Tag Archives: Kodagu

Explained: Coorg’s unique land record system that prompted Karnataka government to amend its land law

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Karnataka’s Kodagu district has a unique system of land ownership called Jamma Bane where the land records contain the names of original grantees even when bequeathed to new generations. The absence of officially recognised land ownership documents has created issues for current owners.

The amendment is aimed at modernising the land records in Coorg, which is in Kodagu district. Wikimedia Commons

The Karnataka government has amended its land revenue law to modernise an age-old system of land records in the scenic Coorg region, home to the indigenous Kodava community.

Karnataka Governor Thawarchand Gehlot gave his assent to the Karnataka Land Revenue (Second Amendment) Act, 2025 on January 7, and the state government issued a gazette notification the following day.

The amendment is aimed at modernising the land records for the unique Jamma Bane land holdings in Coorg, which is now in Kodagu district.

In this region, families have passed down land grants from the time of the British and Kodava kings for generations. But the records contained the names of original grantees (pattedars) even when bequeathed to new generations.

The absence of officially recognised land ownership documents made it difficult for current owners to buy or sell land or to secure bank loans.

What exactly are Jamma Bane lands, and how does the new law plan to address the issues arising out of this unique system of records? The Indian Express explains.

What are Jamma Bane lands of Kodagu or Coorg?

The Jamma Bane tenure is a form of land holding prevalent in Kodagu district which is distinctly different from other classes of land holdings in the state. The word Jamma means hereditary.

These Jamma lands were originally granted by erstwhile kings of Coorg and the British — between 1600 and 1800 — to local communities in return for military service.

The Jamma lands comprise both wetlands, used for paddy cultivation, and forested highlands, which have transformed into the now-famous coffee estates of Coorg.

The Jamma Bane land ownership is registered in the name of the original pattedar from a family. Over generations, the names of the new owners are added alongside the name of the pattedar. The land ownership name could not be changed to reflect new owners.

The Coorg Land Revenue and Regulations Act, 1899 was in place to govern land ownership in the region till the introduction of the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964. However, some provisions of the 1899 Act were continued in Kodagu despite the absence of these provisions in the Karnataka Land Revenue Act of 1964.

A S Ponnana, the Congress MLA from Virajpet, said during a debate in the Karnataka Assembly: “The name of the family head (pattedar) continues in the land records even after death and even after 40 to 50 years of change (of owners). This has been continued as a tradition. This has continued despite the lack of provisions in the Karnataka Land Revenue Act.”

The ownership rights of the people of Kodagu over the Jamma Bane lands in the region was recognised by a full bench of the Karnataka HC in 1993 in Chekkera Poovaiah vs State of Karnataka.

In 2024, the Karnataka HC upheld the Karnataka Land Revenue (Third Amendment) Act, 2011 which gave full ownership rights over Jamma Bane lands in Kodagu to Kodava families.

“It is clear that by way of the amendment what is achieved is to grant full ownership of the land to the Kodava family, including all division holders i.e., all members of the family, in a land which earlier had stood vested in the government and the government was the owner thereof,” the Karnataka HC ruled in a plea where it was argued that amendments made in 2011 would violate the land traditions and customs of the Kodava community.

Why was the Karnataka Land Revenue (Second Amendment) Bill, 2025 introduced?

“Historically, these lands have been held and enjoyed on the basis of customary rights by members of joint families, often without clear entries in the Record of Rights. With the passage of time, complications have arisen in maintaining accurate records of ownership, inheritance, survivorship and alienations pertaining to Jamma Bane holdings,” says the statement of objects and reasons for the draft of the Bill that was tabled in the August 2025 monsoon session of the Karnataka Assembly.

“In particular, the absence of explicit provisions in the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964 (Karnataka Act 12 of 1964), to record the rights of joint family members in such holdings has led to difficulties in mutation, registration, inheritance and maintenance of revenue records,” stated the draft Bill.

