Category Archives: Green Initiatives / Environment

‘Submit report on ESAs by Nov 24’

About Kodagu / Coorg, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All

MadkeriKF22nov2014

The High level Working Group of Western Ghats (HLWG) has identified 1,576 villages in Karnataka as Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESA). Of which, 53 villages have been included in Kodagu district. Additional DC Abhiram G Shankar and DCF Manikanta have directed the officials from Forest and Revenue departments to submit the report on ESAs after conducting a survey by November 24.

Speaking at a training for the officials on Monday, the Additional DC said that the officials should visit the identified villages and submit a report. After compiling the reports submitted by the officials, a detailed report will be sent to the State government.

Teams have been constituted to identify natural landscapes. The district level committee will have DC and forest officials as its members, while the village level committee will have officials from revenue, forest and gram panchayat president as its members. The public and NGOs can give their representation on ESAs to the district level committee.

The Additional DC said, if need be, the survey would be undertaken after consulting Horticulture and Agriculture departments.

Villages
The villages identified as ESAs are Ayyangeri, Bettathooru, Bhagamandala, Chelavara, Cherangala, Galibeedu, Hammiyala, Kalooru, Karada, Karike, Kolagadalu, Kopatti, Kundachery, Made, Melchembu, Monnangeri, Mukkodlu, Naladi, Peroor, Sampaje, Sannapolikotu, Tannimani and Yavakapady in Madikeri taluk; Aanekadu, Athoor forest, Bageri forest, Jainkalabetta, Yadavanadu, Jainkalabetta 2, Kattepura, Kumaralli, Maralli, Malambi, Mavinahalla, Mulluru, Nidta, Soorlabbu and Yadavanadu forest -2 in Somwarpet taluk and Arekeri forest-1, Arekere forest-3, Badaga, Badagarakeri, Chennayana Kote, Devamacchi forest, Devanooru Hathugattu, Teggalli, Karadigodu, Kedamullur, Kurchi, Kutta, Kuttandi, Maldare, Manchalli, Nalakeri forest, Palangala forest, Parakattageri and Badaga in Virajpet taluk.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / Madikeri – DHNS, November 11th, 2014

‘Coffee plantation in Kodagu can not be considered as deemed forest’

About Kodagu / Coorg, Agriculture, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All

Kodagu Circle Chief Conservator of Forest Jagmohan Varma has clarified that coffee plantation in Kodagu can not be considered as deemed forest. This is based on the government’s order that plantation in private property should not be considered as deemed forest.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, the officer said that the process of identifying deemed forest is under progress in the district, in the backdrop of the Supreme Court and State government’s order.

It is a common notion that a land with features of forest is deemed forest. But, as per the government order dated May 15, 2014, private plantation with any number of forest will not be considered as deemed forest. Therefore, there is no reason for coffee, cardamom, pepper and rubber planters to worry about, he assured.

Private forest

Explaining the word ‘private forest’ as defined in the government order, the Chief Conservator of Forest said that private forest is the land comprising of more than 50 trees per hectare land and each tree with a width of more than 30 cm. “The forest department along with revenue department is collecting details about private forests in the district. A district-level meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner Anurag Tewari too has been convened. Village level inspection will be carried out soon,” he said.

Further, Jagmohan Varma said that the State government’s order describes a wide range of forests that exist in Kodagu, including Forest-Paisari which is considered as forest land.

According to Coorg Land and Revenue Regulation 1899, Section 143, Sub Section (1) (F), Forest-Paisari land has been notified as forest in 1901. Therefore, the recent order too considers Forest-Paisari as forest land.

The land that is mentioned as forest in government documents, will be considered as deemed forest. The government has given the instruction to all district administration to submit a detailed report on deemed forest in every district, within May 15.

What is deemed forest?

Deemed forest is the private and paisari land with forest like features. The Supreme Court while hearing Godavarman Thirumalapad case in 1995, had directed all the States to collect information about deemed forest. Following the order, the State government polled information about forest land and deemed forest.

However, the survey was not concrete, as the deemed forest list also comprised of paisari and empty (khulla) land and details like survey number and map too was not appropriate.

Therefore, re-survey has been taken up to prepare a comprehensive report on deemed forest in the State.
DH News Service

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / by Shrikanth Kallammanavar / Madikeri – DHNS, November 06th, 2014

Union Forests Ministry approves Kushalnagar–Madikeri rail line survey

About Kodagu / Coorg, Agriculture, Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature

UnionForestsKF15nov2014
With this, Mysore–Madikeri project has taken a step forward

The Mysore–Madikeri railway line project has taken a step forward with the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) issuing clearance for the survey work between Kushalnagar and Madikeri.

