Forest Minister Eshwar B Khandre said the SOP has been issued to ensure trekkers’ safety.
A rainforest trail through the Western Ghats in Kudremukh, Karnataka. (File Photo)
Following a series of recent safety incidents in forested trekking routes, the Karnataka government recently introduced a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) mandating that no individual can trek on notified forest trails without a certified nature guide. Trekking in forest areas will now be fully regulated and allowed only with a permit.
Forest Minister Eshwar B Khandre said the SOP has been issued to ensure trekkers’ safety, improve monitoring, and enable faster emergency response in case of accidents or missing persons. The directive comes close on the heels of a Kerala woman surviving three days after losing her way during a trek to Tadiyandamol in Kodagu.
Under the new framework, trekking without a guide will not be permitted under any circumstances. Each group will be accompanied by a certified nature guide, with a fixed ratio of one guide for every 10 trekkers. Authorities have also capped the number of trekkers at 150 per trail per day, while making prior online registration compulsory. The minister clarified that even if a single person registers for a trek on a given day, a guide will be assigned, but solo trekking will not be allowed.
Technology-based monitoring and safety measures
Trekkers will be required to install a temporary mobile tracking application for real-time location monitoring by forest officials. Guides will be equipped with GPS-enabled walkie-talkies and instructed to maintain regular communication with base camps.
Guides will be responsible for keeping the group together, ensuring no trekker moves ahead or falls behind. Mandatory headcounts will be conducted at checkpoints and rest points, while base camp staff will follow up in case of communication delays.
In case of emergencies, a forest officer said, “The group will immediately halt, and a headcount will be taken. The guide will alert the base camp with the exact location and situation report, following which rescue teams will be mobilised.” The Range Forest Officer (RFO) will then coordinate with district administration and the police, deploying drones, thermal cameras, and additional manpower if required.
Officials said all trekking routes will now be clearly marked with colour-coded signs, while hazardous stretches such as cliffs, steep slopes, and water crossings will be marked in red. Route maps, including details of mobile network dead zones, will also be made available online and through a mobile application. Trekkers will additionally be provided with designated rest points along clearly marked trails.
Minors will require parental consent, while senior citizens must submit fitness certificates before undertaking treks. All approved trekking routes under the Forest Department will be integrated into a central online booking platform to streamline access and regulate visitor flow. Group insurance for trekkers is also being considered, along with mandatory first-aid kits for guides.
The SOP also prohibits carrying loud devices, weapons, sharp objects, and single-use plastics. Campfires and flash photography will not be allowed, and trekkers must carry back all waste for disposal at base camps.
source: http://www.indianexpress.com / The Indian Express / Home> News> Cities> Bangalore / by Express News Service / April 18th, 2026
The three-day tour will begin on April 27, starting from Bengaluru at 12.30 pm. The team will visit Dubare, Nisargadhama, and Kushalnagar before reaching Madikeri by 6 pm.
A view of Cauvery river / Credit: DH Photo
Mysuru:
Stating that Karnataka has been facing continuous injustice regarding the sharing of Cauvery River water, the Cauvery River Protection Committee will undertake a study tour of the river basin from April 27 to 29. The tour aims to collect ground-level data and evidence, to support a writ petition the committee plans to file before the Supreme Court in May.
Addressing a press conference, in Mysuru, on Wednesday, committee president H K Ramu said that the study will be conducted under the leadership of retired Supreme Court judge N Gopalagowda.
Study tour
“The committee will visit various reservoirs and agricultural lands in the Cauvery River basin to interact with farmers, labourers, and members of various farmer organisations. We will collect information, photographs, and video evidence of the current situation, which will be submitted to the Supreme Court during the filing of the writ petition,” Ramu said.
Itinerary
The three-day tour will begin on April 27, starting from Bengaluru at 12.30 pm. The team will visit Dubare, Nisargadhama, and Kushalnagar before reaching Madikeri by 6 pm.
On April 28, the team will offer prayers at Talakaveri at 8 am, followed by a public meeting in Kushalnagar or Harangi. In the afternoon, the committee members will inspect the Hemavathi Dam in Gorur and meet farmer leaders. The day will conclude with a visit to the Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) dam in Srirangapatna taluk of Mandya district and a meeting at the Jaladarshini Guest House, in Mysuru city.
