Category Archives: Records, All

‘End Man-Animal Strife In Kodagu Through Policies’

Agriculture, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Green Initiatives / Environment, Leaders, Nature, Records, All

Former President of Coorg Wildlife Society writes to CM and suggests sustainable ways and means

Mysore/Mysuru:

In the wake of increasing man-animal conflict and tiger attacks in Kodagu where at least three human lives have been lost within a span of 15 to 20 days, former President of Coorg Wildlife Society Col. (Retd.) Cheppudira P. Muthanna has written to Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa drawing his attention towards how the people are being victimised by mindless destruction of wild habitats in the name of big projects and how wild animals are entering human areas in search of food. 

Keeping in mind the increasing human killing by wild animals including tigers and elephants, Muthanna has suggested the appointment of an Officer on Special Duty in the rank of Deputy Conservator of Forests exclusively for Kodagu. This officer must be based in Thithimathi with adequate staff and resources and he must be able to be a link between the Government and the people to solve pressing problems of the district, he stated. 

Sharp-shooters

Secondly, tigers that kill human beings must be hunted down at the earliest to prevent further deaths and the existing regulations should be modified accordingly. “Kodagu has a number of excellent shooters and ten such shooters should be identified and provided with sophisticated telescopic rifles and ammunition. Whenever there is a dangerous situation arising due to tigers or leopards outside the forest habitat, they should be given permission to assist the Forest Department,” Muthanna said and added that local shooters will be more familiar with the terrain and conditions and would be able to defuse a dangerous situation without loss of time and it would save human lives.

According to Muthanna, a major reason for the tiger menace is due to vast areas of the forests covered by invasive species like Lantana Camara and Senna Spectabilis. “Deer and other prey congregate in small patches of forests that are free from weeds and are fit for grazing. This leads to a number of tigers also congregating in the same restricted area and causes the tigers to fight one another. In most such cases one of the tigers will be wounded and forced out of the forest. Therefore sufficient funds are required for eradication of invasive species,” he has suggested. 

Some of the other measures suggested to the CM are, opening up of wildlife corridors from Nagarahole to Brahmagiri area in Kutta region of South Kodagu, establishing an Ecological Territorial Army Unit for Kodagu. “These units comprise mainly of able-bodied ex-servicemen who can join as volunteers and the unit can be utilised for forest land restoration, forest fire mitigation and eradication of invasive species,” he said. 

Destruction and fragmentation of forest habitat is a primary cause of human-animal conflict and there is a need for a policy decision to prevent further destruction of forests due to so-called development projects such as dams, highways, railways, powerlines etc., he added. 

Tourism has done tremendous damage to Kodagu. There should be no further investment in Kodagu for tourism. Tourism in Kodagu should be regulated and not promoted, he wrote. All the proposed project investments in Kodagu must be diverted to improve the economic condition of the people in the district through sustainable living and also to prevent human-animal conflict, he opined. 

“There is a need to protect Kodagu as the principal catchment of River Cauvery and the proposals for multi-lane National Highways, railway lines and airport for Kodagu must be scrapped as none of these projects will benefit Kodagu or its people in any way and will only serve to further destroy the environment and landscape of Kodagu,” he urged the CM. 

Tiger menace: Overnight protests continue

Overnight protests in parts of South Kodagu demanding the capture or shooting of elusive tiger still continues. The protests began five to six days back and residents of Bellur, Thavalageri, Shettigeri and Srimangala are participating in the dharna. They light campfires daily to keep themselves warm. Tents have been pitched by the side of the road for protection from rain. Protesters are upset as despite the Government shoot-at-sight orders and the intervention of MLAs K.G. Bopaiah and M.P. Appachu Ranjan and MLC Veena Achaiah, who came to Bellur recently, the Forest Department has failed to net the tiger. 

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / March 13th, 2021

HC Orders Tahsildar To Survey Madikeri Gaddige Land

About Kodagu / Coorg, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Leaders, Records, All

Bengaluru/ Madikeri:

The Karnataka High Court has directed Madikeri Tahsildar to conduct a survey of 19.86 acres of the area where Raja’s Tomb (Gaddige) is situated at Mahadevpet near Madikeri.

A Division Bench, headed by Chief Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka, was hearing the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by J.S. Virupakshaiah, a former State Information Commissioner. It might be mentioned here that Virupakshaiah had even filed a PIL regarding the pathetic state of Madikeri Fort and had drawn the attention of the High Court contending that the Fort and Palace premises are heritage sites, dating back to more than three centuries and have been grossly neglected. 

