Tag Archives: Cauvery

Karnataka: Kodagu residents demand action as river Cauvery’s purity degrades to ‘C’ grade

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According to the criteria, river water that has ‘A’ grade certifies the water to be good and the water can be used from the source directly after disinfection while ‘C’ grade means that the water can be used only after conventional treatment.

Chandramohan, alongside other members of the organization, submitting a memorandum to DC Venkat Raja demanding an action plan to preserve Cauvery.
Chandramohan, alongside other members of the organization, submitting a memorandum to DC Venkat Raja demanding an action plan to preserve Cauvery. (Photo | Express)

Madikeri :

The residents and various organisations in Kodagu submitted memorandums to the district administration demanding preservation of River Cauvery in Kodagu. As per the statistics released by the Pollution Control Board, the purity of water in Cauvery has touched ‘C’ Grade at its birth district.

According to the criteria, river water that has ‘A’ grade certifies the water to be good and the water can be used from the source directly after disinfection. However, ‘C’ grade of water level at the river base of Cauvery means that the water can be used only after conventional treatment.

“The water has been graded at ‘C’ in River Cauvery at Kushalnagar. This proves that waste water is flowing into the river from commercial buildings and other set ups. Unscientific growth of tourism has also resulted in increased waste and garbage being flown into River Cauvery. If the river is not protected, we will have to face dire situations in the near future,” shared Chandramohan, the convener of Cauvery Swachata Andolana.

The incomplete UGD work is also adding to the pollution as sullage water is being released to the river directly across Kushalnagar region, he added.

Chandramohan, alongside other members of the organization, submitted a memorandum to DC Venkat Raja demanding an action plan to preserve Cauvery.

In the memorandum, the organization demanded the administration to submit a proposal to the state for special funds to establish plans to improve the conditions of the river banks and stream banks across the district, a survey be ordered to mark the territory of River Cauvery and stringent laws be passed to keep the river clean and hygienic.

They also demanded plans to be released to preserve other water bodies in the district including the Lakshmana Theertha River.

“The authorities must release plans to preserve Cauvery and prevent pollution of the river across the 22 Grama Panchayats and one Municipality of Kushalnagar, Virajpet and Madikeri taluks,” explained Chandramohan.

DC Venkat Raja assured to submit a proposal to the state in this regard. He also assured to order a survey to determine the territory of the water bodies even as he explained that orders are already in place to complete the UGD projects shortly. 

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / February 19th, 2024

In the Cauvery’s birthplace, drinking water is just one of many worries for the Kodavas

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In the Cauverys birthplace drinking water is just one of many worries for the Kodavas

The passions that have been running high over the Cauvery have eclipsed that the river’s birthplace is in Kodagu district, where it is an integral part of the lives of the Kodavas, but not in terms of drinking water.

Journalist and author PT Bopanna has eloquently spoken about what the Cauvery means to the Kodavas, one of the communities of people who live within Kodagu district. The identity of the Kodavas is deeply linked with the river, which rises in Talacauvery. Ironically, Madikeri city, the district headquarters, frequently faces a drinking water problem.

“The Rs 230-crore Harangi project has been conceived for the benefit of politically powerful Mysore and Hassan districts. Though the Harangi Dam (in picture) is in Kodagu and the major catchment area of the Cauvery is also in Kodagu, the irrigation potential from the project for Kodagu is a measly 607 hectares, out of the 54,591 hectares of total irrigation potential,” Bopanna says on his website Coorgnews.in.

He pointed out that 1,909 acres of land in 13 villages had been submerged by the construction of the Harangi dam in Somwarpet taluk.

“See, we don’t benefit from the Cauvery at all. Every year the river floods and the roads get blocked. We are always inconvenienced by the Cauvery. We just want our basic water needs met, and it’s a small place,” Bopanna says.

Although people are worried about drinking water supply from the Cauvery, Bopanna says that in Kodagu, people are worried more about a larger problem.

“I’m worried about deforestation,” Bopanna says. Falling in the Malenadu region, Kodagu district houses 4,102 sq km of the Western Ghats, making it look as if a green carpet is spread across the land. It is one of the least populated districts in the state.