Meeting
This was disclosed by Railway officials at the Divisional Railway Users’ Consultative Committee meeting here on Wednesday.

The environmental clearance was received last week and the authorities plan to complete the survey and submit the report to the Railway Board by March 31, 2015.

The preliminary engineering-cum-traffic survey for the railway line was launched in December 2011, but was taken up only between Mysuru and Kushalnagar and the partial survey report was submitted to the Railway Board. Though the project was shelved by the Railway Board on grounds of being commercially unviable, the State government has evinced interest in the project and has agreed to take it up on a cost-sharing basis, apart from providing land to the Railways.

The first phase of the project entails providing railway link between Mysuru and Kushalnagar at a cost of Rs. 660 crore. It will also connect Hunsur and Periyapatna.

Interestingly, the project was included in the Railway Budget 2010–11 under the ‘socially desirable rail connectivity’.

The first proposal for providing a rail link between Mysuru and Madikeri was mooted in 1881-82, according to the Mysore Gazetteer.

Another project
On the Shivamogga–Harihar railway line project, it was pointed out that the detailed survey for the new broad-gauge line had been completed. The 76-km project is expected to cost Rs. 832 crore and will be taken up on a cost-sharing basis between the Railways and the State government. Though the Railway authorities had sought 1,000 acres of land, it is yet to be acquired.

The work can commence, provided the State government hands over adequate land to take up the work on at least a 40-km stretch, according to the officials.

Divisional Railway Manager Rajkumar Lal, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Anil Kumar, senior officials of different departments from the Railways, and stakeholders from various districts coming under the Mysore Railway Division were present.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Karnataka / by R. Krishna Kumar / Mysuru – November 06th, 2014

MoEF gives clearance for Kushalnagar-Madikeri railway line survey

Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Science & Technology

The Mysore-Madikeri railway line project has inched a step forward with the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) issuing clearance for the survey work between Kushalanagar and Madikeri.

This was disclosed by the railway officials at the Divisional level Rail Users Consultative Committee meeting on Wednesday. The environmental clearance was received last week and the authorities plan to complete the survey and submit the report to the Railway Board by March 31st, 2015.

The preliminary engineering-cum-traffic survey for the proposed railway line was launched in December 2011 but was taken up only between Mysore to Kushalnagar and the partial survey report was submitted to the Railway Board. Though the project was shelved by the Railway Board on grounds of commercial unviability, the State Government has evinced interest in the project and has agreed to take it up on a cost-sharing basis apart from providing land to the railways.

The first phase of the project entails providing railway link between Mysore and Kushanlagar at a cost of Rs.660 crore and would also connect Hunsur and Periyapatana.

Interestingly, the project was included in the Railway Budget 2010-11 under the socially desirable rail connectivity and the first proposal for providing a rail link between Mysore and Madikeri was mooted in 1881-82, according to the Mysore Gazetteer.

Divisional Railway Manager Mr. Rajkumar Lal, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Mr.Anil Kumar, senior officials of different departments from the Railways, stakeholders from various districts coming under Mysore Railway Division were present.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Karnataka / by R. Krishna Kumar / Mysuru – November 05th, 2014

Karnataka nixes Kerala plan for road via Kodagu forests

About Kodagu / Coorg, Agriculture, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature

Madikeri :

The Karnataka forest department has turned down a Kerala government proposal to build a road through Kodagu forests for a smoother access to Bangalore.

The decision was taken based on a report submitted by the Kodagu wildlife division’s deputy conservator of forests.

It’s learnt that the Kerala chief minister had sent in a letter to his Karnataka counterpart, suggesting carving out a road through Mundrotu forests near Talacauvery in the district. In the letter, Oommen Chandy said the distance from Kerala’s Ezhimala in Kannur district to Bangalore through Talacauvery is 376 km, and wanted a 16km stretch from the state boundary to Talacauvery for a comfortable journey.

Some 43km stretch of the road is in Kerala and the rest in Karnataka.

The Kodagu wildlife division sent in a report to its headquarters, saying construction of a road through the forests was not desirable as Mundrot forests were home to many wildlife species. Of the planned 16km road, at least 8km stretch was to scythe through the reserve forest, presenting hunters and smugglers a chance to poach trees like rosewood, nandi and jackfruit, among many others.