On April 29, the team will visit the Kabini Dam at 9.30 am and interact with local farmers, elected representatives, and workers. The tour will continue through Nanjangud, T Narsipur, and Shimsha, concluding at Mekedatu in Kanakapura taluk, Bengaluru South district, before returning to Bengaluru city.
Committee office-bearers M Chandrashekar, H L Yamuna, K C Madesh, Gangadhara Gowda, Brijesh Kariyappa, Prakash, and former corporator K V Mallesh were present at the press meet.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> India> Karnataka> Mysuru / by T R Satish Kumar / April 23rd, 2026
Tamara Leisure Experiences has, since inception, embedded Responsible Hospitality into its core, guided by a clear vision of people, planet, and profit thriving in tandem. Across its portfolio of nine properties, from luxury resorts in Coorg and Kodaikanal to upscale O by Tamara hotels in Coimbatore and Trivandrum, mid-scale Lilac hotels, and its flagship wellness offering Amal Tamara, a NABH-accredited Ayurveda hospital, this philosophy translates into an elevated form of eco-conscious hospitality where design, service, and setting come together to deliver immersive, low-impact luxury. The flagship property, The Tamara Coorg, holds the Global Sustainable Tourism Council certification, underscoring its alignment with global sustainability standards, with a clear roadmap to extend this benchmark across all Tamara properties.
Samir MC, CEO, Tamara Leisure Experiences, said, “Our nine property portfolio is aligned to GSTC principles. And I want to be honest about what that distinction means, because the certification is the outcome, but the real value is in the discipline the journey instills across your entire organisation. This is not a badge. It is a framework to make your circular systems auditable, measurable, and accountable. Our goal is to make that the portfolio standard, not a novelty at one property.”
“Earth Day serves as a timely reminder of shared responsibility towards the planet, and at TamaraLeisureExperiences, this is reflected through on-ground actions across its properties, from farm to table experiences and community clean-up drives to sustainability-led engagements. These efforts extend into Earth Week (22–28 April) through nature-led activities, conscious dining, and community participation, where sustainability is not an add-on but the experience itself. At Tamara, responsiblehospitality is foundational, shaping every stage from design and conceptualization to operations and guest experience. For us, sustainability is not a seasonal campaign, but a part of our daily operating philosophy.”
Here’s how this philosophy comes to life across key pillars:
Sustainability in Design
Each Tamara property is planned with the local environment in mind, designed to retain and work with its natural surroundings, allowing the ecosystem to shape how the space is built and experienced. For example, At The Tamara Coorg, sustainability is a design decision guided by a clear ethos, build less to preserve more. Set across 28 acres of largely untouched landscape, the resort was developed with minimal ecological disruption, felling just 17 trees and consciously scaling down from 60 to 56 cottages to protect even more. Elevated on stilts, each structure sits lightly on the land, allowing the forest to remain undisturbed, where trees are not cleared but seamlessly woven into the architecture and experience.
Rooted in Community care, designed for continuity
At Tamara, sustainability extends to the people who shape the experience, expressed through local immersion, farm to table practices, and menus rooted in regional flavours and wellness, from Kodava cuisine in Coorg to place-led dining across properties. This continues at Verandah, the in-house boutique, where locally inspired crafts, natural wellness products, and plantation-grown spices offer a tangible extension of the region’s heritage.
Guided by community and circular thinking, nearly half the workforce is locally hired and close to 40% of procurement is regional, strengthening livelihoods while keeping operations rooted. This comes through most tangibly in the organic minibar, where every product is local, organic, and traceable, and in the kitchen, where menus are shaped by what is locally and seasonally available, ensuring procurement drives the plate. Ongoing support for education and local institutions reinforces a long-term commitment to community development.
