Tag Archives: Kodagu

Bengaluru: Forest department recovers 2602 acres of encroached land

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Records, All, , , , , , , ,

Forest, Environment and Ecology Minister Eshwar B Khandre said Rs 100 crore has been allocated to undertake a sapling plantation drive for this financial year.

Image used for representational purposes only.

Bengaluru :

Forest, Environment and Ecology Minister Eshwar B Khandre on Tuesday said the forest department’s revenue collection has increased and so has recovery of encroached land.

Khandre told the media that revenue has increased from Rs 263.41 crore in 2019- 20 to Rs 417.84 crore in 2023- 24. Reserved forest area has increased by 3395.73 hectares in 2023- 24, and protected area has increased by 184.52 hectares. The department has also recovered 2602.30 acres of encroached forest land worth Rs 1500 crore.

Khandre said the highest land recovery has happened in Kolar division, of 1392.41 acres of encroached forest land. Also, 5.50 acres have been cleared in Madikeri and 17 acres in Bengaluru’s Kothanur forest division. Around 7,500 acres of forest land in Kodagu, Chamarajanagar and Mysuru which were leased to industries and estates by the British will be recovered as soon as their lease period ends. He said companies which occupy these lands have earned crores of rupees.

The minister said Rs 100 crore has been allocated to undertake a sapling plantation drive for this financial year. In the last fiscal, 5.40 crore samples were planted across the state and a three-month audit is being done to know how many of them have survived.

On the task of filing up vacant posts in the department, Khandre said there are around 6,000 vacancies and steps are being taken to fill them up. In the first phase, 310 posts of watchers have been filled up and the process of recruiting 540 guards is under way. Directions have also been issued to conduct quick written exams to fill up posts in 10 forest zones.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / May 29th, 2024

Craving for a monsoon ride? ‘Scotland of India’ Kodagu is calling you; See 8 Captivating Photos

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Madikeri in Kodagu, known as the “Kashmir of Karnataka” and the “City of Fog,” is enveloped in dense mist during the rainy season, attracting tourists with its enchanting allure. Despite past travel disruptions due to landslides, Kodagu has regained its natural beauty, offering travellers serene, foggy landscapes and vibrant greenery along the journey from Bengaluru.

PC: Vighnesh Bhootanakadu, Kannadaprabha

Madikeri in Kodagu district, affectionately known as the ‘Kashmir of Karnataka’ and widely popular as the ‘Scotland of India’ is now shrouded in dense fog with the onset of the rainy season. Over the past three to four years, Madikeri’s reputation as the “City of Fog” has become well-established.

PC: Vighnesh Bhootanakadu, Kannadaprabha

‘The City of Fog’ aptly describes Madikeri during the rainy season, when a thick, ethereal mist blankets the town. This year, the fog has descended even before the rains began, drawing tourists with its enchanting allure.

PC: Vighnesh Bhootanakadu, Kannadaprabha

Previously, travellers to Coorg from Bengaluru, Mangaluru, and other regions had to cut their trips short due to landslides in Kodagu.

PC: Vighnesh Bhootanakadu, Kannadaprabha

Over the last three to four years, the number of visitors to Kodagu had dwindled. Some attributed the persistent fog to deforestation in the area.

PC: Vighnesh Bhootanakadu, Kannadaprabha

However, the truth lies elsewhere. The landslides in Kodagu, triggered by floods, were nature’s way of restoring balance. Now, after three or four years, Kodagu has reclaimed its natural splendour.

PC: Vighnesh Bhootanakadu, Kannadaprabha

The state experienced a favourable pre-monsoon season in the first week of May, following the scorching heat of April. As a result, Mother Earth has been donning a vibrant green saree for the past 15 days. As you journey from Bengaluru to Kodagu, the mist begins to fall as soon as you cross the border at Kushalanagar. Travelling through the hills, the road often disappears into the thick fog.

PC: Vighnesh Bhootanakadu, Kannadaprabha

The mist envelops this green saree of Mother Earth like delicate jasmine flowers. At times, the fog is dense; at others, it lifts, creating a captivating play of mist in Madikeri.