In his PIL on Gaddige, Virupakshaiah alleged that there are several encroachments in the historical tomb area. Rajara Gaddige is one of the tourist attractions in Kodagu and tourists who visit Abbey falls will pass Rajara Gaddige en route to it. However, it is in deplorable condition owing to the negligence of the Government and encroachment of land by local residents and vested interests. 

Encroachments galore

Initially, the Gaddige had 19.86 acres of land. However, the land has been encroached. Some have even built houses on the encroached land. Even a Government building has come up on the Gaddige land. The Gaddige area has become land for immoral activities in the evening.

Hearing the petitioner, the High Court directed the Tahsildar to visit the Gaddige with a view to ascertain the present condition of the tomb. The Bench said the Tahsildar has to ascertain in the report whether there are any encroachments. The Bench has also directed the Tahsildar to prepare a sketch of the entire land and point out encroachments, if any. The Tahsildar has been directed to submit the survey report within six weeks.

Also, the High Court has directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Centre to file affidavits stating whether the Raja’s tomb is an ancient monument and is of national importance. It asked the State Government to consider whether powers, under Section 19 of the Karnataka Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1961, should be exercised for the declaration of the protected area.

Deep-rooted history

The Rajara Gaddige situated in a hilly region at Mahadevpet has been built in such a way that it can be seen from all the four directions. They have been built in Mohammedan style with tombs at the centre and turrets at the corners. Nandi figures are carved on top of the corners.

The entrance of the tombs has carvings too. Lord Shiva is placed and worshipped inside the tomb since the king was Hindu. There are three tombs built for the royal dynasty. The central tomb which is the largest among the three is of Kodava king Doddaveerarajendra and his wife Mahadeviamma. The right tomb is built by Chikkaveerarajendra for his father Lingarajendra in 1820. 

The left tomb belongs to Veerarajendra’s guru Rudrappa built in 1834. Closer to the tombs is the burial place of the two brave royal officials Biddanda Bopu — Bopu Dandanayaka — and his son Biddanda Somaiah who sacrificed their life fighting with Tipu Sultan. In fact, Doddaveerarajendra had erected a plaque in the memory his soldiers in 1779.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / March 29th, 2021

Delegation Seeks Super-Speciality Hospital At Madikeri

Business & Economy, Records, All, Science & Technology

Madikeri:

A delegation of Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences Board Members recently met Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa and demanded the setting up of a super-speciality hospital in Madikeri.

Residents have been forced to travel more than a hundred kilometres, either to Mangaluru, Mysuru or Bengaluru, to avail benefits of advanced medicine, even in case of an emergency and most of the patients die before they reach their destination hospitals. 

The delegation told the CM that a super-speciality hospital would help provide emergency treatment with the latest facility for the accident victims. The delegation was led by Virajpet MLA K.G. Bopaiah and comprised Board Members of Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences M.A. Niranjan, Dr. B.C. Naveen and Dr. Jayalakshmi Patkar. 

The delegation told the CM that whenever a major accident takes place in Kodagu, there are no facilities to provide emergency treatment and also accidents have increased over the years due to narrow roads. If a Trauma Centre is set up, it will help treat critically injured patients, the delegation told Yediyurappa. 

There are no cardiac treatment facilities and heart patients have to depend on visiting doctors from other districts like Mysuru and Mangaluru for treatment. 

Giving a patient ear, the CM told the delegation that he would discuss with officials and take measures to provide basic required facilities to Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / March 28th, 2021

Kodagu To Be Included In Heliport Project

Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, Records, All

Madikeri:

The Centre has identified six districts in Karnataka including Kodagu for Heliport project under Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (Regional Connectivity Scheme), claimed Minister for Tourism C.P. Yogeeshwar. 

He was speaking at an event at a private resort in Madikeri yesterday that was organised by Kodagu District Hotel, Resorts and Restaurants Association, Home Stay Association, Tours and Travel Association. The Associations had invited the Minister to discuss about tourism prospects of Kodagu and this was Yogeeshwar’s first visit to Kodagu after assuming the charge of  Tourism Department.

Yogeeshwar told the gathering that establishment of Heliports as part of the Heli Tourism Circuit would be a reality soon as districts including Bengaluru, Mysuru, Hubballi, Mangaluru and Kodagu have been identified for the project and Kodagu will not be neglected at a time when grand plans are afoot to develop Karnataka Tourism in a big way. 

