Category Archives: Nature

First batch of dasara jumbos reach Mysore

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Nature

Mysore:

The first batch of six elephants including howdah elephant Balarama on Friday ambled from the woods marking the beginning of the Dasara-2012.

The elephants will be in Mysore for nearly two months and will participate in the Vijayadashami procession on the last day of Dasara festival celebrations, which is scheduled to commence from October 16.

A traditional pooja was performed before they moved out of woods at Nagarpura, a territorial forest area in Hunsur. Earlier, ‘Gajapayana’ (the ritual of brining elephants from forest for the celebrations) was being conducted at Veeranahosahalli, a tiger reserve in Nagarahole National Park but this time authorities changed the venue for ‘Gajapayana’ following supreme court direction to ban activities in tiger reserve area.

On the occasion, the students of a tribal school and Tibetans presented a cultural performance at the venue, some 60 kms away from Mysore.

Wildlife division DCF S N Devaraja told TOI that four elephants from Nagapura – Balarama, Abhimanyu, Arujuna and Vijaya and two from K Gudi – Srirama and Gajendra have reached Mysore safely. They were transported in separate trucks from forest areas. They will traditionally welcomed inside Mysore Palace where they will stay put till Dasara concludes on September 10.

The second batch of six elephants will arrived three weeks before the celebrations.

Siddeshwara Swamiji to inaugurate Dasara

District minister S A Ramdas who inaugurated the traditional ceremony at Nagapura announced that this year Sri Siddeshwara Swamiji of Jnanayogashrama Mutt, Bijapur, will inaugurate the Dasara celebrations atop the Chamundi Hills on October 16. The minister said earlier they had selected litterateur S L Byrappa to open the celebrations but as Byrappa will be busy attending a literary meet in Japan during the time he will be not available for the inauguration.

On the occasion, district minister presented title deeds to five families who were relocated from reserved forest areas under central government rehabilitation scheme. Each family received ownership documents of five acre land outside the protected forest area and soon the district administration will offer possession certificate to other members of tribal community.

Meet the jumbos

Balarama: He was trapped in Kattepura village forest in Kodagu district in 1987. Balarama, aged 54 years, has been participating in Dasara since 16 years and carrying golden howdah since 12 years. He hails from Thithimathi elephant camp and weighs 4950 kilos.

Abhimanyu:He was caught at Hebballa forest in Kodagu district in 1977. Abhimanyu, 46 years, is being used in operations to tame other wild elephants and he has been participating in Dasara since 13 years. He weighs nearly 4320 kilos.

Arjuna:The 52-year-old tusker was caught in Kheda operation at Kakanakote forest in 1968. He has carried golden howdah once. He comes from Balle elephant camp and weighs 4820 kilos.

Gajendra (57):This elephant was caught during an operation at Kattepura in Kodagu in 1987. Gajendra, the ‘Pattada ane’ has been participating in Dasara procession since 15 years. He is around 4560 kilos

Srirama :He was caught from Thithimathi forest in Kodagu in 1969. He is strong and courageous. Srirama, 55 years, is used in pooja at Mysore Palace. This is his 16 thparticipation in dasara. He weighs nearly 4450 kilos

Vijaya:She was caught in Dubare forest in 1963. The 54-year-old is mild in nature and she is taking part in Dasara since 7 years. She weighs nearly 3250 kilos.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> City> Mysore / by Lawrence Milton, TNN / September 07th, 2012

Kodagu at its best

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Nature

DANCING DOWN THE HILLS:
The Abbi Falls, 7 km from Madikeri in Kodagu district, has come alive thanks to heavy rains in the last few days. Located between private coffee plantations and spices estates, it presents a magnificent sight.The scenic spot is one of the popular tourist places in the region. / PHOTO: K. MURALI KUMAR / The Hindu

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> National> Karnataka / Photo by K. Murali Kumarn / August 13th, 2012

Natural cave unearthed

About Kodagu / Coorg, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature

The forest officials have recently unearthed a natural cave inisde the thick forest, in Kodagu district.

The cave is situated near Anderson stream inside thick forest at Vatekoli, which is 15 kms from Virajpet- Makutta road. The cave is 60 metre long and two metres in height. According to forest department officials, they have heard the sound of water inside the cave. “If there is water inside the cave, then it would be giving shelter to water creatures like fish, crab and so on. Realising the decrease in oxygen inside the cave, the officials did not make an attempt to move further inside the cave.”