Referring to the 400kv power line from Yelwal in Mysuru to Kozhikode in Kerala, a distance of 55m, Bopanna said: “This government-sponsored deforestation needs to stop.”

According to some estimates, 55,000 trees will be cut in thick forest areas to set up the line. Activists have alleged that a few thousand trees have been cut in violation of the law.

“When trees were being cut for that power line, not a single politician made any noise. They weren’t bothered. This clearly reveals their short-sightedness and their lack of understanding about the effects of deforestation. Rainfall has become erratic in the region,” Bopanna says.

He advocates a complete ban on tree felling and the conversion of agricultural land for commercial purposes. “But Kogadu’s politicians depend on the timber lobby and sand mining. They have not allowed a discussion on the Kasturirangan report.”

Now he’s worried. Drought-like conditions that occurred only once in five years in the past, are now almost an annual feature. “We need to save the Western Ghats to save the Cauvery (for all of us). That’s the core issue.”

source: http://www.thenewsminute.com / The News Minute / Home> News> Cauvery Dispute / by Aneesha Sheth / September 22nd, 2016

Coorgi Saree: Know why Coorg prefer this style of saree draping

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Coorgi Saree: Know why Coorg prefer this style of saree draping

HIGHLIGHTS

The pallu is neatly tucked over the shoulder and saree pleats are pushed backwards, the above style of saree draping is Coorg style of adorning saree.

The above style reflects the unusually beautiful culture of Coorg.

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Coorgi saree hails form the neighbouring state of Karnataka and it is very popular across the globe for its unique draping style.

While wearing the saree in this style, pallu is neatly tucked over the shoulder and saree pleats are pushed backwards, this one is also called Kodagu style saree or kodava Attire.

Along with this saree, women of Coor wear a piece of cloth which looks similar to the saree on their head, called vastra.

Origin

The origin of Coorgi saree is associated with a mythological tale of the great sage Agasthya and his wife Cauvery. The legend has it, that Cauvery transformed self in a river so that, she can serve people. The sage Agasthya tried his best to stop his wife from transforming herself into a river in the process her saree pleats were pushed back. It was from that time that women from Coorg wear saris in this manner.

Why Coorg women prefer this style?

One of three reason, the fable of Sage Agasthya and his consort Cauvery is an inspiration for the women in Coorg to drape their saris in Kodagu style. Another main reason for them to wear their sari is, they feel comfortable and make it convenient for them to move around in the hilly slopes of the area and even climb trees.

The Kodagu style draping is unique

The above style reflects the unusually beautiful culture of Coorg. The pleats of the sari, which are usually in the front in other saree, here, they are tucked at the backside of the waist. Similarly, the pallu of the saree too is draped from rear to front tucked neatly over the shoulder. These look apt when work in lustrous fabrics such as silk, satin or cotton for crisp pleating.

Originally, coton fabric was used to tie the above style of saree. But, when the British people annexed Coorg, they brought numerous changes to the Coorgi sari and the style of stitching. The blouse or jacket, which is worn beneath the sari also witnessed few changes from time to time and even the neckline changed and band collar and high neckline was introduced. Fabrics such as velvet and satin and silk were also experimented with.

The coorgi sari is coupled with blouse or jacket that is available in different styles. A veil or vastra (head scarf) is added in case of a bride. There is a petticoat along with another undergarment of calf length, which is usually made using cotton wool, Coorg being usually cold.

Be it a small celebration to one own’s wedding, kodava attire is worn by every women with great pride.

These sarees are made using different kind of fabrics, which make them ideal for every season or occasion. Mostly wedding attire, the brides in Coorg wear a red colored Kodagu style saree made with golden dots and she combines it with a red blouse and a red head scarf . Accessorized well with tradtional gold jewelry and shoes and socks. The kodava attire is unique on its own.

source: http://www.thehansindia.com / The Hans India / Home> Life & Style> Fashion / by Mary Sagaya / Hans News Service / February 07th, 2023