This led to numerous disputes regarding succession, alienation and privileges attached to Jamma Bane lands. “It has therefore become necessary to provide statutory recognition of the peculiar nature of Jamma Bane tenure in Kodagu District and to ensure that the rights of all members of a joint family are duly recorded in the mutation and revenue registers,” the Bill stated.

The modified version of the Bill which was tabled and passed by the legislature last month — after incorporating the recommendations of a sub-committee of state legislature — states that changes introduced in the land records of Kodagu district were not consistent with the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964.

The Bill says that changes made to land record on the basis of a circular dated 14.09.2000 had “resulted in anomalies in the classification and maintenance of land records, including entries in the Record of Rights (RTC), which are legally unsustainable and not in conformity with the prescribed procedure under the Act.”

“In view of the ongoing digitization and standardization of land records under the Bhoomi Project, and in light of various judicial pronouncements upholding the need for accuracy, uniformity and legality in maintaining revenue records, it has become necessary to empower the Tahsildars of Kodagu District to correct such inconsistencies in the land records following the due process of law,” the Bill has stated.

What does the new amendment do?

The new amendment to the law essentially empowers tahsildars (assistant commissioners of the revenue departments) in Kodagu to make necessary corrections in land records to bring them in conformity with the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964 for Record of Rights containing “the names of persons who are holders, occupants, owners, mortgagees, landlords or tenants of the land or assignees of the rent or revenue…”

“This amendment will bring the land records of Kodagu District in conformity with law and ensure consistency with the rest of the State,” states the amended new law.

The state revenue minister, Krishna Byre Gowda, said during the debate on the new law in the state Assembly that local tahsildars would hold adalats to address objections before land records are modernised and finalised in the region to give land rights to owners.

The initial draft of the bill sought to amend sections 127, 128, 129 and 130 of the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964 to allow inclusion of particulars of joint family members in the Register of Mutations in respect of Jamma Bane holdings; reporting of acquisition of rights as members of a joint family; empower revenue officers in Kodagu to recognize rights; registration of rights in land records and “ensure that relevant information relating to family tree, survivorship, inheritance and privileges is furnished”.

The final Bill, which has now been enacted, has only amended Section 127 of the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964 by adding a subsection.

Subsection 4 states: “Notwithstanding anything contained in the preceding sub-sections, the Tahsildars of Kodagu District shall, on receipt of an application or otherwise, after following the procedure prescribed, and after conduct of enquiry as he deems fit, make necessary corrections or deletions in the land records pertaining to entries that were transferred from Column 3 of Jamabandi Register to Column 9 and 12 of RTC and consequential entries made due to such transfer thereof, to bring them in conformity with the provisions of clause (a) of sub-section (1) of this section.”

The bill adds a caveat that “any such order passed by the Tahsildar under this subsection shall be appealable as per the procedure prescribed under this Act”.

source: http://www.indianexpress.com / The Indian Express / Home> News> Explained> Explained Law / by Johnson T A / January 15th, 2026

Millet dishes take centre-stage at traditional food revival competition in Madikeri

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Millet dishes take centre-stage at traditional food revival competition in Madikeri.

Dishes prepared from millets grabbed the attention at a cooking competition organised in Madikeri to revive forgotten culinary traditions. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Traditional dishes prepared with millets emerged as the highlight of a cooking competition organised in Madikeri, in Kodagu district of Karnataka, to revive forgotten culinary traditions.

Over 60 teams participated in the district-level competition, organized by the Kodagu district administration, Zilla Panchayat, and the Department of Agriculture. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Over 60 teams participated in the district-level competition, organized by the Kodagu district administration, Zilla Panchayat, and the Department of Agriculture at the office of the Joint Director of Agriculture in Madikeri earlier this week.

The exhibition showcased an impressive variety of snacks and dishes prepared using diverse millets, including jowar, ragi, foxtail millet, pearl millet, kodo millet, barnyard millet, and little millet.

Among the creative entries were ragi dosa, nippattu, chakli, kodu bale, kajjaya, millet payasa, millet pulao, ragi biscuits, white jowar biscuits, millet cake, millet paddu, millet laddu, brinjal cutlet, and foxtail millet dosa.