The bats will welcome anyone who enters the cave. Normally, snakes live in and around those areas where bats live, say officials. Kodagu Circle Chief Conservator of Forest Deekshith said that the cave must have been formed by the flow of water through limestone and similar rocks. Water seeps into the pores and cracks of rocks and soil and bubbles beneath the earth above. Such caves are called as Solution caves.

The soil in the cave is a mixture of white and grey colour and is soft. The roof of the cave is strong. “We could not see the cave fully. The cave will provide an opportunity for the geologists to make a study. I will inform the State government on the discovery of a cave. If the government sends an expert, we will get more details on the cave,” said an official. It is said that the forest guards had discovered it a year ago. However, they had not informed it to the higher authorities. After taking charge, Deekshith visited the spot. In fact, he has marked the route to the cave through GPS.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> District / DHNS, Madikeri, August 08th, 2012

Coorg oranges in demand

Agriculture, Nature

Kodagu is known for its oranges, which are popular for their unique taste. The oranges have already entered the market. With deficit rainfall, the oranges have entered the markets of neighbouring states as well.

There is a huge demand for oranges from Kodagu in Kerala. The oranges have been harvested just before the monsoon. This year, the yield was good. The deficit rainfall has also helped the merchants in transporting the yield.

Normally, heavy rains in June affects harvesting. Moreover, rains also damage the fruits. However, this year’s weather has brought a smile on the face of the orange growers. The oranges are sold for Rs 30 to 40 per kg.

“The orange harvest had declined over the recent years. The size of the fruit has also come down. Inspite of it, there is a demand for oranges,” said merchant Hamsa.

The oranges have been affected with disease in the recent years, said growers.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> News> District / Napoklu, DHNS, July 21st, 2012

Tata group’s drive at rainwater harvesting

Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature

Mumbai, JULY 14:
The Tata group, which has recycled 1.69 million kilo litres of water across all its entities in 2010-11, is moving to play a major role in rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge.

While over 30 Taj hotels have zero water discharge, 14 hotels have installed rainwater harvesting techniques. The latter helps to recharge groundwater.

The group has also installed desalination plants in hotels that are close to coastal areas. These initiatives have helped the $100-billion conglomerate reduce the demand from fresh water sources.

Similarly, at Tata Coffee, rainwater harvesting and management of water bodies along the Western Ghats in Karnataka have been undertaken on a war footing.

With the majority of the coffee grown in South India, more so in Karnataka, the company noticed the rainfall pattern had been changing over the years. The planting district has seen an annual rainfall drop by one-third — from 106 inches per year to 70 inches. Kodagu region (in Karnataka) faces a drought-like problem, especially from October to April, when water requirement for coffee and paddy is critical.

Coffee growers, who had not given a thought to irrigation, have had to build water sources by digging tanks in catchment areas.

Tata Coffee, which holds 497 million gallons in its rainwater harvesting tanks, is now looking to bridge the gap between demand and storage of rainwater.

“The most important concern in the Karnataka project is the efficient use of water. Data related to the area, geography, rainfall, water runoff, soil capability, water level, water quality, and water use pattern are available with us. Based on this data, the plan is to initiate a total package of water,” said a company spokesperson.

The package will address the issue of economy of water harvesting, water management and optimum agricultural production correlated with water use.

Similarly, though many of the Taj group hotels harvest and utilise rainwater, 35 per cent of Gateway, Luxury and Vivanta Taj hotels reused treated effluent for horticulture in 2010-11. They have also recycled process water to achieve zero water discharge. This is significant, since luxury and business hotels have large water requirements for landscaping and the swimming pool. Several of the Taj hotels’ 100-odd properties have been investing in water saving methods.

amritanair.ghaswalla@thehindu.co.in

source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com / Home> Companies / by Amrita Nair-Ghaswalla / Mumbai, July 14th, 2012

Kodagu gets world heritage tag

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All, World Opinion

The nomination process which started in 2002 during the NDA government and then followed since 2004, successfully ended India’s campaign of getting natural sites included in UNESCO’s World Heritage Site list.

As far as Kodagu is concerned, a total area of 652 square kilometres, covering Pushpagiri, Bramhagiri and Talacauvery Wildlife Sanctuaries and its clusters, namely Kerti Reserve Forest and Padinalknaad Reserve Forest, have been included in the coveted World Heritage Site list. This was announced in the high-level meeting of the World Heritage Committee held in St Petersburg, Russia, on Sunday, sources told Express.