Zero Waste Living
Across Tamara properties, 15-40 tonnes of waste is reimagined as a resource through a closed loop system where nothing is discarded and everything is repurposed. 100% food waste is recycled in house through low impact processes like Bio Manthan, plastic is replaced with glass bottles, stainless steel dispensers and refillable amenities, while circular practices extend to repurposed linen, reused bottles, kitchen gardens, greenhouses and seed saving, with food waste reduced to 0.54 kg per head. With zero significant chemical spills in FY 2024-25, this carries into the guest experience, with leaf coasters, bamboo alternatives, towel reuse, alternate linen changes, and sapling takeaways ensuring the philosophy is both visible and lived.
Mindful use of every resource
Resource conservation is deliberate and deeply local. Natural waterfalls and stream water are left untouched to preserve community sources. While rainwater harvesting systems and tap aerators reduce consumption, LED lighting, heat pumps, lithium battery buggies, key tag controls, EV infrastructure, solar panels and emission management ensure energy optimisation. Behind the scenes, efficiency is engineered into every system, smart laundry and advanced STP and ETP plants enable reuse, while continuous monitoring of water, energy, and carbon, along with thoughtful material reuse, keeps operations tightly optimised and low impact.
Quiet design and conscious tech
Throughout properties, impact is reduced through thoughtful restraint. The absence of DJ music and harsh lighting limits noise and light pollution, while low lux pathways, timers, and sensors minimize ecological disturbance. A seamless tech enabled journey with digital check ins, e-bills, and paperless feedback reduces waste, supported by in-house water systems over plastic. From horn free EV buggies to reusable linen elements and locally rooted touches, every detail is intentional and quietly conscious
At Tamara, responsiblehospitality shapes how we think, design, and operate across the portfolio. It brings sourcing, consumption, and recovery into careful alignment, ensuring that sustainability is quietly built into everyday operations
source: http://www.businessnewsthisweek.com/ Business News This Week / Home> Business / by Neel Achary / April 22nd, 2026
A study by researchers of the French Institute of Pondicherry at the Uppangala forest in Kodagu, Karnataka, showed how lianas, or creeper vines, hold key to framing green legislation. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
With their knack for piggybacking towering trees in evergreen forest ecosystems to access sunlight and nutrients, the lianas, a type of creeper vines, may appear to have patented a survival guide to grow and thrive inside the deep jungles.
Research at the French Institute of Pondicherry (IFP) offers new insights on the “intelligence” of this flora species and the dynamics at play in the liana–host interaction networks that could be crucial determinants of conservation strategies and for robust green legislation.
The study, set in the Uppangala evergreen forest in central Western Ghats of Kodagu district, Karnataka, led by Vincy K. Wilson, IFP associate researcher and researcher N. Ayyappan, delved into the survival traits and adaptive tricks of lianas, from minimalist sustenance to extroversion in networking with other tree species.
According to the researchers, despite the increasing number of liana studies in India, few have examined the distribution and association of hosts with lianas, or liana–host interaction networks to determine their functional significance and conservational value.
“Our objective was to fill the knowledge gap about the diversity, abundance, and network structure of liana–host interactions in response to logging disturbance in a typical wet evergreen forest”, said Ms. Wilson.
The study focused on lianas spread in an area demarcated into six one ha plots — four plots that had been selectively logged and two unlogged compartments. Before the 1988 ban on logging, specifically in the 1974-83 period, the site was subjected to extensive manual logging of trees, predominantly the dipterocarpus species.
Presenting a comparative investigation of the biodiversity variation of regeneration in the logged and unlogged sites in the Western Ghats, the IFP research found that the total regeneration density was 1,860 individuals, and species richness was 98 species representing 31 families. Logged sites had higher Shannon and Simpson diversity indices. Five species, namely Humboldtia brunonis, Vateria indica, Knema attenuata, Dipterocarpus indicus, and Psychotria nigra, collectively accounted for 36% of the overall density and exhibited a greater important value index.
While approximately 40% of the adult tree species at the logged site and 46% of the unlogged site were not represented in the regenerating species, the occurrence of ten species that are considered rare in unlogged plots was found to be more prevalent in logged sites.
Liana-tree interactions are a good indicator of nestedness (high frequency of interactions) and a sign of a robust system that allows species replacement. On the contrary, anti-nestedness points to fragility, where the removal of a single element in the network can potentially lead to a system collapse.