Separate prizes were awarded across three categories: spicy dishes, sweet dishes, and forgotten traditional dishes. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Other notable dishes were jackfruit cutlet, buki kajjaya, ragi laddu, gulige payasa, sajje nadu, foxtail millet cutlet, papaya halwa, pearl millet halwa, millet vade, and fenugreek leaf vade.

Separate prizes were awarded across three categories: spicy dishes, sweet dishes, and forgotten traditional dishes. First prize winners received ₹5,000, second prize ₹3,000, and third prize ₹2,000.

Speaking at the event, Joint Director of Agriculture Chandrashekar emphasized the nutritional benefits of millets, and encouraged people to incorporate them in their daily diet. He highlighted that millet consumption strengthens bones and provides essential calcium.

Awareness rally

Prior to the competition, an awareness rally on the importance of millets was flagged off by Kodagu Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Anand Prakash Meena.

NCC students, farmers, and officials from the Agriculture and Horticulture departments participated in the rally, which began from the fort premises in Madikeri and concluded at Gandhi Maidan.

Addressing participants at the fort premises, Mr. Meena stressed that millets are nutrient-rich. He called for greater awareness about their benefits. He opined that incorporating millets helps maintain a balanced diet, and can aid in managing diabetes and blood pressure.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / January 16th, 2026

US honour for Kodagu researcher

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Mysore/Mysuru:

Theetharamada Dr. Devaki (Kollimada) has completed a prestigious Post-Doctoral Research Degree in Commerce from an institution in YUVA University Florida, USA.

She is the only lady from Kodagu to receive this honour in the field of Commerce.

Her post-doctoral study, titled ‘Impact of Yoga Practice on Stress Management Among Higher Secondary School Students in Mysore District,’ explored the effectiveness of structured yoga interventions in reducing stress levels among adolescents.

The research offers valuable insights for educators, policymakers and wellness practitioners, highlighting yoga as a powerful tool for enhancing student well-being.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / January 13th, 2025

Military Digest | When Nehru chided General Cariappa for publicly praising his Government

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With Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi slated to hold an annual press conference ahead of Army Day, a look back at certain events that took place soon after General K M Cariappa took over as the Army chief.

General KM Cariappa and Jawaharlal Nehru

Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi will hold an annual press conference on January 13 ahead of Army Day, January 15. It was on January 15, 1949, that General K M Cariappa (later Field Marshal) took over as the commander-in-chief and chief of army staff of the Indian Army—the first Indian to do so.

It is an apt occasion to look back at certain events that took place soon after General Cariappa took over as the Army chief, setting the tone for an apolitical Army in Independent India. The then prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, chided General Cariappa for having publicly praised the Government saying that it should have been avoided and that military officers should not broach political subjects in public. A letter that he wrote to General Cariappa on May 24, 1949, forms part of the Nehru Archives.

In an interview at Dehradun on May 2, 1949, Cariappa remarked, “The achievement made by the country under Pandit Nehru’s leadership in so short a period has no parallel in history.” He added that “the last Commonwealth Conference in London, when seen in clear perspective, will be found to have been a great triumph for the prime minister”. He also said that the people had not clearly appreciated the all-round progress made by the leadership.

Nehru was not pleased about these remarks made by the Army chief and conveyed his displeasure to him in no uncertain terms. “About three weeks ago, you made a statement to the press in the course of which you congratulated me for my work at the Commonwealth Conference in London. You further drew attention to the all-round progress made by the present leadership in the country. I am grateful to you for what you said. But this raises an important point, and indeed the press has drawn attention to this. Should our officers, civil or military, even including the head of the Army, express any opinion in regard to political subjects in public,” he said.

Nehru questioned whether senior officers should speak in praise of the work of the Government.

“Indeed should they deliver public speeches at all except on matters strictly confined to their own work or some social or cultural subjects? What you said was harmless enough, but there is always a danger in touching upon political questions. Obviously, it would be highly improper for an officer to criticise Government, more especially on a political issue. If this is so, then praise of Government should also be avoided,” said Nehru.