The Karnataka forest department nixed the proposal and communicated it to the Kerala chief minister, it’s learnt.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Bangalore> Namma Metro / TNN / October 31st, 2014

A purposeless power-line via Kodagu to Kerala

About Kodagu / Coorg, Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Science & Technology

‘A case of spending money to benefit contractor, bureaucracy and politicians’

The following is the text of a talk delivered by Maj. Gen. S.G. Vombatkere (Retd.) at a meeting held at Kodava Samaja, Ponnampet, South Kodagu, on Tuesday, 21st Oct. 2014.

MajGenVombatkereKF02nov2014

by Maj. Gen. S.G. Vombatkere (Retd.)

Sri S. Gopal, dignitaries on the dais, Members of Kaveri Sene and Coorg Wildlife Society, and members of the august audience, I thank you for giving me this opportunity to say a few words about the 400 KV Double Circuit (D/C) HT line connecting Mysore with Kozhikode.

The 210-km 400 KV Double Circuit HT line connecting Mysore with Kozhikode is under construction by Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL). It is said to be required to evacuate electric power generated by Kaiga Nuclear Power Station to supply North Kerala.

PGCIL claims that of 210-km, about 92-km in Kerala’s Wayanad District and about 63-km in Mysore District is completed, and 55-km through Kodagu District remains to be constructed. This “remaining” portion in Kodagu District is being opposed by the people of Kodagu, spearheaded by Kaveri Sene and Coorg Wildlife Society on grounds of environmental destruction that will adversely affect the Kaveri watershed which is the source of life-giving water to Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Also it will ruin coffee plantations due to tree-felling and intensify the human-animal conflict especially related to elephants, which is already claiming human lives in Kodagu. The objections of the Kodava people to this project are not new, but are several years old. I will speak on this issue and ask some questions concerning technical, environmental and governance matters.

Technical questions

Let us first examine whether this 400KV HT line is at all required. As on date, there are seven HT lines supplying power to Kerala, five from Tamil Nadu and two from Karnataka. These seven lines have a total capacity of 3,000 MW while the share of Kerala from the national grid is only 1,000 MW. Further, although the energy share of Kerala from the national grid is 9,350 Million Units (MU), Kerala is drawing about 11,350 MU from the existing seven HT lines. This shows that the existing seven HT lines are more than adequate for Kerala’s power needs from the national grid, and the proposed 400KV D/C HT line is not at all required.

Thus the question arises as to why PGCIL has constructed 155-km when the project is not necessary and also when the 55-km segment within Kodagu District is facing objections from the people of Kodagu. The environmental and social costs of the project have obviously not been taken into account.

Karnataka State officials have deposed before the National Green Tribunal (NGT), stating that the objections of Gram Sabhas are “belated,” “motivated” and are an “after-thought.” These statements are uncalled for, and show the dismissive attitude of officials towards simple people. The objections may be “belated” because village people did not get to know about the PGCIL project earlier. And if the village people are “motivated” in objecting to the project, their motivation is in preserving the environment which is a vital watershed for South India, saving their own coffee plantations which are their livelihood, and trying to mitigate the growing human-elephant conflicts. Thus, the question arises as to why our own officials have this attitude towards projects.

The 90-paise “disease”

The fact is that even though all officials are not corrupt, many officials are interested in getting large projects sanctioned and executed because a good portion of every rupee of public money spent does not go towards the project work but gets diverted into private pockets. When Rajiv Gandhi was the PM, he had estimated that 80-paise in the rupee went astray. Now, decades later 90-paise, possibly more, would be seen vanishing if an honest, transparent audit were to be made. When a project is estimated at Rs. X crores, X-crore 90-paise portions vanish. Some people indelicately refer to such standard practice as corruption. But if at least the project was a genuine requirement and was executed with quality and in time, one could still wink at the corrup… oops, sorry, the vanishing 90-paise. And this 400KV HT line is an unnecessary project as has been shown earlier.

Environment and Governance

The felling of trees in forest areas and in coffee plantations is harmful to the environment. PGCIL argues that felling a “mere” few thousand trees may not harm the environment. But this argument fails to address the cumulative effect of felling trees for different projects of roads, HT power lines, etc., in the Western Ghats which is an “eco-sensitive hot-spot” in India and even in the international context.

