Category Archives: Nature

Tribals will not be evicted from sacred groves: Minister

About Kodagu / Coorg, Agriculture, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Nature

‘Hobli-level janasamparka meeting likely to be extended to State’

Hundreds of people thronged to the Janasamparka meeting held at Kutta Kodava Samaja on Saturday, seeking solution for their various problems.

The people found solution to the problems related to delay in distribution of ration cards, Sandhya suraksha yojana, pension for senior citizens, honorarium for widow and so on.
Speaking after inaugurating, District-in-Charge Minister M P Appachu Ranjan said that the government wants to reach out the programmes to the beneficiaries.

The Minister said that ‘sacred groves will be conserved. There was a need to provide basic facilities. In the name of conserving sacred groves, tribals will not be evicted.”
Deputy Chief Minister K S Eshwarappa is planning to extend the model hobli-level janasamparka meeting to the entire state.

“Janasamparka is nothing but taking the government to the people,” he said.
Assembly Speaker K G Bopaiah flayed the forest department officials for preventing the forest dwellers of Devamacchi forest from offering pooja in the temples.

The Forest Rights Act provides an opportunity for the forest dwellers to lead a comfortable life. Pseudo environmentalists are responsible for fire in Nagarahole reserve forest.

By propagating false rumours, they are engaged in getting funds from foreign countries. “Forest is house for the forest dwellers. They will not engage in setting fire on the forest. The forest has been conserved by the dwellers and not by the pseudo environmentalists.”

Various schemes were distributed among 3,440 beneficiaries on the occasion. This includes Sandhya Suraksha scheme, pension for widow and physically challenged, natural calamity relief fund, Bhagyalakshmi bond, fodder kit, ration cards, nutrition food for the tribals, financial assistance for the students, housing schemes and so on.

Cheques were distributed to 1,796 families under natural calamity relief fund.
Zilla Panchayat Vice-President H M Kaveri, Additional DC Dr N Shivashankar, SP Manjunath Annigeri, ZP CEO K B Anjanappa and others were present.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> District / DH News Service / Madikeri, September 30th, 2012

Wildlife film fests to showcase Maharashtra’s biodiversity

Agriculture, Coffee News, Nature

Nagpur:
At a time when coal mining and other detrimental projects are posing a severe threat to forest and wildlife, state forest department has decided to promote its rich biodiversity and wildlife through film festivals.

This will be for the first time wildlife film festivals will be organized in cities by the forest department with the help of Nature Walk, Pune. The proposal has already been approved by principal secretary (forests) Praveen Pardeshi. The schedules and detailed programme will be worked out at a meeting to be held in Mumbai on Thursday.

R R Sahay, additional principal chief conservator of forests (APCCF) for information and technology and policy, said, “It’s an attempt to give impetus to forest and wildlife. We have asked our officials to coordinate with Nature Walk.”

The festivals will be organized not only in cities like Aurangabad, Solapur, Nashik, Kolhapur and Nagpur as proposed by the Nature Walk, but in other places too, Sahay told TOI. Nature Walk has a collection of around 900 films that showcase wildlife, forest and biodiversity of our country. “We in Pune hold wildlife film festivals that are highly appreciated by the common man. There is huge viewership of wildlife on channels like Discovery and National Geographic, but these channels don’t promote much about our region,” said Anuj Khare, honorary district wildlife warden of Pune.

Khare feels these festivals will not only help create awareness but will help brand building. The publicity wing of the forest department will help with auditorium or a school hall of a capacity of at least 500 people with a good audio system. The forest officials will also help in making other arrangements.

“Plan is to hold such festivals on Saturdays and Sundays where Nature Walk team will screen the films. The films will be first introduced and then a post-screening discussion will be held. We can also have a morning nature walk on one of the days. This will help build goodwill of forest department,” Khare felt.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> City> Nagpur / by Vijay Pinjarkar, TNN / September 27th, 2012

Government creates new buffer zones

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature

Madikeri:

The Karnataka government has declared 562.41 sq km area in Kodagu and Mysore districts as buffer zones. This was officially announced by the forest, ecology and environment department undersecretary Umadevi through a notification dated August 14, 2012.

Kodagu wildlife deputy conservator of forests K T Hanumanthappa said that there will be no restriction on villagers who live near buffer zones. This notification is mainly to protect tigers in the tiger zone. If it is an eco-sensitive zone, some restrictions will be imposed. The buffer zone allows wild animals to move in the limits of the buffer zone, he explained.

Planters fear that the creation of buffer zones will affect coffee and pepper cultivation. Nagarahole range forest officer Mandanna said that the safari has already been stopped following the Supreme Court order.

Hunsur wildlife A C F K D Belliappa has directed residents living around buffer zone areas not to graze their cattle in the restricted area and not to collect firewood as the wildlife act applies in these areas.

The declared buffer zone areas include 24.74 sqkm in Periayapatna taluk,109.09 sqkm of Hunsur thaluk, 228.01 sqkm of H D kote taluk in Mysore district covering a total area of 361.84 sqkm in Mysore district. The buffer zone coverage in Kodagu district is 200.57 sqkm.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> City> Mangalore> Mysore / TNN, September 27th, 2012

Impact of agro-forest management on animal diversity in Kodagu district

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature

Bangalore:

Traditionally coffee in the Western Ghats, as in other tropical regions, is grown under the shade of non-native trees.Such plantations ensure ecological continuity, providing habitat for many species outside protected reserves.

A study by Ayyapan Narayanan of the Department of Ecology, French Institute of Pondicherry, conducted in three different habitats, evaluated the impact of agro-forest management on animal diversity in the Kodagu district of Karnataka. The study was conducted in the preserved forests, coffee plantation with native trees and coffee plantations with non-native trees. Researchers said the objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of the agrosystems in comparison to the forest on local singing animal diversity by employing a passive acoustic method. For each habitat type, four locations were sampled using automatic acoustic recorders.

The acoustic data was then analysed using two indices without using species identification. Differences among habitat types were assessed by comparing the acoustic activity level with non-parametric tests and by including acoustic dissimilarities into multivariate analyses.

source: http://www.m.timesofindia.com / City> Bangalore / by Saswati Mukherjee / September 26th, 2012

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