A striking aspect of the lianas is how they achieved the goal of height, instead of breadth, by willingly sacrificing supporting tissue, said Ms. Wilson, who had a few months ago, shared some research findings at a presentation, “Green Genius: Nature’s Amazing Tricks to Survive and Thrive”, at the Alliance Francaise.
“Their aim is to reach the canopy where they will get light… so they do not invest in lateral branches unlike trees”, she noted.
A significant takeaway from the IFP study was that a higher density and diversity in the logged sites may only signify robustness at a superficial level, as a deeper probing of modularity and nestedness, showed that logged systems exhibited anti-nestedness, low connectors, high modularity, high specificity — all clear signs of a fragile system.
“This understanding is important for implementing good laws. We need to continuously monitor the system to know the forest dynamics and the network properties in order to evolve appropriate and robust conservation laws and interventions”, said Ms. Wilson.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Puducherry / by Dinesh Varma / March 30th, 2026
Deviah Memorial Preparatory (DMP) School is one of the few schools in Karnataka to teach garbology, the study of a community or culture by analysing its waste.
Our waste, our responsibility: A Kodagu school is teaching its students garbology
Multiple hands shoot up in the air, almost instinctively, when the teacher asks the question, “What are the ten categories of waste?”
Subaiah, a scrawny Class 4 student, begins answering the question even before he is prompted. “Paper waste, plastic waste, glass waste, metal waste, construction waste, mixed waste, recyclable waste…”
At this point, Shavari, a Class 5 student standing next to him, cuts in to add, “Hazardous waste, organic waste and e-waste,” to the dismay of the boy.
Inside the Deviah Memorial Preparatory (DMP) School in Kodagu district of Karnataka, this is now a routine after the school introduced Garbology lessons for the students of classes four and five in 2017.
Tucked away just off the Mysuru-Virajpet road in Bittangala village, DMP is one of the few schools in Karnataka to teach garbology – the study of a community or culture by analysing its waste.
Crafts made out of recycled materials hanging in the school premises
The school was founded by Mundachadira Gangu Deviah in 1981 and is one of the oldest residential schools in Kodagu district. According to MM Deviah, the administrator of the school, the staff has always placed importance on protecting the environment. In the school, there is an almost zero-tolerance policy towards plastic.
“We don’t even allow parents to send items to their children in plastic covers. There have been times when we have returned parcels sent to the school which contain chocolates wrapped in plastic,” Deviah says.
Separate dustbins at the school
The school hopes to set an example to its students by managing the waste created in its own premises effectively. The school building is filled crafts made out of upcycled and recycled plastic. The school maintains separate dustbins for plastic, paper and hazardous waste. The students and teachers grow fruits and vegetables in a field close to the school which is used to cook most of the food prepared by the school. A soapnut liquid is used in place of handwash while natural loofahs are used to scrub the body instead of plastic ones. Kitchen waste generated in the school is also turned into compost and the school is planning to make invitations for their annual day programme using recycled newspaper.
“Even before we began garbology lessons, students were introduced to the idea of reducing and managing waste,” explains Nina Chengappa, a teacher at the school.
Deviah Memorial Preparatory School, Kodagu
In 2017, garbology was introduced in the class 4 and 5 syllabus. The classes for the subject are held every Tuesday and they are based on material provided by Wasteless, non-profit social enterprise that focuses on innovative education for sustainable waste management. Students are taught about waste management, the different grades of plastic, how much waste is generated in the production of paper, among other topics.
Composting at the school
“We conduct the sessions in such a way that the theory and practical classes go hand in hand. For instance, we teach the students about a land dump and then we take them to a land dump the following week so that they can actually see it. It is not enough that the students visualise it, they need to experience it. But, they are not asked to handle the waste, of course,” says Pavan Aiyappa, the garbology teacher at the school.
According to Pavan, the lessons are designed to create a sense of responsibility among students about managing waste. “The idea is that if the students understand the harmful effects of not managing waste, they will understand it is their responsibility to manage it. We want to teach them that garbage is their own responsibility,” says Pavan.
The lessons are not only changing the attitude of students towards waste but it is also giving the teachers plenty to think about. “One of the students suggested to us that the school should stop serving biscuits wrapped in plastic during tea break and instead give fresh fruits since it creates less waste. We realised then that the message is reaching the students,” says Nina.