The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Wildlife (MoEFW) is busy giving clearances to any and every project and weakening the Environment Protection Act. When Article 48A of the Constitution reads, “The State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife,” this attitude of MoEFW is condemnable.

The cumulative effect of this deforestation, especially in special regions like the Western Ghats and in particular Kodagu, is not at all a consideration for MoEFW, in the country’s mindless rush towards industrialisation at the cost of environmental destruction.

Kodagu District is special in two ways. One, its famed soldiers protect our country as a fundamental duty, in accordance with Article 51A(d), to defend the country. And two, its people are saving the source and vital watershed of Kaveri, and performing their fundamental constitutional duty “to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife” in accordance with Article 51A(g), doing what MoEFW should be doing but is actually doing the opposite. For all this, we all need to salute the people of Kodagu.

When the State, consisting of the Executive, the Legislative and the Judiciary, fails the People, the people have to resist and uphold the Constitution of India. In opposing this 400 KV Double Circuit HT line, we are performing our fundamental constitutional duty. Let us join together to do our duty!

Jai Hind!

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / Tuesday, October 28th, 2014

Karnataka nixes Kerala plan for road via Kodagu forests

Agriculture, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature

Madikeri :

The Karnataka forest department has turned down a Kerala government proposal to build a road through Kodagu forests for a smoother access to Bangalore.

The decision was taken based on a report submitted by the Kodagu wildlife division’s deputy conservator of forests.

It’s learnt that the Kerala chief minister had sent in a letter to his Karnataka counterpart, suggesting carving out a road through Mundrotu forests near Talacauvery in the district. In the letter, Oommen Chandy said the distance from Kerala’s Ezhimala in Kannur district to Bangalore through Talacauvery is 376 km, and wanted a 16km stretch from the state boundary to Talacauvery for a comfortable journey.

Some 43km stretch of the road is in Kerala and the rest in Karnataka.

The Kodagu wildlife division sent in a report to its headquarters, saying construction of a road through the forests was not desirable as Mundrot forests were home to many wildlife species. Of the planned 16km road, at least 8km stretch was to scythe through the reserve forest, presenting hunters and smugglers a chance to poach trees like rosewood, nandi and jackfruit, among many others.

The Karnataka forest department nixed the proposal and communicated it to the Kerala chief minister, it’s learnt

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Bangalore> Namma Metro / TNN / October 31st, 2014

Trekking alongside clouds

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

TadiyandomolKF30oct2014

If you are looking for a getaway that takes you through green hills, misty clouds and silent paths, Tadiyandamol is for you, says Maya B.

Imagine walking through the clouds, running your fingers across cold ice crystals, and watching the rains from above the clouds. These are a few soothing moments one can experience from standing at the summit of Tadiyandamol, the second highest peak in Karnataka. Situated in the hilly district of Kodagu, Tadiyandamol is the tallest mountain in the district, with its highest point being 1,748 metres above sea level.

It is a lesser-known trekkers’ paradise that has fortunately not been commercialised yet.
The mountain is wide and gigantic, with two peaks, and lies on the Kerala border. Tadiyandamol in Malayalam or Kodava loosely translates to tall hills with a broad base. The best time to start the trek would be early in the morning, around 6 am. It is approximately an eight-km trek, which could be mildly strenuous.

Adventure enthusiasts can begin the trek at a small waterfall, about half a km from the foothills. A tarmac road leads to the waterfall, and further up, there are no motorable roads. A safer option to park vehicles would be at the Nalaknad Palace.

“A stream is a nice place to begin and end the trek as the cold water is invigorating,” says Aalok Gokhale, a regular trekker who has scaled Tadiyandamol twice. Trekkers first traverse through a dirt-road, which leads to a fork. Take the road sloping upwards as it passes through a forest area and a couple of streams. On the downside, the stretch is infested with leeches during monsoons.

Dreamy routes
And then there is a winding route that leads you into the open. That’s when you get the first glimpse of the mountain you will be climbing, and a complete view of the hills you are surrounded by. The trick is to simply walk in the direction of the peaks. You will come across a huge boulder on the way which is an ideal spot for a break and has the perfect viewpoint.

Here, the trekkers can choose one peak out of the two. The one on the left is higher than the one on the right. “When hiking to the peak on the right, you can take the route less travelled on, through the grass, or the man-made path. Once you reach the peak, you can see that the path continues to two more viewpoints, and the best view awaits at the end of the range, and it is tranquil,” shares Aalok.