He stressed that while promoting tourism, it will be kept in mind that even environment has to be taken care of. “Our intention is sustainable tourism. The Tourism Department is formulating plans to introduce caravans at an estimated cost of Rs. 30 lakh and the project will come to Kodagu too and local hotels and resort can make the best use of the  same,” he said. 

In all, 10 heliports would come up across Karnataka and more and more tourists would come to Kodagu after the 10-lane work of the Mysuru-Bengaluru Economic Corridor is completed. “We intend to build tourist rest houses on Hunsur-Sampaje route with all the amenities for tourists,” he assured. Hotel and Resort Association  President Nagendra Prasad, Home Stay Association President B.G. Ananthashayana, Tours and Travel Association President Cheeyanda Sathya and others were present.  

source: http://www.starofmysore.com/ Star of Mysore / Home> News / March 29th, 2021

Kodagu residents shower their passion for hockey by organizing open tournament

Nri's / Pio's, Records, All, Sports, World Opinion

While the district annually hosted the record-breaking hockey tournament, the same has met with hurdles from the past three years.

The Coorg Challengers Chickpet Association members. (Photo | Express)

Madikeri :

The passion for hockey in Kodagu is unmatchable and the district has contributed largely to the Indian Hockey team.

Nevertheless, the passionate hockey lovers have alternate platforms to showcase their enthusiasm and one such pompous hockey tournament will soon be launched at FMKM Cariappa Hockey Arena in Bengaluru.

CCCA 5 A side open Hockey tournament will unfurl from April 2 to April 4 and will witness participation from 24 teams across South India.

What is notable about this tournament is that it is being hosted by hockey enthusiasts from Kodagu – who call themselves the Coorg Challengers Chickpet Association (CCCA).

Further, this tournament will enable a close competition among hockey veterans even as NRIs from Kodagu who recently moved back to India following the pandemic, have formed a new team to take part in the tournament.

“CCCA is a group of hockey-loving people. The group consists of nearly 40 individuals from 14 different Kodava families. And we are all natives of Chickpet in Virajpet who are now settled in Bengaluru,” explained Mukkatira Somaiah, one of the core members of CCCA.

He stated that CCCA was formed with a vision to promote hockey while also providing support to the needy.

“Through CCCA 5A hockey tournament, we raise funds from hockey lovers and philanthropists. The money from the tournament is then donated to Cheshire Home Bangalore in Bengaluru,” he said. The association also promotes sports learning among youngsters as it has supported many sports aspirants financially.

“The tournament is organized under the aegis of Hockey India and Hockey Karnataka and will witness participation from many professional hockey players. We have chosen 5A Hockey tournament as this is a skillful game and it involves unique stick work. The cash prizes to winners are also elaborate,” he added.

The tournament has grabbed the attention of hockey players from across the country even as a new team from Kodagu – Team Coorg Gulf will take part this year.

A group of residents who are natives of Kodagu and who were settled in Muscat and UAE continued their passion for hockey aboard with the founding of Team Coorg Muscat and Team Coorg UAE a few years ago.

“Mekerira Bellu Kuttappa, a hockey enthusiast who was working in Muscat founded Team Coorg Muscat. Similarly, natives of Kodagu working in UAE formed the Team Coorg UAE. We used to often take part in hockey tournaments in Oman. However, all of us have returned to India following the pandemic and the two teams have been reformed as Team Coorg Gulf,” explained Vikram Uthappa, one of the core members of the team.

While the pandemic situation had put most of the sports activities to rest, the Team Coorg Gulf members are excited to launch themselves in India with the CCCA 5A hockey tournament.

While 24 teams have registered for the tournament, three teams in total will take part from Kodagu. Further, veteran hockey players VR Raghurathan, Nikhin Thimmaiah, and Arjun Halappa among others will be part of the event.

Somaiah also confirmed that hockey player Dhanraj Pilay is likely to be present during the final game of the tournament, which is likely to witness an exhibition match between former Olympians and international hockey players.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Prajna GR, Express News Service / March 28th, 2021

Education should instil culture among students: Dr Parvathi Appaiah

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All

Stressing on the need for more reservation for women in education and in the job sector, Dr Parvathi said that girls should not be deprived of education

Participants at the International Women’s Day programme organised by Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy and Aimanda Pommakkada Koota, in Maragodu village. Credit: DH Photo

Education becomes more meaningful if it instils cultural values among students, opined Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy chairperson Dr Parvathi Appaiah.

She was delivering the keynote address during the International Women’s Day programme observed by Kodava Sahitya Academy and Aimanda Pommakkada Koota, in Maragodu village recently.