PC: Vighnesh Bhootanakadu, Kannadaprabha

As you journey from Bengaluru to Kodagu, the mist begins to fall as soon as you cross the border at Kushalanagar. Travelling through the hills, the road often disappears into the thick fog. On the way to Madikeri, motorists can slow down, pause, and immerse themselves in the serene embrace of nature, savouring its unparalleled beauty.

source: http://www.newsable.asianetnews.com / Asianet Newsable / Home> English News> News> Lifestyle / Pics: Vighnesh Bhootanakadu, Kannadaprabha / May 28th, 2024

New species of spider discovered in Kodagu district

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This is only the second documented occurrence of the Ligdus genus in 129 years, according to naturalists.

Ligdus garvale spider discovered in Kodagu district. | Photo Credit: special arrangement

A group of naturalists from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka recently discovered a new species of spider in Kodagu. They named it Ligdus garvale after the village where it was found. Garvale, a village in the Somwarpet taluk of Kodagu district, is where the spider was discovered.

This jumping spider is significant as it represents only the second documented occurrence of the Ligdus genus in 129 years, according to naturalists.

The research team includes John T.D. Caleb from the Department of Anatomy at Saveetha Medical College & Hospital in Chennai, A. Divyashree from Kuvempu University in Shankarghatta, A.P.C. Abhijith from Indraprastha Organic Farm in Mysuru, and Lohith Kumar from Montrose Golf Resort and Spa in Kodagu.

According to Ms. Divyashree, Ligdus garvale was found in Garvale village, which is surrounded by agroforestry. “Coffee plantations are prominent in the area, along with pepper and paddy fields where the Ligdus Garvale, a jumping spider, was found,” she added.

After the team of naturalists observed the spider and recorded their findings, they sent the specimen to Mr. Caleb for anatomical examination. “Ligdus garvale represents just the second recorded occurrence of the Ligdus genus in 129 years. The first, Ligdus chelifer, was documented in Myanmar in 1895,” Mr. Abhijith said.

Mr. Abhijith explained that the eight-legged creature was discovered beneath the leaf of a torch ginger plant in Garvale village in north Kodagu. “The Garvale jumping spider measures approximately 0.2 inches in length. It has eight legs, eight eyes, and a body covered with fine pale hairs. Only one male Garvale jumping spider was found, and the new species was named after the Garvale area where it was discovered. So far, this is the only area where it has been found,” he added.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau, Bengaluru / May 24th, 2024

Unnathi sprinting to master bigger hurdles

Amazing Feats, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All, Sports, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), World Opinion, , , , , , , ,

The 18-year-old from Karnataka is making giant strides on the big circuit.

Karnataka’s Unnathi Aiyappa is headed to the World Athletics U20 Championships to be held in Lima, Peru in August after qualifying in both the women’s 100m hurdles and 200m events. Credit: PTI Photo

Bengaluru:

Unnathi Aiyappa is in the midst of a transitional period. It is a phase where every decision the teen athlete makes in the present is to help her leapfrog towards cementing future goals. Her recent results are a testimony to this. 

After having already qualified for the women’s World Athletics Under-20 Championships 100m hurdles to be held in Lima (Peru) from August 27-31, the 18-year-old from Karnataka breached the qualification mark for the 200m race as well by winning the gold at the National Senior Federation Cup in Bhubaneswar on Monday with a personal best timing of 23.85 seconds.

Less than a month ago, the youngster had finished with a bronze medal in the 100m hurdles at the Asian U-20 Athletics Championships in Dubai.

“Our main goal is to get Unnathi to become a 400m hurdler,” says father and coach BP Aiyappa. “Whatever we are doing now with the 100m hurdles and 200m is a preparation towards that goal,” he adds. 

Speaking about the races over the last few days, Unnathi, who ran a mistake-laden semifinal where she was slow off the blocks and in the curve, focussed on overcoming the flaws in the final where she was chasing time more than the gold. The ‘unexpected win was extra special, says the girl from Kodagu as she beat seasoned sprinter Srabani Nanda in a photo finish for her first medal at a senior meet. 

“We will get her to compete in four more events before the World Juniors and based on the progress in both the events (200m and 100m hurdles), my idea is to enter in only one event in Lima. I don’t want to put too much load on her body as a junior and she will focus on these two disciplines for another year-and-a-half. We will completely switch to 400m hurdles only after that,” explained Aiyappa. 