The students in the school are also changing the attitudes of their family members. They have also enacted plays and recited songs in other schools in the district about managing waste responsibly. “The students are telling their family members not to litter, people listen when children tell them something and that becomes a habit over time and this leads to right choices. The students also perform plays in other schools to spread the word of reducing waste. They have performed in six government schools so far reaching an audience of around 800 students,” adds Pavan.
The students cleaned and re-painted a bus-stand on the main road in Bittangala on September 15, World Clean-up Day. They hope to lead by example and spread the message of taking responsibility for the waste created.
“We want to tell students that the waste we create is our responsibility,” says Deviah, before adding, “Even before we started garbology lessons, we used to teach the students here to love nature because we don’t destroy what we love.”
Photographs by: Dhruv Khanna
source: http://www.thenewsminute.com / The NEWS Minute / Home> Karnataka / by Prajwal Bhat / Photos by Dhruv Khanna / October 05th, 2018
The Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa, nestled in the lush landscapes of Coorg, is a pioneering example of sustainable luxury. Developed by Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL)under its ESG+ framework, the resort is a perfect blend of environmental conservation, community development, and responsible operations. Built within a sprawling 180-acre rainforest, the resort stands as a testament to IHCL’s commitment to long-term ecological stewardship.
Eco-Conscious Construction Practices
One of the standout features of Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa is its eco-conscious construction. The development process took seven years, with a firm commitment to preserving the natural surroundings. Remarkably, not a single tree was cut down during construction. The resort was built on just 30 acres of land, with careful attention to maintaining the land’s natural contours. Pathways were created without leveling the terrain, and excavated soil was repurposed to form a freshwater lake. This lake now serves multiple purposes, from supporting aquatic life to attracting migratory birds and aiding in rainwater harvesting.
The resort also employed innovative construction techniques to reduce environmental impact. Compressed stabilised earth blocks were produced on-site from displaced soil, which were then sun-dried rather than baked, significantly lowering emissions and leaving a minimal construction footprint.
Thriving Biodiversity and Environmental Integrity
The resort’s commitment to environmental integrity is evident in its thriving biodiversity. Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa is home to 310 species of birds, 68 species of butterflies, 79 species of mammals, and 32 species of frogs. The resort boasts an impressive Air Quality Index consistently below 3, ensuring a clean and healthy environment for both guests and wildlife. Additionally, the property has maintained a plastic-free environment, reinforcing its dedication to sustainable practices.
A unique feature of the resort is its Batracharium, which was established after identifying frog species found on the property. Guests can learn about the region’s ecological richness through guided tours with in-house naturalists. The resort also offers a Biodiversity Photography Club, where both associates and guests are encouraged to capture and appreciate the natural heritage of the resort.
Immersive Nature Experiences for Guests
Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa offers its guests a unique opportunity to engage deeply with nature. Guided forest walks, led by in-house naturalists, provide guests with a chance to explore the rich flora and fauna of the surrounding rainforest. A Butterfly Park, honey cultivation with 32 active bee colonies , and pottery sessions using natural materials all encourage a deeper connection with the environment.
The resort also highlights the Kodava culture through its heritage conservatory, which celebrates the region’s traditions while connecting cultural preservation with ecological sustainability.
Sustainable Operations and Resource Efficiency
Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa’s commitment to sustainability extends to its daily operations. Public spaces within the resort are naturally ventilated, reducing the reliance on air-conditioning and lowering energy consumption. Natural lighting is maximized, while LED lights and low-wattage outdoor illumination are used to minimize energy use and protect nocturnal species in the area.
The resort goes a step further by treating and reusing all of its wastewater for irrigation and flushing. Over the past two years, more than 84% of the resort’s electricity has been sourced from wind energy. This energy-efficient approach aligns with the resort’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and supporting renewable energy initiatives.
Electric Mobility: A Step Towards Zero Emissions
Continuing its sustainability efforts, the resort has recently introduced electric mobility on its estate. After extensive trials to adapt the vehicles to the resort’s challenging terrain, the resort replaced its petrol-driven gypsies with Tata Punch electric vehicles (EVs). These zero-emission vehicles not only reduce the environmental impact but also minimize noise and disturbance to the wildlife. The resort’s focus on safety has led to the installation of reinforced bars, non-slip flooring, transparent rain covers, and weather-resistant interiors, ensuring accessibility for all guests, particularly the elderly.