Stressing on the need for more reservation for women in education and in the job sector, Dr Parvathi said that girls should not be deprived of education.

Madikeri Government First Grade College lecturer Bodukuttada Radhika Kuttappa said education alone can bring positive development among girls.

During the session, Taluk Panchayat former president Revathi Parameshwar spoke on ‘Kalakottaneke Pommakkada Badkal Badalavane’.

Aimanda Divya presented her views on ‘Kodagra Samskruthi, Samkraratha Bolachel Avvangada Pathra’.

Books and CDs brought out by Kodava Sahitya Academy were kept for exhibition and sale.

As part of the cultural programmes, students from Kaveri Degree College, Gonikoppa, members of Aimanda Pommakkada Koota and dance troupes from Virajpet performed dances on the occasion.

The best performances were awarded cash prizes, sponsored by Non-resident Indian Aimanda Jagadish.

Prior to the programme, office-bearers of Aimanda Pommakkada Koota and Kodava Sahitya Academy took out a cultural procession in the town.

Pommakkada Koota president Pushpavathi, Maragodu Gram Panchayat president Ayyandra Poornima Shrinivas, academy member Gowramma Madammaiah, academy former president Rani Machaiah, former principal Dr Pushpa Kuttana, academy members Babbira Saraswathi, Prabu Kumar and registrar Ajjikuttira Girish were present, among others.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> States> Karnataka Districts / by DHNS, Madikeri / March 14th, 2021

A bid to stop jumbo march

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Coffee News, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All, Science & Technology
The Forest Department has installed railway barricades to stop entry of elephants in Alur range.  

Across 4.5 km in Alur range, these will restrict elephant movement

The Forest Department has put up railway barricades for about 4.5 km in Alur range of Hassan district to avoid the movement of elephants. The 2.1 m tall barricades, made of used railway tracks, have been installed between Nagavara Elephant Camp and Bharatur in Alur taluk. This is the area wherein elephants from Kattepura forest in Kodagu district move towards Alur range crossing the backwater of Hemavati Reservoir located at Gorur.

People of Hassan have been dealing with the elephant menace for decades. As many as 70 lost their lives in the conflict in the district since 1991. Similarly, 63 elephants have died so far. Besides solar fencing and elephant-proof trenches (EPT), the department has taken up the installation of railway barricades as a solution to avoid conflicts.

K.N. Basavaraj, Deputy Conservator of Forests, on Friday, took a team of journalists to Nagavara Elephant Camp to show them the barricades. “We keep learning how to avoid conflicts. Now, the installation of railway barricades is considered to be the effective system to minimise the conflicts,” he said. Chandrashekhar, a contractor from Mysuru, has bagged the contract to put up barricades for 4.5 kms at a cost of ₹4.65 crore. He procured 750 tonnes of the used tracks from the Ministry of Railways at an open auction. “The barricades are 2.1 m above ground level. They have been erected with the support of concrete 1.5 m below the ground. Two horizontal barricades are such that neither a cub nor adult elephant could cross them. We have learnt from the past experiences where elephants died while attempting to cross the barricades,” the officer said.

The purpose is to avoid the entry of elephants from Kodagu to Hassan. In 2014, the department captured 24 elephants and relocated them, resulting in a decrease in man-animal conflict for a brief period. “However, the number of elephants increased gradually, as many crossed the Hemavati backwaters. Now, we are plugging the hole so that elephants’ entry from Kodagu is restricted,” the officer said.

The department plans to extend the barricade for 40 km covering the boundary points. In Kodagu, the elephants that raid coffee estates could be driven back to forest areas easily, while in Hassan it was not possible. The herds keep moving from one estate to another damaging the crop, the officer said.

Opposition from farmers

Farmers of Nagavara and surrounding villages in Alur taluk have opposed the railway barricades alleging that these would force the elephants to camp in their estates for a long period.

Rangaswamy, a resident of Nagavara, said, “No doubt the barricades restrict elephants coming from Kodagu. What about those elephants already in the boundaries? Now, they cannot go back to Kodagu because of the barricades and continue to remain in the estates located close to the barricades.”

Mr. Basavaraj, DCF, reacting to the allegations, said the barricades had been put up just now. The officers would analyse the elephants’ movement and take appropriate action whenever necessary. “We have plans to extend the barricades for 40 km. As of now, we have a system to open the barricades at key points to let the elephants go back to their places,” he said.