10 sites from Karnataka and 39 in total from India have been included in the list. Kodagu falls in one of the bio-diversity hot spots of the world, known for its rich flora and fauna and dense forest cover. Sources revealed that the meeting was represented by 17 countries, which strongly supported India. The Indian delegation responded to a range of questions and clarifications asked by the high-level committee before announcing the status. Conveners of Wildlife First A A Thammo Poovaiah and Praveen Bharghav told Express that it is a rare recognition and honour for the people of Kodagu and Karnataka for their efforts to conserve their heritage and tradition.

Reacting to this development, MLA M P Appachu Ranjan said that it is unfortunate that in spite of opposition from the people and state, the Government of India has forwarded the proposal to UNESCO. He added: “We will discuss with the CM and look forpossibilities of questioning this decision in the court of law.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / Home> States> Karnataka / by B C Dinesh / Express News Service / July 03rd, 2012

A terrace can be for garden too

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature

Gardening enthusiasts in Mangalore connect with nature by turning their roof tops into gardens, writes Sandhya C D’Souza.

Mangalore which was once a carpet of lush green is now turning into a concrete jungle. High rise buildings and space restrictions have taken away the pretty gardens which once adorned the homes.

However, a few gardening enthusiasts in Mangalore are not deterred by this. They have displayed their creative skills and shown their concern for green by turning their terraces into beautiful gardens.

Dr Bharathi Nirmal from Ullal is probably one of the first green crusaders in the city to start off with a terrace garden. Speaking to City Herald, Dr Nirmal reveals that she started off with the concept 30 years ago.

“My terrace used to heat up and the temperature in the house used to increase. I wanted to make my terrace cool. Hence, I shifted some of my plant pots to the terrace. This made the terrace look more beautiful and hence I decided to continue with the concept,” she says.

Dr Nirmal has grown beautiful flowers on her terrace. “I have many rare varieties such as jasmines, daises, bougainvilleas, desert rose among others,” she says and adds that plants are like little children, it needs good nurturing.

Terrace garden belonging to Anupama Bhat from Manjeshwar has been declared as a demo model plot by Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA).

Anupama tells that she was inspired by a documentary on terrace gardening she saw on youtube four years back. “I thought even I could do the same and then there was no looking back,” she says.

Anupama has grown almost all varieties of vegetables in her terrace kitchen garden. “I have grown almost 16 varieties of vegetables on my 1,200 square feet terrace.

I have grown cabbages, cauliflowers, carrots, beetroots, ladies finger, gherkins, radish, chilies, leafy vegetables among others,” she says. “The Kerala government is supportive towards green initiatives. Through ATMA, a Central government scheme, I have received Rs 4,000 to maintain my garden,” she adds.

Rajkumar, Officer in-Charge of Panambur Metrological Department has turned his terrace into a kitchen garden at Hosabettu. Rajkumar tells that he has not gone to the market to purchase vegetables since the past two years as he has grown almost all varieties of vegetables.

“I always wanted fresh vegetables. As they were not availbale in the market, I decided to grow my own,” he says and adds that everytime he sees the fruits borne by the plants, he gets motivated to continue with his hobby.

“The Karnataka government should support such green intiatives. There is also a need to start a seed bank, where one can buy the seeds he wants,” points out Rajkumar.

Kamala Kanapady who grew up in Coorg says, she missed nature once she moved into Mangalore. “I wanted a big garden, but space was always a constraint, so I turned my terrace into a kitchen garden,” she says. Kamala grows brinjal, tomato, bittergourd, gherkins, spinach and other leafy vegetables on her terrace in Bejai.

“In today’s compact cities, terrace garden is probably the best solution to connect with nature. It adds a touch of green to the most ignored corner of house,” says Rajendra Hegde.

Hegde who works as Project in-Charge in Vittal Mallya Scientific Reserach Foundation has conducted several workshops on terrace gardening.

“Awareness on terrace gardening is picking up in Mangalore. However, people have several apprehensions,” says Hegde. Most of the people are worried if their terrace can sustain the weight of the garden and the water content may cause leakge.

In case a person’s terrace can sustain the rains, then growing a garden may not cause the leakage, says Hegde.

If weight is the apprehension, one can grow plants in thermocol pots, plastic bins or bags, he says.