Community Engagement and Local Development
Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa’s impact extends beyond environmental conservation to community development. More than 31% of the resort’s associates come from neighbouring villages, supporting local employment and skill development. The resort also works closely with artisans and regional producers, ensuring that economic benefits flow into the surrounding community.
The resort’s commitment to community engagement is an integral part of its business model, helping to uplift local communities while promoting responsible tourism practices.
Global Recognition for Sustainable Tourism
Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa’s dedication to environmental and community stewardship has earned it global recognition. The resort has been awarded the EarthCheck Gold Certification, a testament to its leadership in responsible tourism and its commitment to sustainable practices. This prestigious certification highlights the resort’s ongoing efforts to minimize its environmental impact while providing a luxury experience rooted in nature.
Conclusion: A Model for Eco-Friendly Luxury Tourism
Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa, Coorg, sets a new standard for eco-friendly luxury tourism. With its focus on sustainable construction, thriving biodiversity, resource efficiency, and community development, the resort offers an unparalleled experience for guests seeking to connect with nature while enjoying the comforts of luxury. Recognized globally for its commitment to responsible tourism, the resort remains a beacon of sustainability in the hospitality industry.
source: http://www.travelandtourworld.com / TTW / Home> Hotels and Resorts> India / February 17th, 2026
On 2018, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classified the Orange-Finned or Humpback Mahseer as ‘Critically Endangered.’
Yet, in the protected stretches of the River Cauvery in Kodagu, the species is found in abundance, thanks to the efforts of Coorg Wildlife Society (CWS) and the family of Chendanda S. Ponnappa and his son Chendanda P. Aiyappa. Mahseer conservation in Cauvery has a history that goes back nearly four decades. It began in 1985, when Ponnappa, a member of CWS, asserted at a meeting that Mahseer still thrived in the Cauvery at Dubare and Valnoor.
At the time, doubts were raised about the fish’s presence in the river. To settle the debate, Ponnappa landed a 44-kg Mahseer in July 1985 at Valnoor, conclusively proving that the iconic fish — known locally as ‘Bommeen’ or ‘Boltha Meen’ in Kodava Thakk and ‘Bilimeenu’ in Kannada — was very much alive in the river. The Cauvery is home to Golden, Silver and Black Mahseer.
The river watchers who keep an eye on illegal fishing and other activities that are detrimental to Mahseer conservation.
That single act marked the beginning of organised Mahseer conservation in Kodagu. Soon after, the Coorg Wildlife Society approached the Fisheries Department, which leased a 25-kilometre stretch of the Cauvery, from Siddapur Bridge to Kushalnagar Bridge, to the Society in 1985 and declared it a protected zone for Mahseer.
The move was accompanied by wide publicity against destructive fishing practices such as dynamiting, the use of nets, copper sulphate poisoning and even poisoning with wild fruits, methods that were rampant at the time and posed a serious threat to aquatic life. Once the lease was handed over, such practices were completely banned and strict enforcement followed.
Equally significant was the crackdown on riverbank encroachments. After the declaration of the Mahseer protected zone, previously unreported encroachments were identified and cleared. “The CWS deserves full credit for making the riverbanks along the protected stretch encroachment-free,” Aiyappa told Star of Mysore.
Science-backed conservation model
C.S. Ponnappa oversaw the conservation operations in the initial years, laying the foundation for what would later evolve into a science-backed conservation model. Subsequent studies established that the Humpback Mahseer, endemic to the Cauvery, is among the largest freshwater fish in India, growing up to 63-kg.
“For nearly 20 years, the CWS successfully protected the original 25-km stretch. Encouraged by the results, the Fisheries Department later extended our responsibility to a nearly 100-km stretch of the Cauvery from Bethri Bridge to Kushalnagar and the Barapole River. While we managed and protected about 95-km for a decade, logistical challenges forced us to withdraw from Barapole,” Aiyappa revealed.