‘Avoid public statements completely’

The then prime minister said he was drawing the Army chief’s attention to this matter as Cariappa set the tone for the Army, and Nehru did not want the Army to get mixed up in any way with politics. “You yourself have made this clear on many occasions. In the past I did not like the activities of some Sikh officers who indulged in communal politics. The safest course, therefore, is for all officers to avoid public speaking or public statements completely except on strictly limited topics. Sometimes an officer may not even know the exact political significance of some issue or some remarks he might inadvertently make,” he said.

Nehru noted that the Government had the largest political party and organisation at its back.

Nevertheless, there are other parties and groups, and they might object to the Army doing or saying something in praise or in criticism of political parties or ideologies, he said.

Nehru said Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery, a noted British military personality of World War II, is apt to let himself go in public. “He has been repeatedly asked by the British Government not to do so. Recently, I was in Switzerland, and some members of the Swiss Federal Government told me how they had been greatly embarrassed at a rather casual remark of Montgomery in Switzerland,” he said.

In fact, Nehru and Cariappa continued to spar on various issues even after the retirement of the latter as Army Chief.

Cariappa’s unhappiness over Himachal L-G appointment

In a letter written to the prime minister in 1958, General Cariappa expressed unhappiness over the report regarding the appointment of J K Bhonsle, who had been a member of the Indian National Army, as the Lieutenant Governor of Himachal Pradesh. Cariappa had written that Bhonsle, by serving in the INA, had shown disloyalty to the then Government and had also been disloyal to the traditions of the Army.

Cariappa had also expressed his disagreement with the military guard firing a ‘feu-de-joie’ (ceremonial rifle volley), sounding of the Last Post on bugles, and so on, as is done at military funerals, at Rajghat, the samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi, on January 30. He said he found it “out of place” in that atmosphere of “sanctity, purity and solemnity”.

Nehru responded by saying that the military honours at Rajghat were decided upon after careful consideration. On the issue of Bhonsle, Nehru said that whether he did right or not when he joined the INA under very peculiar circumstances in Malaya was a subject on which there might be differences of opinion.

“You know that we have not criticised our present army officers or men because they served the then British Government in India loyally. We have spoken highly of our army. But it is another matter for us to condemn for ever a person who, in a peculiar set of circumstances, thought it his duty to serve his country in another way. I do not know what I would have done if I had been in such a position,” he said.

Nehru commented that British army officers functioned with neither ability nor courage in Malaya. “Ultimately, they meekly surrendered, having made a mess of things. In India, conditions were very peculiar, and the country generally was opposed to the British. If a young Indian was affected by this widespread sentiment in India, I certainly am not prepared to blame him,” he said.

source: http://www.indianexpress.com / The Indian Express / Home> News> Cities> Chandigarh / by Man Aman Singh Chhina / January 11th, 2026

Karnataka MP writes to Centre seeking fund allocation for Cauvery conservation

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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

Winners of Kodava Inter-Sangha Women’s Throwball Tournament

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Picture shows the winning team with chief guest Jammada Preeth Aiyanna, Club Vice-President Machanda Prakash Beliappa, Club Special Invitee & Sponsor of the event Kuttimada D. Muthappa, Kodava Samaja Mysuru President Ponjanda Ganapathy, Sree Cauvery Educational Institutions Chairman Chottengada Chengappa, Club office-bearers and Directors.

The Annual Kodava Inter-Sangha Throwball Tournament for women, organised by Kodava Samaja Cultural and Sports Club, Mysuru, was inaugurated by city’s renowned Trekker and Kodava Vibhushana awardee Jammada Preeth Aiyanna.

Totally 9 teams participated and the winners were Sri Iguthappa Kshemabivirdhi Sangha, Hebbal.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / January 05th, 2026

New Species of ‘Shadow’ damselfly discovered in Kodagu’s Western Ghats

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Image: Protosticta sooryaprakashi, male. Credit: Authors: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5723.3.3

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.