“There is no particular design for a terrace garden. It is left up to the gardeners creativity and ability. However, any garden needs good nurturing. Good compost, healthy soil and regular watering is a must,” he adds.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> Mangalore City Herald / by Sandhya C D’Souza / June 15th, 2012

Workshop for forest officers

Agriculture, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature

200 officers participate

G.V. Sugoor, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Development), inaugurating a workshop on Afforestation of agricultural land, organised by the Forest Department at the Aranya Bhavan in Ashokapuram in city this morning as (from left) CF Vijay Kumar, CCF Cariappa, CCF (Chamarajanagar) Dilip Kumar Das, CCF K.H. Nagaraj, DCF D.S. Gaonkar and ACF C.P. Durgegowda look on.
Picture shows a section of officers attending the workshop.
Mysore, May 30

A day-long workshop for Forest Officers on ‘Afforestation of agricultural land’ organised by the Forest Department began this morning at Aranya Bhavan in Ashokapuram here.

Inaugurating the workshop, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests G.V. Sugoor said “The scheme started during 2011-12 is aimed to motivate farmers to plant trees in their agricultural lands.”

He further said that a minimum of 400 saplings should be planted per hectare and the department will provide the approved variety of saplings to the farmers along with Rs. 10 per sapling as an incentive.

Apart from this, the farmers will get Rs. 15 and Rs. 20 during the subsequent two years based on good maintenance of the saplings, said the Addl. PCCF adding that Mysore district has topped in performance with 49 lakh saplings planted last year.

Sugoor advised the participating officers to meet the farmers and motivate them on the novel concept. He also asked them to maintain the nursery in good condition.

Taking a strong objection to the absence of forest officers from Kodagu district, Sugoor said that they would be issued notices.

About 200 DCFs, ACFs and RFOs of Mysore, Mandya and Hassan are attending.

CCF Dilip Kumar Das and CCF K.H. Nagaraj were present

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / General News / may 30th, 2012

No UNESCO tag for Madikeri

About Kodagu / Coorg, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, World Opinion

Madikeri:

Madikeri Taluk Budakattu Krishikara Sangha president Kudiyara Muthappa said that the district will not receive the World Heritage Site tag in the near future.
He told reporters here on Wednesday that they received an official note from UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee which stated that they had received global objections to the issue, including from the district.

Hence, the highest deciding body on the tag has decided to drop the proposal.
The Ministry of Environment and Forest can submit a fresh proposal for nomination after three years in this regard, he added.

The Sangha had submitted a joint appeal to UNESCO opposing the tag in their respective areas quoting the reason as lack of implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People in the context of UNESCO’s World Heritage Convention.

The main objection raised by the Sangha was that the local people weren’t taken into confidence nor were they informed about the tag, he said.
Even after six years, the Recognition of Scheduled Tribes and Other Forest Dwellers Act-2006 had not been implemented and those who were living in the forest and adjoining areas were being evicted citing various Forest and Wildlife Acts, he alleged.

This was the main objection raised in the letter to UNESCO. Denying forest rights is a sheer violation of human rights of adivasis and other forest dwellers, he added.
Hence, the World Heritage Committee decided to defer on the nominations and called upon the Union Government to consult and collaborate with indigenous people.

He also released copies of the letter they had written and the replies too.
He also released the letter written by Union Minister for Tribal Affairs V Kishore Chandra Deo to all the Chief Ministers of the country quoting various problems in the implementation of the Recognition of Forest Act.

It may be recalled that the district was included in the list of World Heritage Sites as it is covered by the Western Ghats.

source: http://www.ibnlive.in.com / Home> South> Southern News> Karnataka / The New Indian Express, Express News Service / Karnataka, May 31st, 2012

Flowers, fruits to enthral onlookers in Madikeri

Agriculture, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature

Show to be held from May 11 to 13
The flower-fruit show at Rajaseat will be unveiled on May 11 at 4.30 pm.

The yearly programme organised by District Administration, Zilla Panchayat and Horticulture Department will be held from May 11 to 13.

This year, the Government has not released any special grant for the flower show owing to drought in many parts of the State. Despite this, the officials are all set to put up a good show.
Despite organising the show in a simple manner, the show is nothing lesser than the previous shows.

The highlight of the show this year will be the drawing of animals and birds using white stones. Monsoon show using test tubes will also enthral the audience this time.

As many as 6,000 flower pots of 125 varieties will be displayed. Some medicinal plants will also be displayed. Names of all the plants will be displayed so as to help the students and general public.

Vegetable carvings will be a part of the show. In the evening, musical fountain and light show will be held.

The programme will be inaugurated by Assembly Speaker K G Bopaiah. Zilla Panchayat CEO M P Appachu Ranjan, MLC M C Nanaiah, M P H Vishwanath among others will take part.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> District / DHNS / Madikeri, May 10th, 2012