Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda on Friday said that the construction of new Taluk Administration Buildings (Prajasaudha) in Ponnampet and Kushalnagar in Kodagu district will begin shortly.

He was speaking to media persons during his visit to the district. The Minister noted that though the two taluks were created more than 7 years ago, taluk offices have not yet been constructed, and said that the projects for the same would be expedited.

The government has sanctioned ₹8.65 crore each for the two buildings, and the tender process has been completed, he added.

Mr. Byre Gowda also inspected the proposed sites for the buildings and visited a bridge near Balyamandur. He said that the government was accelerating efforts to scan and digitally preserve original land ownership records across taluk offices to ensure landowners have guaranteed access to their documents.

“Preserving land records and making them accessible at the fingertips of landowners is the core objective of the Land Security Scheme,” said the Minister. The initiative aims to prevent loss, tampering, or forgery of land records, which often leads to disputes, he added.

With regard to digitisation of land records, the Minister said that the department has already scanned 33.5 crore pages of land records against the target of completing the scan of 100 crore pages of documents and records across Karnataka. This, he said, would serve as a legal guarantee for land records.

Mr. Byre Gowda emphasised the need for strict implementation of recent reforms in the Revenue Department and urged officials to adopt modern technology to deliver citizen services efficiently.

On the issue of recurring landslides in Kodagu, the Minister said that the government will allocate ₹50 crore for constructing retaining walls. The funds will be released soon by the Chief Minister, he added.

The Minister said full ownership rights would be extended to rightful landowners, and records dating back 30 to 40 years would be rectified where necessary, offering a long-term solution.

MLA for Virajpet A.S. Ponnanna apprised the Minister of rain damage in Kodagu district. Deputy Commissioner of Kodagu Venkat Raja, ZP CEO Anand Prakash Meena, and officials from PWD and various other departments were present.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / July 25th, 2025

Writer Harini Nagendra’s newest instalment in the best-selling series, Bangalore Detectives Club, sees protagonist Kaveri solving mysteries across 1920s B’luru & the forests of Kodagu

The cover of Into The Leopard’s Den

An elderly woman lies bleeding out on the floor of her ramshackle hut – an intruder turning her home inside out in search of something she refuses to surrender. As this mysterious killer discovers the object and flees, she clutches a picture of Bengaluru’s famous female detective Kaveri. Thrusting it into the hands of a boy who discovers her, she breathes her last with a plea on her lips – find the killer.

Into the Leopard’s Den (`499; Hachette), the fourth volume of writer Harini Nagendra’s best-selling cosy mystery series, Bangalore Detectives Club, dives straight into the tangled knots of this mystery, with the now pregnant 21-year-old detective, Kaveri, determined to unravel them all.

This time, the case leads her to the lush coffee plantations of Kodagu, leaving her motley crew of inquisitive neighbour aunty Uma, street urchin Venu and housemaid Anandi to investigate in Bengaluru. “While staying in the house of coffee plantation owner Lakamma, she learns of stories of a ghost leopard terrorising the place and scaring the workers away. At the same time, an exploitative British plantation owner’s life is in danger from multiple attacks,” explains Nagendra.

As an ecologist, the author’s environmental concerns come to the forefront stronger than in the previous three instalments, addressing colonialism’s ecological destruction alongside the murder mystery. “You get an insight into the time – the British expanded coffee production into the forest a lot but at a huge cost – the exploitation of labour, but also an ecological cost to the landscape,” she explains.

The Bengaluru of a century ago comes alive in these pages as the reader is transported to places that are familiar yet different. Nagendra explains her fascination with the period, nestled between two world wars and intimately associated with detective fiction from Agatha Christie’s Poirot stories to Miss Marple, Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay’s popular Byomkesh Bakshi series, and more. “The 1920s were a very interesting period in Bengaluru because while the rest of India was actively involved in the independence struggle, the Mysore Maharajas had a mediating influence here. While most books about the period have focused on Bombay, Delhi, and Kolkata, I wanted to talk about what it was like to live in Bengaluru at the time.” she explains.

Nagendra also makes it a point to include real women from the time (such as journalist Kalyanamma) or characters inspired by real women, with Lakamma being based on ‘coffee pudi’ Sakamma, an influential businesswoman.

This, with Kaveri’s independent, intelligent, and headstrong character, turns stereotypes of women of this period on its head. “A feminist discussion runs through the entire series because Kaveri is very strongly what we would call a feminist in these times. There were also a lot of independent women stepping out of the house for the first time in the 1920s,” says Nagendra, adding that at the same time, many, like her mother, grandmother and mother-in-law, were denied higher education. For her, imagining a character like Kaveri is partly a way of setting history right.

