Tag Archives: DC Office – Madikeri

Karnataka SHRC wants Kodagu DC to prevent river pollution

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At the same time, the Central Pollution Control Board conducted an inspection and collected water samples from ten distinct locations along the River Cauvery.

The Save Cauvery organization emphasized that untreated waste and sewage effluent from various towns and villages in the district were being discharged into the river, leading to massive contamination. Photo | Express

Madikeri :

The State Human Rights Commission has sought a comprehensive report from the Kodagu deputy commissioner detailing the initiatives undertaken to mitigate pollution in Cauvery and Lakshmana Theertha rivers. This directive follows a complaint lodged with the commission by members of the Save Cauvery River organisation.

The Save Cauvery organization stressed that untreated waste and sewage effluent from various towns and villages in the district were being discharged into the river, resulting in massive contamination. This complaint was later forwarded to the additional chief secretary overseeing the forest department, who instructed an inquiry and requested a detailed report.

At the same time, the Central Pollution Control Board conducted an inspection and collected water samples from ten distinct locations along the River Cauvery.

Laboratory analyses of these samples confirmed the presence of pollutants, including sewage and untreated waste, particularly from the regions of Bhagamandala, Napoklu, Murnad, Kondangeri, Siddapura and Kudige.

The DC has been urged to implement stringent measures to prevent the inflow of waste and sewage into the rivers. The commission also sought a compliance report from the district administration by April 27, 2026.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / November 10th, 2025

Kodagu farmers protest conversion of farmland into reserve forests

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The farmers set fire to the government order notifying conversion of category C and D land and cautioned of indefinite protest if their problems are not addressed by December 5.

Hundreds of farmers adorning green shawls on their shoulders formed a human chain protesting the government order. Photo | Express

Madikeri :

Hundreds of farmers from across the Kodagu formed a human chain at the heart of Somwarpet town to protest the conversion of category C and D land into forest areas.

The farmers alleged that the Forest Department “is devising a conspiracy” to convert farmland into reserved forests through a notification under Section 4.

“This is not just the problem of the farmers of Kodagu, it is a problem across the entire state. The protest will be made a statewide struggle,” declared the protestors.

Somwarpet Raitha Horata Samithi, Raitha Sangha, and Coffee Growers’ Union organised the protest demanding relief with regards to the land issue. Hundreds of farmers adorning green shawls on their shoulders gathered at Somwarpet.

They expressed their anguish that the state and central governments are turning a blind eye despite the daily harassment of the farmers by the Forest Department.

A conference to discuss the issue was later hosted by the farmer leaders.

President of the Raitha Horata Samiti Suresh Chakravarthy, who presided over the meeting, said that the previous governments and officials had not conducted a joint survey. He accused the officials of submitting wrong information by sitting in an AC room.

“Due to the irresponsibility of the officials and the negligence of the governments, farmers have come to the streets today,” he opined.

He demanded the MLAs of the district to intervene and solve the decade-old problem. He alleged foresters of exploiting the farmers by destroying the cultivated crops.

He added, “If Naxalism arises in Kodagu, it is because of the government.”

The farmers set fire to the government order and cautioned of indefinite protest in front of the DC Office in Madikeri if their problems are not addressed by December 5.

Manju Kiran, state executive member of the Karnataka State Farmers’ Association’s Green Army, said that the major JCB parties in the state (Janata Dal, Congress, BJP) are eating away at the people’s land and livelihood.

“Farmers should not trust political parties. They should not salute them. Women farmers should also join the struggle. Only then will the struggle be successful,” he said.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / November 03rd, 2025