Source

Description of Protosticta sooryaprakashi sp. nov. (Odonata: Zygoptera: Platyst…

source: http://www.reasearchmatters.in / Research Matters / Home / by Research Matters Staff Writer(s) / Kodagu / November 27th, 2025

Rashmika Mandanna Becomes Kodagu’s No.1 Taxpayer; Find Out What She Paid

Artists of Kodagu (wef. January 21st, 2025), Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Rashmika Mandanna has added another remarkable achievement to her name by emerging as the highest taxpayer in Kodagu district, creating pride among locals and fans while proving her success goes far beyond the film industry.

From Kirik Party to National Stardom

Rashmika Mandanna, fondly called the “National Crush,” has come a long way since her breakthrough in the Kannada film Kirik Party. Today, she stands tall as one of India’s most successful actresses, making a strong impact in South cinema and Bollywood with consistent box office successes.

The Rise of a Box Office Queen

With multiple hit films across languages, Rashmika has earned the title of “Box Office Queen.” Her strong screen presence, versatility, and audience connect have made most of her films commercially successful, placing her among the most bankable stars in the Indian film industry today.

Pride of Kodagu District

Hailing from Virajpet in Kodagu district, Rashmika has become a source of immense pride for her hometown. Kodagu has produced several notable personalities, but Rashmika’s achievements have set her apart, elevating her status beyond cinema and making her a standout figure from the region.

Biggest Taxpayer in Kodagu

In a remarkable achievement, Rashmika Mandanna has emerged as the highest income taxpayer in Kodagu district. She has reportedly paid ₹4.69 crore in income tax for three quarters of the current financial year, securing the top position among all taxpayers in the district.

Marriage Buzz Continues

Apart from professional milestones, Rashmika is also in the news for personal reasons. Reports suggest she may soon marry actor Vijay Deverakonda, with rumors pointing to a February 26 wedding in Udaipur. However, no official confirmation has been made by either star yet.

source: http://www.newsable.asianetnews.com / Asianet News, English / Home> Entertainment / by Nancy Tiwari / January 07th, 2025

Mandya and Kodagu district administrations discuss measures to control stray dog menace

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‘All necessary measures should be taken to curb stray dogs while ensuring animal welfare and the safety of citizens’.

The district administrations of Mandya and Kodagu held separate meetings on Tuesday to discuss measures to control the menace of stray dogs in their respective districts in the light of the Supreme Court’s recent directions.

In Mandya, Deputy Commissioner Kumar directed the urban local bodies to take up Animal Birth Control (ABC) and anti-rabies vaccination programmes effectively.

All necessary measures should be taken to curb stray dogs while ensuring animal welfare and the safety of citizens, he said and emphasised the need for collection of information on stray dogs in schools and colleges, hospitals, government offices, railway stations, and playgrounds.

He also directed the officials to identify suitable locations for sterilisation surgeries. Also, appropriate measures should be taken to manage shelters for stray dogs in collaboration with animal welfare organisations and the Department of Animal Husbandry.

The guidelines of the Supreme Court must be strictly followed in the management of stray dogs and the sterilisation operations, he said.

Citing the Supreme Court orders, Mr. Kumar said stray dogs should be removed from high-risk areas like educational institutions, bus stands, railway stations, and hospitals. He issued directions for round the clock security in stadiums to prevent stray dogs from the entering the premises.

Students should be made aware of rabies while free anti-rabies vaccination programme should be taken up for stray and pet dogs, he said.

He directed the officials to set up a helpline to receive complaints regarding stray dog issues, and a nodal officer must be appointed at the district level to take necessary action.

In Kodagu, Deputy Commissioner Venkat Raja said the local bodies like city municipal councils, town municipal councils, town panchayats, and gram panchayats should earmark at least one acre of land within their jurisdiction and construct a compound wall to facilitate the relocation of stray dogs.

He said measures should be taken to relocate the stray dogs and ensure their proper protection while appointing nodal officers to conduct regular inspections to monitor the control of stray dogs.

He said the government and private hospitals should maintain adequate stock of anti-rabies vaccines so that timely treatment is provided to dog-bite victims.