Kaveri and her doctor husband Ramu’s relationship, from a newly-wed couple to expectant parents, is a sweet and heartwarming thread in the series. Nagendra reveals that this loving yet nuanced depiction of an Indian arranged-married couple was a deliberate decision, keeping both her local and global readership in mind.

“There is often a feeling that Indian relationships are exploitative, always involving subjugation. I wanted to write about a regular but happy marriage of those times,” says Nagendra, adding, “Ramu is a traditional man, raised in a traditional family, married to an independent woman whom he didn’t really understand very well. But he wants to be supportive and over time, he understands her better, I’ve been enjoying seeing their relationship grow.”

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Bengaluru / by Mahima Nagaraju / July 23rd, 2025

Heavy to very heavy rains in August means the hilly district ends up receiving 20 to 30 days of precipitation within a week, resulting in wide-spread damage to property, localized flooding and crop loss, apart from landslides.

A below-normal rainfall in Kodagu during July tends to be followed by heavy to very heavy rains in August.  | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Notwithstanding the comfortable storage positions in the major reservoirs of the Cauvery basin in Karnataka, the catchment area in Kodagu district has received below normal rain in July, and has triggered an alert in the district administration.

Reason?

A below-normal rainfall during July tends to be followed by heavy to very heavy rains in August. The hilly district ends up receiving 20 to 30 days of precipitation within a week, resulting in wide-spread damage to property, localized flooding and crop loss, apart from landslides.

Though it is not the rule, public memory of the devastation caused in 2018, and similar trends in the following two to 3 years, has kept residents and officials on edge.

Hence, there is a heightened alert in Kodagu every time the rainfall is below normal in the district. The district tends to be pro-active for emergency response, identifying areas vulnerable to flash floods or landslides, and conducting a dry-run of emergency response with the involvement of the National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force and other departments, to handle any eventuality.

At a recently convened meeting of the District Disaster Management Authority, Deputy Commissioner Venkat Raja cautioned officials against complacency due to lull in rainfall in July. He issued clear instructions to all officials to remain vigilant until the end of August.

The Deputy Commissioner pointed out that while there was heavy rainfall in the last week of May and throughout June this year, the rainfall in July has been below normal. Hence, he impressed upon officials the possibility of heavy rains in the coming days, and the imperatives of taking appropriate precautionary measures in their respective jurisdictions.

The DC called for additional precautions to be taken to protect anganwadi, school, and college buildings, apart from protecting livestock. “Attention should also be paid to preventing damage to government buildings from falling trees,” he added, and called for precautionary steps, such as trimming of branches.

The Deputy Commissioner advised informing the Forest Department in advance if there are trees in a hazardous condition.

Engineers from the Public Works Department and Panchayat Raj Department have been instructed to work in tandem with the tahsildars, who have to keep the authorities informed of rain-related damage in their respective localities. Additionally, the Deputy Commissioner instructed tahsildars to carry out spot inspections.

District Superintendent of Police K. Ramarajan suggested that forest check posts be opened at various locations, including Anechowkur and Maldare, and called for deploying police personnel at these check-posts for better coordination.

Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) engineers were instructed to ensure additional poles and transformers are available for installation wherever required.

Tahsildars, taluk panchayat executive officers, Additional Deputy Commissioner R. Aishwarya, CESC engineer Ramachandra, and officers from various departments participated in the video conference.

According to Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC), Kodagu has received 468 mm of rainfall from July 1^st to July 21^st, which is 21% below normal, and is under deficit category. In the taluks, Virajpet has received 295 mm, which is 44% below normal, Ponnampet has received 366 mm, which is 30% below normal, and comes under deficit category.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / July 22nd, 2025

Experience the flavors of Coorg at Hilton Bengaluru’s exclusive pop-up, “A Coorg Kitchen Story,” featuring Chef Anjali Ganapathy’s culinary delights by the poolside.

3 -Day Exclusive Pop-Up by Pig Out at Neer

Hilton Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park is set to host a one-of-a-kind culinary pop-up, “A Coorg Kitchen Story,” presented by Pig Out, the acclaimed dining platform founded by Chef Anjali Ganapathy. Held at Neer, the hotel’s elegant poolside restaurant, this limited-time event promises to transport diners to the misty hills of Kodagu through a sensory-rich celebration of Coorg cuisine.

Chef Anjali Ganapathy, renowned for her immersive, narrative-driven culinary experiences, brings the soul of Coorg to the city through a menu deeply rooted in heritage, memory, and the wild bounty of the Western Ghats.

The menu promises bold, comforting flavors—from tantalizing Mathi Cutlet and Onak Erachi to vegetarian delights like Jackfruit Cutlet and Baimbali Stir Fry. Guests can savor iconic pairings such as Paaputt with Koli Curry and the soothing Kumbla Curry. Unique dishes like Kaipakai, Baale Thange and a vibrant assortment of curries—Kumm, Maange, Pandi, and Kakkda Njende—highlight the region’s culinary diversity. Hearty rice dishes such as Jackfruit Pulao and Erchai Pulao add depth, complemented by traditional sides like zesty Inji Pachadi, nutty Ellu Pajji, and the distinctive Baimbale Paara. Staple breads like Noolputt and Akki Otti round out the experience.

