plantations and agricultural lands are increasingly being converted for commercial purposes, affecting the landscape. “Kodagu is one lung space which is increasingly being clouded,” said Suresh Heblikar of Eco Watch, Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development. “Do not overexploit Kodagu in the name of development,” said Heblikar, urging the government to take care of all aspects while thinking of economic development of the region.

Main demands

* A stretch of 55 km through Kodagu has been earmarked for Mysore-Kozhikode power line. At least 2000 trees have been felled along the 5-km stretch of reserve forests. There is another 50-km stretch, of which 30km is coffee plantations, which has to be cleared for this power line. That calls for cutting of 50,000 more trees. This area, close to Nagarahole National Park, could now more instances of man-animal (elephant) conflict. Significantly, this area of South Kodagu is also the catchment of Lakshmantheerta river which is the primary water source for Mysore and an important tributary of the Cauvery. Ongoing work for this power line needs to be suspended with immediate effect.

* There are plans to connect Mattanur airport to Mysore and Bangalore through Kodagu with a four-lane highway, which again will involve massive tree-felling operations.

*A rail link between Kushalnagar and Kerala is being planned through Kodagu, for which funds have been sanctioned. The line may be extended once work is over on the announced stretch, which will destroy the landscape and affect indigenous communities of Kodagu.

* MoUs signed during the Global Investors Meet in 2012 needs to be reviewed and permission granted only to the projects which will benefit Kodagu without damaging its ecology.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Cityu> Bangalore> Power Lines / TNN / January 17th, 2014

Call to preserve Kodava culture

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All

Kodava culture is on the verge of extinction as it is not receiving the right kind of encouragement and patronage, said president of the women’s wing of Somwarpet Kodava Samaja Bachinadanda Rita Kushalappa, here, recently.
KodavaKF30jan2014
She was speaking during the inauguration of a get-together, organised by the Samaja. “The rich Kodava culture should be introduced to children in the primary school level itself. Parents should take the first step in this direction,” she said.

She called upon Kodava women, in the taluk, to enrol with the Samaja.

Former district Scouts and Guides commissioner Manavattira Sharadha Mandanna said, Kodavas are being reduced to a minority population in the district due to migration of the people to other districts, States and nations, in search of better opportunities.

Non-residents

“At least, those who are residing in the district should strive to take steps to safeguard the interest of the Kodava people. Those who are residing should encourage their counterparts in Kodagu district. They should contribute whenever possible,” she said.

Women took part in several cultural programmes and games. Samaja secretary Apadanda Asha Viraraj, vice-president Paruvanda Saru Ramappa, Biddatanda Seetha and others were present.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / Somwarpet (Kodagu Dist.) / DHNS – January 15th, 2014

Ashwini Nachappa hails Anju’s upgraded gold

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports

Former India sprinter Ashwini Nachappa today expressed happiness over ace long jumper Anju Bobby George’s upgraded gold medal in an event that she took part in eight years ago and said the nation is proud of her feat though it has come after so long.

“Whether it is eight years, a gold medal is a gold medal. She was at the peak of her performance at that point of time. We cherish those moments when she won the silver and we are happy that she got the gold, of course for other reasons,” Nachappa said during a promotional event here today.

“She is extremely happy and we are very proud that she got a clean chit and the one who cheated got caught,” the 46-year-old former athlete told reporters on the sidelines of the launch of a Puma running relay event for school children in three cities – Bangalore, Delhi and Mumbai.

Anju’s second place finish at the 2005 Monaco World Athletics final was upgraded to a gold medal yesterday, following a confirmed dope violation by Russian competitor Tatyana Kotova who had stood first but has now been stripped of her place after her sample was found to contain traces of a banned substance when it was tested again.

Nachappa, who is president of ‘Clean Sport India’, also warned that doping is rampant in India – even at the grassroot level.

“I believe that the performance enhancing drugs have become rampant even in our country. Among young children, it is such a dangerous trend. I am connected with athletics and when I see the junior meets that takes place, it is actually quite frightening. You go to any national championship, you see syringes on the ground, in the toilets.”

She wanted young athletes as well as the coaches to be educated about the dangers of dope.

“I think we need to have a broader education, not just within the classrooms but on the field also, not just with the children but also with our trainers, because after all kids will not know what they are taking till a certain age. They are not educated enough and believe in coaches. You have got to be sensitive on these issues.

source: http://www.business-standard.com / Business Standard / Home> PTI Stories> National> News / by Press Trust of India / Mumbai – January 15th, 2014