“Whenever cases of dog bites or attacks by animals are reported, the local body officials must be informed and the government and private hospitals should ensure timely emergency medical services and first aid,” he said.

While Madikeri city municipal council Commissioner H.R. Ramesh informed the meeting that one and a half acre of land on the outskirts of Madikeri has been earmarked for locating stray dogs, the Deputy Commissioner instructed officials concerned that land be similiarly earmarked even in Somwarpet, Kushalnagar, Ponnampet, and Gonikoppal limits.

Kodagu District Health and Family Welfare Officer Satish Kumar said that 4,872 cases of dog bites were reported in the district in 2024 and 4,217 cases between January to October in 2025.

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

Colorectal Cancer: A silent killer that can be stopped

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Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is a common and deadly disease that affects the colon and rectum. It can cause bleeding, pain, weight loss and fatigue. It is often mistaken for piles and not diagnosed early enough. CRC can be prevented by screening and through healthy habits.

CRC is the seventh most common cancer in India, with over 27,000 new cases and 19,000 deaths in 2018. It affects both men and women, mostly after 50 years of age.

Causes

The exact cause of CRC is unknown, but some factors increase the risk:

Age: Older people are more likely to get CRC.

Diet: Eating too much red meat, processed meat and fat can raise the risk.

Obesity: Being overweight or obese can make CRC more likely.

Smoking: Smoking can damage the DNA of the colon and rectum cells.

Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can affect how the body works.

Inactivity: Not exercising can increase the risk.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Having long-term inflammation of the intestines, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

Family history: Having a relative who had CRC or polyps can make CRC more likely.

Polyps: CRC usually starts from a benign growth called a polyp on the colon or rectum lining. The most common type of polyp that can turn into CRC is an adenoma.

Diagnosis, Screening & Staging

The best way to prevent CRC is to find and remove polyps before they become cancerous. This can be done by regular screening tests that check the colon and rectum for any problem.

Diagnostic and screening tests

Consult colorectal surgeon: This is the first and best step. A colorectal surgeon is a specialist who has extensive training and experience in diagnosing and treating CRC.

Colonoscopy & biopsy: This test uses a tube with a camera to look at and remove any polyps or tumours in the colon and rectum. It is usually done under sedation or general anaesthesia to make it comfortable for the patient.

Screening tests can lower CRC cases and deaths by removing precancerous polyps and finding early-stage tumours that are easier to treat.

Treatment

The treatment of CRC depends on many things, such as the type, grade, stage, location, and features of the tumour, as well as the patient’s health and choice. A team of colorectal experts is needed to ensure the best result. Each tumour is different and each patient is unique, hence an individualised treatment plan is chalked out by a robust multi-disciplinary team led by colorectal surgeons is vital.

A colorectal surgeon is a specialist who has extensive training and experience in performing surgery for CRC.

Treatment options

Surgery: This is the main treatment for most CRC cases. It involves removing the tumour, lymph nodes and some normal tissue around it. It can be done as open or laparoscopic and robotic methods. Minimal invasive techniques when carried out by specialists result in better patient satisfaction, early discharge, improved quality of life, lower blood loss, less pain, shorter hospital stay, faster recovery, lower risk of infection, lower risk of bleeding, lower risk of recurrence, lower risk of complications, etc.

Radiation therapy: This can be used before or after surgery to kill any cancer cells left behind. It works by using high-energy rays or particles to damage DNA. It can also help radiotherapy work better.

Chemotherapy: This is used for advanced or spread CRC that has reached other parts of the body. It works by using drugs that kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. It can also help radiotherapy work better.

Targeted therapy: This is by using drugs that target specific genes involved in CRC. They work by blocking or interfering with how these genes function. They can also help radiotherapy work better.

The five-year survival rate for CRC in India was around 50% in 2018. There is evidence that sub-specialisation in colorectal surgery improves outcomes.

By Dr. Nikhil Nanjappa, Consultant Surgical, Gastroenterologist & Colorectal Surgeon, Aceso BKG Health Care, Mysuru

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / by Dr. Nikhil Nanjappa / September 23rd, 2023