The pool side setting at Neer provides the ideal backdrop for this immersive journey. With its tranquil, tropical-inspired ambiance and curated beverage program, it enhances the rich, earthy narrative of Kodava cooking with understated elegance. This exclusive pop-up promises an unforgettable culinary escape into the heart of Coorg’s vibrant food heritage.

What: A Coorg Kitchen Story by Chef Anjali Ganapathy

When: 18th July 2025 to 20th July 2025, 7.00 PM onwards

Where: Neer, Hilton Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park

source: http://www.hospibuz.com / Hospibuz.com / Home> Hotel Listicles> Hotel / by Hospibuz.com / July 11th, 2025

The Kodagu district police held a meeting to discuss precautionary measures to be taken in the event of a natural disaster in the hilly district, which has been receiving heavy rains in the last few weeks.

Superintendent of Police K. Ramarajan, in a statement, said that the police officers have been instructed to rope in volunteers from each jurisdiction. They have been told to gather the details of operators of earthmovers, cranes, towing vehicles, jeeps, and wood cutters.

The meeting was organised in view of the rivers, lakes, ponds, and other waterbodies were overflowing following heavy rains the district received so far.

The public were advised to cooperate with the Police Department during natural calamities. Those who are willing to volunteer during emergencies can provide their details including their name, address, mobile number, etc., to the Kodagu district police on 82779 58444. They can also submit their details at the local police station.

In case of assistance and/or to report on untoward incidents, the public can contact the above-mentioned number.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / July 02nd, 2025

Mysuru:

MTB Royals and Kakot Strikers ended up in the top of Pool A and Pool B respectively after winning both their matches on Day-1 of three-day Kodava Hockey Premier League (KHPL) organised by Kodava Samaja Youth Wing Mysuru at Chamundi Vihar Stadium     here yesterday.

In their first match, MTB Royals defeated Team Kodava Tribe 1-0 and in their second match, they overcame Coorg Titans 1-0 to top the Pool A. Meanwhile, Kakot Strikers also won both their matches in Pool B. They defeated Connecting Kodavas 1-0 in their first match and South Side Rangers 2-1 in their  second match.

On Day-2, this morning, Coorg United defeated MTB Royals 2-1, Kodavu Warriors overcame Kakot Strikers 2-1 and Coorg Titans reigned supreme over Team Kodava Tribe 2-0.

Yesterday’s Results

Coorg Titans 1   beat       Coorg United 0

Kakot Strikers 1                beat       Connecting Kodavas 0

Team Kodava Tribe 1      beat       MTB Royals 0

Anjigeri Naad 4 beat       Kodavu Warriors 3

 (penalty shootout) 

Pale Taluk 3        beat       Coorg United 0 (shootout)

South Side Rangers 2     beat       Kakot Strikers 1

Coorg Titans 1   beat       MTB Royals 0

Connecting Kodavas 1   beat       Kodavu Warriors 0

Pale Taluk 1        beat       Team Kodava Tribe 0

South Side Rangers 4     beat       Anjigeri Naad 3

 (penalty shootout)

Day 2  Results

Coorg United 2 beat       MTB Royals 1

Kodavu Warriors 2          beat       Kakot Strikers 1

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / June 28th, 2025

Date :  June 27 – June 29 / Time : 7 am to 5.30 pm / Venue : Hockey Grounds, Chamundi Vihar Stadium

Mysuru:

The three-day Kodava Hockey Premier League (KHPL) – 2025 was off to flying start with Coorg United taking on Coorg Titans in the inaugural match held Chamundi Vihar Stadium in Nazarbad, here this morning.

In the inaugural match, Coorg Titans defeated Coorg United 1-0. Kuttimada Bhuvan Ponnanna scored the lone goal of the match for the Titans. In another match, Connecting Kodavas   overcame Kakot Strikers 1-0. Mukkatira Poonacha scored for Connecting Kodavas. In the third match, MTB Royals defeated Team Kodava Tribe. Chekkera Varun Madappa scored the only goal of the match for the Royals.

The 3-day Franchise-based Kodava Hockey Tournament, organised by Kodava Samaja Youth Wing Mysuru in association with Kodava Samaja Mysuru and Hockey Mysore, will feature a total of 24 matches including the finals to be held on June 29. 