“The 400m hurdles has a rhythm to it which is addictive. But 400m is just going all out. It’s boring,” says the daughter of Olympian Pramila Aiyappa. 

If fine-tuning her running skills or blazing the tracks is her primary vocation, the teen is part of a growing brigade of Indian women athletes who enjoy upping the fashion quotient while competing or off it.

“I recently learnt how to braid my hair. I wore some eye-liner and lipstick and did some nail art for the first-time while racing in Dubai and here. It is important to look pretty when you win. No?!,” reasons Unnathi, who takes inspiration from USA’s sprint star Sha’Carri Richardson. 

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Sports> Other Sports / by Hita Prakash / May 15th, 2024

Kodagu Model School Fetes Rural SSLC Topper

Education, , , , , , , , , , , ,

M. Deepali Gowda, a student of Kodagu Model School, Vidyashankar Layout, Mysuru, who emerged school topper and also a topper among rural schools in Mysuru district in the SSLC exams by securing 614/625 marks, was felicitated by the school management recently.

Kodagu Model School, run by Sri Kavery Kodava Association, Mysuru East, has secured cent percent results in SSLC this year.

Deepali Gowda is seen with Association President Puliyanda S. Devaiah, Committee Member Mollera Kavitha Appanna, Association Secretary Kademada M. Belliappa, Kodagu Model School Education Council Chairperson Chowrira K. Seethamma and Association Treasurer Coluvanda M. Chengappa.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Photo News / May 16th, 2024

HCL National Squash Championship: Abhay Singh, Velavan Senthilkumar, Joshna Chinappa clinch gold

Amazing Feats, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Sports, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), World Opinion, , , , , , , , , ,

Chennai :

Abhay Singh and Velavan Senthilkumar clinched a gold medal in the men’s doubles category with a commanding 2-0 victory in the HCL Nationals Doubles Championship here on Wednesday (May 15).

In the women’s doubles category, Pooja Arthi and Rathika Seelan secured the top spot with a thrilling 2-1 win. Abhay Singh teamed up with Joshna Chinappa to clinch gold in the mixed doubles category.

The HCL Nationals Doubles Championship, a collaborative effort between HCL and the Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI), concluded with resounding success at the Indian Squash Academy in Chennai from May 13th to May 15th, 2024.

Marking a significant milestone in India’s squash history, this event, part of the HCL Squash Podium Program, revived the Doubles Squash Championship after a hiatus of 17 years.

The winners were honoured by esteemed dignitaries, including Chief Guest Dr Atulya Misra, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Government, and Thulasimathi Murugesan, the gold medalist from the Asian Para Games 2022, who graced the finale ceremony as the guest of honour.

India’s recent success in doubles squash on the international stage, particularly at the Asian Games, served as a catalyst for HCL to reintroduce the Doubles Squash Championship. This initiative aimed to inject renewed enthusiasm into the sport and provide a platform for emerging talents to showcase their skills in doubles play.

Rajat Chandolia, AVP and Head of Brand at HCL, expressed delight at the enthusiastic participation of squash players in the championship. He congratulated all the winners and participants, highlighting HCL’s commitment to supporting Indian players and elevating squash to new heights through initiatives like the Squash Podium Program.

Cyrus Poncha, Secretary General of SRFI, hailed the resurgence of doubles squash in India, attributing it to the collaborative efforts of SRFI and HCL. He stressed upon the significance of nurturing talented players and expressed confidence in the bright future of Indian squash.

“I am truly excited to see the renaissance of doubles squash in India, thanks to the mutual efforts of SRFI and HCL. It was truly thrilling to see the clashes between the double pairs. I believe that Indian Squash has a bright future and the stars of tomorrow will emerge from these events. Our association with HCL has been monumental for the sport and our combined efforts will continue to nurture talented players,” said Poncha.

Abhay Singh, who emerged victorious in both the men’s and mixed doubles categories, expressed his gratitude to HCL and SRFI for organising the championship. Looking ahead, he expressed determination to excel at the Asian Doubles Championship in Malaysia.