“Conservation along the Bethri-Kushalnagar stretch also proved difficult due to dense coffee estates on either side and the influx of a floating population. Eventually, efforts were refocused on the original stretch between Siddapur and Kushalnagar,” he said.
“Over the past decade, this protected stretch was further extended to 35-km, up to Shirangala. Today, Mahseer is conserved from Siddapur Bridge to Shirangala till the River Cauvery leaves Kodagu,” Aiyappa noted.
Radio-collaring efforts
One of the most significant contributions of the CWS has been scientific research. The Mahseer telemetry study conducted was the first-of-its-kind in India.
Over 40 Mahseers were caught, fitted with radio transmitters and released back into the river to study. However, known for their intelligence, the fish often rubbed the transmitters against rocks and managed to dislodge them.
Despite these challenges, researchers were able to gather valuable data on migration patterns and habitat preferences during high-water conditions.
National institutions such as the Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute and the Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture undertook five years of research in the region.
“Until then, there was little data on the upper reaches of the Cauvery, covering water quality across seasons, sediment composition, riparian vegetation and fish diversity. We supported these studies by providing staff and access to field locations. The findings, expected to be released soon, will offer deeper insights into the river’s ecology, including its insect and plant life,” Aiyappa revealed.
Ban on mining, fishing
“We also collaborated with Carleton University, Canada, on a study examining post-release mortality of Mahseer. The results were encouraging, showing a survival rate of 99.5 percent among fish that were caught and released,” Conservationist Aiyappa said. Legal intervention has also played a conservation role. An order was obtained from the Karnataka High Court banning sand mining in Mahseer-protected areas. Four full-time river watchers now patrol the stretch, monitoring illegal activities and gathering information on netting.
“With dynamiting and chemical poisoning classified as serious offences, such activities have virtually disappeared from the protected zones. Public awareness has grown to the extent that locals now alert authorities to any violations,” he noted.
Mahseer, Aiyappa points out, is among the most intelligent freshwater fish. Their survival over millions of years is testimony to their adaptability. The Mahseer derives its name from Sanskrit — ‘mahat’ (big) and ‘śiras’ (head).
Conservation efforts here go beyond a single species. The Cauvery is home to over 100 endemic fish species, all of which are protected under the current ecosystem-based conservation model. By minimising human intervention, aquatic life has begun to thrive across the protected stretches.
Mahseer is not edible. Wherever they thrive, invasive species such as Catfish and Tilapia fail to survive. Eating Mahseer causes persistent vomiting, possibly due to its high protein content or toxic fat composition. Today, the fish is globally renowned as a sport species rather than a food fish.
Since 2018, following directions from the Fisheries Department, Aiyappa has been attempting to breed the Humpback Mahseer and Orange-Finned Mahseer in captivity. Several attempts failed due to unforeseen challenges.
“Currently, juvenile fish have been collected and are being reared in controlled conditions at the Mahseer hatchery in Harangi,” he said.
This effort is ongoing to develop brood stock. Aiyappa remains hopeful. If successful, even 100 fishlings released into the wild would mark the first instance of captive breeding of a critically endangered freshwater fish in India.
The presence of Mahseer of various sizes in the protected areas already points to a positive trend, proof that the species is breeding, returning and repopulating the Cauvery under sustained conservation efforts.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / by B.C. Thimmaiah / February 16th, 2026
The blooming lavender to pink flowers at Thavarekere in Kushalnagar have become a captivating attraction, drawing travellers, tourists and locals alike. Nestled quietly among forest shrubs along the Highway, the lake has suddenly amplified its natural charm.
Typically adorned with lotus flowers, the lake is now blanketed in a striking expanse of lavender blossoms. This breathtaking transformation, stretching across the waters, offers a stunning visual spectacle. For the first time, such vibrant blooms have appeared here, leaving visitors both surprised and enchanted.
Residents of Kushalnagar recall that the lake was once abundant with lotus flowers, which earned it the name Thavarekere (Thavare means lotus in Kannada). However, over time, the unchecked inflow of sewage into the lake has allowed invasive water hyacinth — a free-floating perennial aquatic plant — to take over and now bloom in full.
