Tag Archives: Kushalnagar

Summer hits Karnataka’s Coorg: Wildlife enter cities in search of water in Kushalanagar taluk

Coorg district, Karnataka, famed for its greenery, faces severe water scarcity. Kushalanagar taluk, hit hardest, endanger both humans and wildlife. Shrinking water sources force wild animals into villages, disrupting livelihoods. Forest officer Ratan Kumar highlights the need for contingency plans amid the crisis.

Summer hits Karnataka's Coorg: Wildlife enter cities in search of water in Kushalanagar taluk vkp

Coorg district in Karnataka, renowned for its lush greenery and diverse wildlife, is currently grappling with a severe water crisis. As the region experiences a prolonged dry spell, both human inhabitants and wild animals are facing acute shortages of drinking water.

Kushalanagar taluk, In particular, nestled amidst semi-mountainous terrain, has been hit hard by the relentless absence of rainfall. The dire situation has led to concerns not only for the local populace but also for the myriad species of wildlife inhabiting the area.

Covering a vast expanse of 24,278.88 hectares, the forests of Kushalanagar Zone, including reserves like Dubare and Anekadu, are home to a rich assortment of animals and birds, including tigers, leopards, elephants, deer, and sambar. Traditionally reliant on water sources such as the Kaveri River, Chiklihole Reservoir, and Harangi Reservoir, these creatures now find themselves confronting parched landscapes. The Kaveri River has dwindled to a mere trickle, while the Chiklihole Reservoir stands desiccated, leaving behind barren canals.

Within the forested areas, a handful of lakes remain, albeit with diminishing water levels. The scorching sun, with temperatures averaging between 29 to 30 degrees Celsius, poses a grave threat as it hastens the evaporation of these remaining water bodies.

The repercussions of this water scarcity extend beyond the confines of the forests. With wild animals compelled to seek sustenance elsewhere, instances of encroachment into nearby villages and coffee plantations have surged. Farmers, reliant on these plantations for their livelihoods, now face disruptions in their daily activities, compounded by labour shortages as workers are deterred by the unpredictable presence of wild animals.

Responding to inquiries, Ratan Kumar, the Forest Officer for Kushalanagar Zone, maintains that there is no immediate shortage of water within his jurisdiction. However, he acknowledges the pressing need for contingency plans should the situation worsen.

source: http://www.newsable.asianetnews.com / Asianet Newsable / Home> English News> Karnataka / by Vinay Kumar Patil / February 20th, 2024

Airstrip Construction At Kushalnagar In Kodagu

Revenue Minister assures speedy land transfer

Bengaluru:

In a significant development, Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda has committed to expeditiously transferring the necessary land for the construction of an airstrip in Kodagu District to the District Administration.

This assurance followed a meeting held yesterday at Vikasa Soudha in Bengaluru, presided over by Krishna Byre Gowda and attended by Kodagu District In-charge Minister N.S. Boseraju.

The Kodagu District Administration conducted a comprehensive land survey for the proposed airstrip near Kushalnagar. Initially, a 49.5-acre plot near Sainik School, Kushalnagar (Koodige) at Doddathoor village, bordering Basavanathoor village, was identified in the first survey.

However, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) deemed it insufficient, prompting a re-survey. The second survey identified over 130 acres of land at Dodda Aluvara village near Koodige, within the jurisdiction of the Revenue Department, addressing the need for additional space.

Minister Boseraju, addressing reporters post-meeting, noted that issues related to the Revenue Department were brought to his attention during the Karnataka Development Programme (KDP) meeting in Kodagu a few days ago. He stated, “The meeting with the Revenue Minister aimed to find solutions to these problems.”

Expressing satisfaction, Minister Boseraju affirmed, “The Revenue Minister’s positive response to the land transfer for the airstrip instils confidence in the timely resolution of the highlighted issues.”

The meeting also delved into acquiring necessary grants and permissions for constructing a mini Vidhana Soudha and an administration building in newly established taluks.

Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna and Madikeri MLA Dr. Manthar Gowda, along with various officers, attended the meeting.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / January 05th, 2023

Airstrip, Mini Airport In Kodagu: Re-Survey Identifies 130-Acre Land; Report To Government Soon

Madikeri:

In a significant move aimed at bolstering connectivity and infrastructure, the Kodagu District Administration has conducted a comprehensive land survey for the establishment of a mini airport or airstrip near Kushalnagar.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Venkat Raja is set to submit a detailed report to the State Government soon, marking a crucial step in the realisation of this long-anticipated project.

The survey team reviewed various factors crucial to the successful implementation of the initiative, first announced in 2018.

Previous surveys identified a 49.5-acre plot adjacent to Sainik School, Kushalnagar (Koodige) at Doddathoor village, stretching to the border of Basavanathoor village, for the purpose.

The Karnataka State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (KSIIDC) is the Nodal Agency to develop airstrips across Karnataka. The initial plan for the 49.5-acre plot involved a 950-metre airstrip, complete with basic facilities like the airstrip, terminal, security post and fencing. However, during inspection, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) deemed the plot inadequate, prompting the District Administration to order a re-survey.

The recent survey identified more than 130 acres of land, under the jurisdiction of the Revenue Department at Dodda Aluvara village near Koodige, addressing the need for additional space.

DC Venkat Raja confirmed that the survey report will be submitted to the State Government soon and upon approval, the land will be handed over to the KSIIDC.

The successful completion of the mini airport terminal is expected to make a significant contribution to the region’s economic and infrastructural growth. The establishment promises improved connectivity and enhanced transportation options, fostering local development and attracting further investments.