Abhay Singh, said, “I have always been interested in playing in the doubles category. I thank HCL and SRFI for organising this championship after a long time in India. I have played with Velavan in Commonwealth but this was my first time playing doubles with Joshna. It is such an honour to team up with her. I was sure that I would win in both categories but now it’s time to win gold at the Asian Doubles Championship in Malaysia.”

The championship showcased gripping matches, including the finals contested by pairs such as Abhay Singh & Velavan Senthilkumar, Rahul Baitha & Suraj Chand in the men’s category, Pooja Arthi & Rathika Seelan, and Janet Vidhi & Nirupama Dubey in the women’s category, and Abhay Singh & Joshna Chinappa, and Harinder Pal Singh Sandhu & Rathika Seelan in the mixed doubles category.

The HCL National Doubles Championship not only celebrated sporting excellence but also marked a significant step forward in the resurgence of doubles squash in India, promising an exciting future for the sport and its talented athletes.

Its game time – play now!

source: http://www.mykhel.com / MyKhel.com / Home> MyKhel Sports / by MyKhel Team / May 15th, 2024

Whodunnit? Thousands of trees burnt inside Kodagu reserve forest

Agriculture, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All, , , , , , , , , , , ,

In a move to erase evidence, they burned the axed trees risking the spread of forest fire across the Talacauvery sanctuary region.

Trees axed inside Padinalkukadu Reserve Forest area Photo | Express

Madikeri :

Thousands of trees were illegally felled inside the reserve forest area close to Talacauvery sanctuary in Kodagu. The incident came to light after Kodagu Ekikarana Members highlighted the issue after visiting the spot. Suspecting involvement of foresters in the act, they have filed a complaint in this regard with the Virajpet MLA AS Ponnanna.

Located on the edge of Talacauvery Sanctuary, Mundrote Forest Range of Padinalkunadu Reserve Forest area is home to over 6,000 species of trees and plants. However, thousands of trees have been axed illegally inside the reserve forest area and three accused have been booked in the case.

In a move to erase evidence, they burned the axed trees risking the spread of forest fire across the Talacauvery sanctuary region.

When Kodagu Ekikarana Ranga forum members visited the spot, they found that over 5 acres of reserve forest land was allegedly cleared by the encroachers.

Virajpet DCF Jaganath shared that the department is still ascertaining if the chopping was carried out in the reserve forest area or at the private land touching the reserve forest area.

Nevertheless, FIR filed by the department states that the incident took place in the reserve forest area. “Stringent action will be taken against the culprits,” DCF added.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / May 11th, 2024

8 AM Metro on Zee5 – Netizens call Gulshan Devaiah-Saiyami Kher starrer another sweet film after Laapataa Ladies

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

8 AM Metro can be streamed on Zee5 and OTTplay Premium now

A still from 8AM Metro. (Courtesy – PR)

Laapataa Ladies has been the talk of the town ever since it released. Now that people have witnessed Gulshan Devaiah and Saiyami Kher’s film 8 A.M. Metro, they cannot help but feel the same sweet vibe from the movie. Netizens have unanimously praised the Raj Rachakonda directorial. Here are some reactions to note…

Netizens have sweet comments on the film

While one user called 8 A.M. Metro as sweet as Laapataa Ladies, another wrote, “Unexpected person, idelible memories.” A third user called the film impeccable. A fourth one called it therapy. Basically, the film has touched one-and-all. It is to be noted that this was also the case with the critics, back when the movie was out in theatres.

More about the film

8 A.M. Metro is the story of Preetam, played by Gulshan Devaiah and Iravati (Saiyami Kher). They each face fears after their sudden interaction in the train from Nanded to Hyderabad. Iravati gets panic attacks while travelling in a train. Preetam, on the other hand, is depressed and haunted by his past. The two explore more about themselves and each other during their journey. The film is now out on Zee5 and OTTplay Premium.

8 A.M. Metro also stars Umesh Kamat, Kalpika Ganesh, Nimisha Nair, Dheer Charan Srivastav, Jay Jha, Madhu Swaminath and Saurabh Dixitz apart from Gulshan and Saiyami. The movie was made on an estimated budget of Rs. 4 crores and was mainly shot inside a train.