A total of 10 teams including  Coorg United, Kodavu Warriors, Pale Taluk, South Side Rangers, Team Kodava Tribe, Connecting Kodavas, Anjigeri Naad, Coorg Titans, Kakot Strikers and MTB Royals are competing in the tournament which promises some best action. Matches are played in a short format with 34 minutes allotted to each match with two quarters of 17 minutes each.

KHPL-2025 mandates each team to include one female player and two emerging players under 18. This step brings gender inclusivity and youth empowerment to forefront, ensuring 10 women and 20 young talents shine on Kodava hockey stage.

Hockey Karnataka Hon. Secretary and ex-Olympian Anjaparvanda B. Subbaiah, Hockey Mysore President Konganda Dilip Biddappa, Kodava Hockey Academy President Pandanda Bopanna, Hockey Mysore Vice-President Kotera Muddaiah, Kodava Samaja Cultural and Sports Club ex-President Kuttimada D. Muthappa, Youth Wing President Kotera Vedith Uthaiah, Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Assn. President Nayakanda Thimmaiah and others were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / June 27th, 2025

Minister in charge of Kodagu N.S. Boseraju, A.S. Ponnanna, MLA, and others visiting rain-affected areas at Napoklu in Kodagu on Friday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Kodagu district in-charge Minister N.S. Boseraju on Friday instructed the Forest Department officials to devise effective, long-term measures to tackle the growing human-animal conflict in the district.

Presiding over the district-level Karnataka Development Programme (KDP) tri-monthly review meeting in Madikeri, the Minister said that the conflict with wild elephant continues unabated, and he called for scientific and permanent solutions.

He spoke to Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre over the phone, suggesting a meeting in Bengaluru with Kodagu MLAs and senior forest officials to discuss forest-related challenges.

A.S. Ponnanna, MLA, raised concerns over the increasing elephant attacks that result in human casualties. While barricades and trenches have been created, elephants continue to raid villages in groups. Mantar Gowda, MLA, criticised the lack of coordination among forest officials, and said that elephants are merely chased from one area to another without addressing the root problem.

MLC S.L. Bhoje Gowda suggested scientific interventions, preservation of forest ponds, and replacing eucalyptus and acacia trees with fruit-bearing and bamboo species to provide adequate food for wildlife within forests.

Issues like permanent rehabilitation for flood-affected families in Karadigodu village, reparation of rain-damaged roads, etc. were discussed at the meeting. Directions were also issued to the Escom officials to remain alert in case of power disruptions during monsoon.

The Minister directed the officials to address grievances of aided schools and ensure basic facilities. The Agriculture Department was asked to ensure timely distribution of seeds and fertilisers for paddy and maize this season.

Later, Mr. Boseraju, along with Virajpet MLA and Chief Minister’s Legal Advisor A.S. Ponnanna, visited Cheriyaparambu in the Napoklu region to inspect the rain-affected places.

The Minister inspected the bridge built across the Cauvery river and assessed the surrounding areas. Mr. Boseraju instructed the officials to take precautionary measures to ensure public safety and road connectivity, if the bridge gets cut-off in case of floods in the river.

Deputy Commissioner Venkataraja, Zilla Panchayat CEO Anand Prakash Meena, and others were present.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / June 27th, 2025

Mysuru MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar has urged Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia to take immediate steps to improve BSNL connectivity in Karnataka’s Kodagu district, which continues to suffer from poor network coverage and service disruptions.

During a recent meeting with the Union Minister in New Delhi, Mr. Wadiyar submitted a detailed memorandum outlining the urgent need to upgrade BSNL infrastructure, particularly in the wake of recent heavy rains that have damaged key telecom assets.

Speaking to mediapersons after the meeting, the MP said that continuous rainfall in Kodagu has uprooted several electricity and telephone poles, leading to a breakdown in telecom services.

He appealed to the minister to instruct concerned authorities to expedite repair and restoration efforts.

“Despite repeated appeals to BSNL officials for replacing outdated towers and improving connectivity, little has been done on the ground,” Mr. Wadiyar said. “The quality of BSNL service in Kodagu is abysmal, and it is essential to take immediate corrective measures.”

The MP expressed concern over the severe impact on students, who are struggling to attend online classes or access digital learning platforms due to poor connectivity. Government offices, too, are facing operational hurdles, he informed.

Another key issue raised by Mr. Wadiyar was the non-functional power backup systems at BSNL towers. “Most backup batteries have failed. Repairing or replacing them takes considerable time and effort. I had brought this to the notice of officials during the DISHA meeting held on March 8, but their inaction has only worsened the situation,” he stated.

Mr. Wadiyar said that the Union Minister responded positively, and assured that necessary steps would be taken at the earliest to address the concerns raised.

Immediate actions requested by the MP include repair and upgradation of existing BSNL towers, installation of new towers in underserved and low-connectivity areas, and reliable power backup systems to ensure uninterrupted services.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka /by The Hindu Bureau / June 18th, 2025