The Government Order issued in 2018 outlines the development of airstrips in various locations, including Kushalnagar, Chikkamagalur, Karwar, Raichur, Gadag, Bagalkot, Davanagere, and Udupi.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / November 18th, 2023

Karnataka 2nd PU commerce topper Ananya K.A. says changed question paper pattern helped save time

The new pattern has more number of multiple choice questions compared to the earlier examinations.

M. Mohan Alva, chairman, Alva’s Education Foundation, Moodbidri offering sweets to Ananya K.A., who topped the commerce stream in the second PU exams in Karnataka. The results were announced on April 21, 2023.

Ananya K.A., topper in the commerce stream of the second pre-university examination, said that the new pattern of the PU exam helped save time in answering the questions.

Ms. Ananya had prepared well for the new pattern that had more number of multiple choice questions compared to the earlier examinations. “I was better prepared,” she told The Hindu.

Ms. Ananya hails from Kushalnagar in Kodagu district. She is the eldest of two daughters of ex-serviceman K. Ashok and government school teacher G. Nalini. She was a student of Adichunchungiri School in Hassan up to class 10. She joined Alva’s Pre-University College, Moodbidri, in Dakshina Kannada district, two years ago under the free education scheme of Alva’s Education Foundation for sportspersons.

“I am a volleyball player. But due to an injury, I had to discontinue sports and concentrate on academics this year,” she told The Hindu.

As she has been staying in a sports hostel since class 8 in Hassan, it was not difficult for her to stay away from her family, in Moodbidri.

She is now preparing for the company secretary entrance examination scheduled on May 1.

Congratulating Ms. Ananya for securing 600/600 marks, M. Mohan Alva, chairman of Alva’s Education Foundation, Moodbidri said this is first time that a commerce student has secured 100% marks in the examination. Mr. Alva said the foundation will continue to offer free education to youngsters with a talent for sports, cultural activities or academics.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Mangaluru / by The Hindu Bureau / April 21st, 2023

Harangi Reservoir in Kodagu to be beautified

Rs one crore proposal has been forwarded to the state to improve the musical fountain in the area alongside establishing a rain shelter – with nearly 500 seating capacity – across the fountain.   

Madikeri:

The Harangi Reservoir in Kodagu will soon witness beautification work to attract more tourists. The reservoir, meanwhile, wears a colourful look as the crest gates have now been equipped with LED lights.

Harangi Reservoir near Kushalnagar is one of the popular tourist destinations in the district and is visited by over two lakh tourists annually. A minimum entry fee of Rs 10 is being currently collected from the visitors. However, steps are now being taken to improve the reservoir to make it aesthetically appealing.

“The LED lights to the crest gates have been fixed using the Annual Maintenance Funds. More beautification works will commence shortly as several proposals have been readied for the development of the reservoir,” confirmed Chennakeshava, the system engineer of Harangi Reservoir.

Meanwhile, the newly appointed Executive Engineer, Puttaswamy confirmed, “Two proposals for the beautification of the reservoir premises have received approval and the work for the same will begin shortly.”

He explained that a Rs 98 lakh project has been approved to fix lighting across the reservoir area. “The garden, drainage gallery, crest gates and the surrounding areas of the dam will be fitted with improved lighting under the project,” he added.

Further, a chain link fencing will be installed across the musical fountain area in the reservoir “A conflict wild elephant had entered the reservoir premises a couple of times. To avoid this in future, Rs 90 lakh has been approved for the establishment of chain link fencing. The funds will also be used to equip the fountain with a diesel generator,” he explained.

Apart from the approved projects, Rs one crore proposal has been forwarded to the state to improve the musical fountain in the area alongside establishing a rain shelter – with nearly 500 seating capacity – across the fountain. 

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Prajna GR, Express News Service / August 25th, 2022                     

Modern Hanging Bridge Facilitates Kodagu-Mysore Villages

Kushalnagar:

The much-anticipated dream of the villagers to get a hanging bridge for Cauvery river near Kanive Sri Ramalingeshwara Temple in the north Kodagu region, has at last come true.

A hanging bridge for Cauvery river has been built by Malenadu Area Development Authority at a cost of Rs.42 lakh by using modern technology. The attractive bridge, constructed under the guidance of hanging bridge expert from Sullia, Girish Bharadwaj, is now ready for inauguration. It is the nearest bridge connecting Kodagu and its neighbour Mysore district. This bridge lessens the distance between various border villages including Dodda Kamarahalli, Shyanubhoganahalli, Dindigaadu, Muttina Mullusoge, Kanagalu, Hanumanthapura, Karadilakkana Kere of Periyapatna taluk in Mysore district and Kodagu valley, Bhuvanagiri, Huluse, Hakke, Koodige, Marooru, Hebbale and other villages of Kodagu district.

Girish Bharadwaj, who has built the bridge with the help of 20 labourers in two months, says the help and trust of the villagers of the valley has been memorable. Two concrete pillars of two metre width and 33 feet height on two sides of the river are balancing the 83.5-metre- long hanging bridge with the help of iron ropes. Galvansied iron cables are fitted to the sides of the bridge for safety, Girish said.

The hanging bridge is a result of the special interest shown by MLA Appachu Ranjan, who heeded to the requests of the villagers for a bridge. Until now, the villagers including students crossed the river on the dangerous canal bridge built for lift irrigation to reach Kodagu for their daily business and schools and colleges. Many women commuted to Kudloor everyday for coffee curing works and it was difficult for them to return home at dark after 7 pm on the dangerous old bridge. The new hanging bridge has facilitated the villagers from both sides of the river to carry out their daily activities without much hassle, said Sri Ramalingeshwara Temple Committee President E.S. Ganesh, expres-sing his happiness that both the temple and tourism will improve due to the hanging bridge.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / by Raghu Hebbale / August 22nd, 2011