Zee5’s latest offering

8 A.M. Metro is Zee5’s latest offering. Prior to this, the OTT platform was trending owing to The Broken News S2 release. The show starred Sonali Bendre, Jaideep Ahlawat and Shriya Pilgaonkar in the lead roles. The second season saw what the highs and lows which came with Radha Bhargava (Shriya) and Dipankar Sanyal (Jaideep). Sonali played the role of Amina Qureshi, who ensured Radha’s safety in jail and her bail from the place.

source: http://www.ottplay.com / OTT Play / Home> News / by Reema Chhabda / May 10th, 2024

Embark on a Coorgi Gastronomic Journey at Bengaluru Marriott Hotel Whitefield

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

This summer, treat yourself to a remarkable culinary adventure at the Bengaluru Marriott Hotel Whitefield’s Coorgi Food Festival. Under the expert guidance of Chef Smitha Kuttayya Boppanda, a master of spice, embark on a gastronomic journey to the lush landscapes of Coorg with a menu that brilliantly showcases the region’s bold and aromatic spices.

Kick off your dining experience with delightful starters such as the fragrant Chekke kuru fry, the tender Mathi meen barthad, and the unique Kadambutt stuffed with bamboo shoots. Cleanse your palate with the refreshing nallamalu kanni soup and the comforting aadkaal soup.

Dive deeper into the culinary heritage with signature dishes like the iconic Pandi curry, the aromatic Meen curry, and the robust Keema curry. These are thoughtfully paired with cherished dishes like Cheemen pulav, Mutton pulav, otti, Nool puttu, or Thaliyaputt.

For those who prefer vegetarian fare, there is an impressive selection of dishes including the rich Avare kuru curry, the enticing Baimbale curry, and the seasonal kaad Mange curry, accompanied by delightful sides like paalputt and double beans pulav.

This May, gather your loved ones and head to Bengaluru Marriott Hotel Whitefield for a mesmerizing exploration of Coorg’s kitchen traditions with Chef Bopanna’s exceptional culinary creations. Experience the essence of Coorg, where each dish celebrates the region’s flavors and heritage.

source: http://www.travelandtourworld.com / Travel and Tour World / Home> Hotel News / May 09th, 2024

Varsha Bollamma’s interactive Tamil-English film Iruvam selected for Cannes Film Festival

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

The innovative, interactive film has been selected as part of the Let’s Spook Cannes event. The film stars Varsha Bollamma in the lead role.

Varsha Bollamma-starrer Iruvam has been developed by ManMar Games.

The bilingual film Iruvam, made in both Tamil and English, has been selected as one of the four entries worldwide for the Let’s Spook Cannes event as part of the Cannes Film Festival . The film, which sees Varsha Bollamma as the lead, is innovative because it’s interactive.

Varsha excited for Cannes

Industry tracker Ramesh Bala made the announcement of the film’s selection on his X (formerly Twitter), writing, “.@Manmargames innovative project @iruvam_ManMar has been officially selected for the prestigious Cannes International Film Festival’s “Let’s Spook Cannes” event. A Landmark Indian Entry in the World’s Premier Film Festival #Iruvam starring @VarshaBollamma.” An excited Varsha re-tweeted the post, writing, “Super super super excited for this one!!! Eeeeeeeeepppp!!!!”

About Iruvam

Iruvam is an interactive film that blurs the line between film and gaming. The innovative full motion video (FMV) will offer a narrative where the viewers’ choices will impact the film’s storylines and the outcome, which will offer numerous endings. The description sounds similar to Netflix’s Black Mirror: Bandersnatch. Directed by Manoj Annadurai, who is known for the independent English film Get Happy, the film will feature Sidhu Kumaresan, Shanmathi and Bala Guru.The film will be unveiled at Cannes between May 17-20 and will be subsequently released on a mobile platform.

Upcoming work

Varsha was recently seen in the Telugu film Ooru Peru Bhairavakona with Sundeep Kishan and is yet to announce her upcoming projects. The actor, who debuted with the 2015 film Sathuran got fame when she starred in Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha’s 2018 film 96. She debuted in Malayalam the same year with Kalyanam. In 2020 she debuted in Telugu with Choosi Choodangaane, which also starred Shiva Kandukuri, and in Kannada with Mane Number 13 the same year. She has since acted in films like Jaanu, Middle Class Melodies and Akka Kuruvi.

source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / by HT Entertainment Desk / May 08th, 2024