He further clarified, “The path that we are blocking is not considered to be the natural path of the elephants. Only in the recent years, they have begun to tread this path.”

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Karnataka / by Sathish G.T. / Hassan – March 27th, 2021

Shubra Aiyappa is excited about her next project, a Tamil action film

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All

Supermodel  and actress Shubra Aiyappa is excited as she is set to shoot for her second Tamil fim. She has signed an action revenge drama titled  Aaganya , where she plays the titular role. Shubra is currently training and working on her physical fitness in preparation for the role.
“This film is titled Aaganya, which means rising from the flames, and I play the titular role. I am particularly thrilled about this film as I have always wanted to do an action film. This is the closest that I’ve come to doing it,” she reveals, saying that she had to not just audition with dialogues but also prove to the action director that she is physically fit and capable to do the role.

“The film is akin to the likes of Lara Croft in some ways in terms of the action and I am going to be kicking some serious butt. This revenge drama will see me in two shades. People will get to see a mean action avatar and then there is another side to me. It gives me a lot of scope to prove my worth as an actor and I’m looking forward to giving my best,” says Shubra, who is preparing for the role with some action classes in Bengaluru, following which she will be partaking in more classes and workshops in Chennai.

“I was shooting for the Rishi starrer Ramana Avatara prior to the onset of the pandemic. I haven’t really shot for a film ever since and am glad I get to return to the sets. I did a Tamil film a few years ago, but haven’t done anything after, though I do a lot of Tamil ads, I’m glad that I get to be a part of this film,” says Shubra, who hints that the makers might release this film as a multilingual eventually. Shubra will be shooting for 35 days for this film, as per the schedule, she shares.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> Entertainment> Kannada / by Sunayana Suresh, TNN / March 16th, 2021

Mysuru-Kodagu MP Greets New NSG Director General

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All

Senior IPS Officer from Kodagu district, Maneyapanda A. Ganapathy, yesterday took charge as the Director General of National Security Guard (NSG), an elite counter-terrorism unit under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Picture shows Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simha congratulating M.A. Ganapathy at the NSG Head Quarters in Palam, New Delhi, this morning. Also seen are MP’s wife Arpitha Simha and daughter Vipanchi Simha.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Photo News / March 19th, 2021

Land At Bittangala To Rehabilitate Malethirike Hill Residents

Records, All

Madikeri:

Stating that the huge landslide on Malethirike hillock coming under Virajpet Town Panchayat in 2018 has rendered the hillock unfit for human habitat, Revenue Minister R. Ashok said that a parcel of private land has been identified at Ambatti village of Bittangala in Virajpet taluk for rehabilitating  displaced persons.

Replying to a question by Congress MLC Veena Achaiah at the Legislative Council, Ashok said that the process for purchase of the identified private land is underway.

Maintaining that no Government land was available in Virajpet Town Panchayat limits, he said that 7.70 acres of private land is being purchased for rehabilitation. Pointing out that the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has reported that 57 houses in Malethirike Hillock, 5 houses in Ursu Nagar and 9 houses in Nehrunagar are unfit for human living, he said that the GSI report has explained the causes for the landslide, which included digging of the hills for road construction, unscientific foundation for houses and indiscreet felling of naturally grown trees, among others.

Stating that a total of 71 houses have to be relocated, Ashoka said that necessary measures would be taken during the rainy season to shelter people living in dangerous conditions, at care centres .

Welcoming the Minister’s statement on the action taken, Veena Achaiah said that apart  from Malethirike Hill, there were over 2,500 people living in landslide prone areas in Nehrunagar and there is a need for rehabilitating them too.

Asserting that the 71 houses that the Government has proposed to construct is not enough, the MLC contended that there is Government lands at Balugodu, Arji, Kedamallur, Bittangala and surrounding places, which should be identified and distributed among the displaced people. Mentioning that the current economic position of the Government is not good, she said that the dearth of funds may further delay purchase of private land and the problem is sure to get more compounded with the onset of the monsoon, which is less than three months away.

Ashok, in his reply, said that he will direct the officials to identify lands if the Government gets inputs on the survey numbers under which Government lands are available.

Claiming that this will help save Government money and also help in rehabilitation, Ashoka said that a proposal has been sent to Union Government on establishing care centres in all flood-prone areas at a total cost of about Rs.10 crore. Asserting that such care centres will have all necessary facilities, he said that during other times, these centres can be used for holding Government meetings and other programmes. The Department is working out a plan in this regard, he added.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / March 23rd, 2021