“When it starts raining, a dreamy mist sets in. You can see clouds moving up the mountain side, towards you, and then finally, you walk through the clouds,” he adds.
The route to the peak on the left, that is the highest point of the mountain, leads you to a false summit at first and then,unexpectedly, opens up into a dense forest area.

The path leading to the forested area could be barren or grassy, depending upon the season. There is a natural stair-like formation throughout the mini-jungle which could be very steep at times. Once this tedious journey ends, you are out in the open yet again and the majestic mountain rises in front of you. The ground up the mountain is full of gravel and slippery, so be careful while trekking.

The summit of the mountain is a wide area which slopes down slightly to culminate in a cliff, and it is breathtaking view from the top. The boulders around could be great for picnics.

All in all, Tadiyandamol is a wonderful weekend getaway and takes you away from the hectic urban life.

Single peaks can be covered on the same day, and both the peaks can be trekked in a single day or over a course of two days by camping on the mountain overnight. But trekkers must be wary of elephants, as their dung can be spotted at certain places.

Ankith Joshi, founder of the travel agency ‘Time to Trawel’, who regularly sends troupes to Tadiyandamol for camping says, “There are several points across the hills where you can pitch tents. But the best would be at the peak as it has a wide base and the experience is thrilling. You can’t enjoy the beauty of the place if you camp elsewhere.”

Those who prefer warmer accommodation can choose homestays in Kakkabe and Virajpet. The best seasons to visit Tadiyandamol would be mid-monsoon and winter (August-January). During these seasons, the atmosphere is cool and misty, which feels heavenly.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Supplements> Spectrum / Maya B / DHNS, October 28th, 2014

Gram Panchayat least bothered about basic facilities near Abbey falls

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

Abbey waterfalls in Kodagu district is one of the itinerary included in the list of tourists who visit the district.

Breathtaking waterfalls, its roaring sound and beautiful cascades spring back to life with the monsoon. A large number of tourists visit the waterfalls during weekends. Inspite of the fetching income from tourism, the gram panchayat has failed to provide basic facilities for the tourists near the waterfalls.

Abbey waterfalls is situated amidst coffee plantation. It cascades down 30 to 40 feet from a hillock. The land where Abbey falls is situated belongs to a private individual.

The land belongs to Neravanda Indira. To ensure that tourists are not disappointed, she has allowed them to walk in between her estate. However, the gram panchayats have not taken any measures to ensure that no harm is done to the estate.
Those who visit the waterfalls pluck coffee plants, throw plastic carry bags, cigarettes, beedi, gutka packets and liquor bottles, she said.

Indira said “the gram panchayat had promised to lay grills to the foot road that passes through estate. However, the promises have remained only on paper. The tourists damage the plants.”

“In protest against apathy of the gram panchayat, I had even locked the main gate. To ensure that no inconvenience is met to the tourists, I started opening the small gate to allow the tourists to enjoy the beauty of nature,” she said.

“The gram panchayat fetches income by collecting parking fee. However, they are least bothered to provide toilets, drinking water and cleanliness in the region,” said tourist Subrahmanya from Shimoga.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / by Srikanth Kallammanavar / DHNS, Madikeri – October 19th, 2014

Dasara jumbos return to their forest abode

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

Mysore :

After spending days together in the royal city, it was time for the Dasara jumbos to bid farewell to each other and return to their abode in the forests. Of the 14 elephants camping in the city, 11 left on Tuesday while three jumbos, Gajendra, Srirama and Durgaparameshwari, will head to their habitat in K Gudi in Chamarajnagar district on Wednesday.

Before they bid adieu to city life, they got a traditional farewell at the Mysore Palace from bureaucrats and politicians led by district minister V Srinivas Prasad. The herd led by howdah elephant Arjuna started their journey at 3pm as they were loaded on to trucks. Their mahouts, kavadis and family members too accompanied the jumbos in the trucks. By 6pm, Arjuna had reached Nagarahole national park.

Veteran Abhimanyu too has returned to the forest. “He is healthy and doing well. That is why we chose to send him back along with the 10 other jumbos,” vet D N Nagaraj told TOI denying that the 48-year-old tusker was injured. Abhimanyu has been part of Dasara festivities for 15 years now and is traditionally assigned the job of pulling the musical chariot, known as Aane Gaadi.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Mysore / by H.M. Aravind, TNN / October 08th, 2014