The lake’s new-found allure is drawing crowds who pause along the roadside to soak in the surreal scenery. The surge in visitors has even prompted Police deployment to regulate traffic and maintain order in the area.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / June 30th, 202
The MP highlighted the immediate need to prevent pollution to the river and sought fund allocation in the union budget for conservation, sanitation, waste management and riverbank protection works.
Cauvery River image used for representation purposes only.(File Photo | Express
Madikeri :
Mysuru–Kodagu MP Yaduveer Wadiyar has written to the Union Minister of Jal Shakti seeking central government support for the conservation of the River Cauvery in Kodagu.
The MP highlighted the immediate need to prevent pollution to the river and sought fund allocation in the union budget for Cauvery river conservation, sanitation, waste management and riverbank protection works.
The letter stressed on the immediate need for conservation and development of the riverbanks of Cauvery across the district. The MP also pointed out that the river has become a victim of increased pollution due to the flow of untreated wastewater from houses and commercial setups and from encroachments alongside the riverbanks.
“These issues are affecting water quality, public health, river ecology and the livelihoods of people dependent on the river,” the MP noted.
He urged the union minister to order a comprehensive survey of the boundaries of the River Cauvery in the district to enable eviction of the encroachments, followed by rehabilitation and systematic riverbank development in a planned manner.
The MP also highlighted the need to regulate activities along riverbanks in Madikeri, Virajpet and Kushalnagar taluks while also requesting the establishment of scientific sanitation and drainage facilities.
Wadiyar also sought a focused intervention to regulate tourist activities along the riverbanks and address recurring flood issues. He urged the need for eco-friendly riverfront development.
Mentioning the interstate importance of the River Cauvery, he urged the minister to formulate a central government-supported phased action plan for conservation and development of the Cauvery.
He has requested funds in the forthcoming budget for Cauvery river conservation, sanitation, waste management and riverbank protection works.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / January 09th, 2026
A new species of damselfly, sporting vibrant sky-blue markings, has been discovered in the biodiversity hotspots of India’s Western Ghats. Named the Kodagu Shadowdamsel (Protosticta sooryaprakashi), this shade-loving insect was identified by a collaborative team of researchers who combined traditional field observations with modern DNA analysis to distinguish it from its closest relatives. The discovery highlights the hidden diversity remaining in the tropical forests of Karnataka.
The new species was identified during surveys along the banks of the Sampaje River in the Kodagu District and in the high-altitude forests of Agumbe. Researchers from institutions including Government Brennen College, Kannur; the Society for Odonate Studies, Kottayam; the National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bengaluru; and others initially noticed that these damselflies resembled a known species, Protosticta sanguinostigma. However, the team noticed that the new specimens were smaller, more delicate, and possessed distinct physical traits that did not match those in existing records. To confirm their suspicions, they utilised molecular analysis, sequencing the insects’ DNA to prove that the Kodagu Shadowdamsel was indeed a separate evolutionary lineage.
What sets Protosticta sooryaprakashi apart from its cousins is specific, unique physical characteristics. The males are distinguished by a prominent sky-blue marking on the prothorax—the neck-like segment behind the head—and a dark brown to black body, which differs from the crimson-colored thorax of its close relative. Under microscopic examination, the researchers found a peculiar feature: the tips of the male’s reproductive organ (the genital ligula) are shaped distinctly like a duck’s head, a trait not seen in other species of this group. In the wild, these damselflies were observed perching on shaded plants near streams, exhibiting a weaker, more fluttering flight than other damselflies in the region.
The species has been named in honour of the late Dr Sooryaprakash Shenoy, a renowned botanist who served as Head Scientist of the Botany Division at the Dr Shivaram Karanth Nisargadhama (biological park) in Pilikula, Karnataka. He was a researcher who dedicated his life to biodiversity conservation in the Western Ghats.
The researchers noted that finding such a distinct species in a relatively accessible area suggests that the Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot, likely harbours many more cryptic or unknown species waiting to be discovered. They emphasised that protecting the shaded, riparian (river-based) habitats where the Kodagu Shadowdamsel thrives is essential for maintaining the ecological health of the region’s freshwater systems.
This article was written with the help of generative AI and edited by an editor at Research Matters.
