Tag Archives: Ponnampet

Kodagu road reconstruction, health sector receive boost in state budget

March 7, 2026Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, LeadersCoorg, Dharmaja Uthappa, K G Bopaiah - MLA - Virajpet, KG Bopaiah, Kodagu, Kodagu District, Kodagu District Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kodagu District Chamber of Commerce and Industry Association, Kodagu First, Kodava Development Board, Kushalnagar Community Hospital, Madikeri, Nagendra Prasad, Nanjundappa Report, Ponnampet, Teethir Dharmaja Uthappa, Virajpet Hospitaladmin

The state budget has sanctioned Rs 20 crore for the reconstruction of damaged roads and bridges following incessant rainfall in regions including Virajpet, Madikeri and Ponnampet.

Madikeri :

Road connectivity and the health sector in Kodagu have received a boost in the state budget presented by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. While Congress members termed it a progressive budget, BJP leaders criticised it as a “useless budget” with no special consideration for the district.

The state budget has sanctioned Rs 20 crore for the reconstruction of damaged roads and bridges following incessant rainfall in regions including Virajpet, Madikeri and Ponnampet.

Developmental projects for the Kodava Development Board, funds for the welfare of tribes who form a significant population in the district, and the health sector have also received support in the budget.

Virajpet Hospital will be upgraded from a 200 bed capacity to 400 beds, the budget assures funds for the upgradation of Kushalnagar Community Hospital. (File photo)

While Virajpet Hospital will be upgraded from a 200 bed capacity to 400 beds, the budget assures funds for the upgradation of Kushalnagar Community Hospital. Ponnampet will also get a new community hospital.

However, stakeholders in the tourism sector said the budget does not mention any special funds for tourism development.

Nagendra Prasad, president of the Kodagu District Chamber of Commerce and Industry Association, said that although Kodagu generates increased revenue for the state through tourism and liquor sales, no funds have been sanctioned for tourism infrastructure in the district.

“From property tax of hospitality facilities to GST, the tourism sector contributes immensely to the state revenue. But unfortunately, this revenue is not being invested back to further improve the sector,” he opined.

Meanwhile, former BJP MLA K. G. Bopaiah criticised the budget as a “useless” one and a “record budget of complete failure”. He said the budget is not people friendly and added that for the 17th time the Chief Minister has made “only promises, declarations and vague plans without any absolute focus”.

He recalled that the BJP government had sanctioned special funds to the district as per the Nanjundappa report due to heavy rainfall and said, “We used to sanction up to Rs 100 crore as a special package for the district. But for the past three years, the state has neglected Kodagu,” he alleged.

He further alleged that there is no plan or precision in the sanctioning of funds for mitigation projects to curb wildlife conflict.

Dharmaja Uthappa, district president of the Congress party, said the budget is progressive and that the Kodava Development Board, road connectivity and the health sector have received a boost.

“Even the issue of wildlife conflict is addressed and it is overall a pro development budget,” he opined.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / March 06th, 2026

Dr. U.T. Uthappa of Kodagu among ‘Top 2% Scientists in World’

November 9, 2025Amazing Feats, Leaders, Records, All, World OpinionCoorg, Dr Uluvangada T Uthappa, Dr Uluvangada T Uthappa - Patent Holder, Dr Uluvangada T Uthappa - Post Doctoral Fellow - Chonnam National University, Dr Uluvangada T Uthappa - Post Doctoral Researcher-Scientist - College of Chemistry & Environmental Engineering - China, Dr Uluvangada T Uthappa - Research Professor - Yeungnam University - South Korea, Dr Uluvangada T Uthappa (Sanju), Indian Scientists, Kodagu, Kodagu District, Kodagu First, Meena, Meena Hemavathy, Ponnampet, Scientists of India, Scientists of Karnataka, Scientists of Kodagu, T Shettigeri, T Shettigeri - Ponnampet Taluk, Uluvangada Sabu Thammaiah, Uluvangada T Uthappa - Jain University - Bengaluruadmin

Mysore/Mysuru:

Dr. Uluvangada T. Uthappa (Sanju), a native of Kodagu, has been recognised among the ‘Top 2% Scientists in the World (2025 Survey)’ compiled by Stanford University, USA.

The annual list, prepared by Prof. John P.A. Ioannidis of Stanford in collaboration with Elsevier and Scopus, identifies the world’s most influential scientific researchers representing about 2% of all scientists globally. The rankings are based on standardised citation metrics and composite indicators of scientific impact.

Dr. Uthappa is currently serving as a Post-Doctoral Researcher/Scientist at the College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, China. Earlier, he worked as a Post-Doctoral Fellow at Chonnam National University (2021-2022) and as a Research Professor at Yeungnam Univer-sity (2022-2023) in South Korea. He obtained his Ph.D in Chemistry from Jain University, Bengaluru, in 2021. His research focuses on addressing global challenges in environment, health, food and agriculture sectors.

He has published over 50 articles in reputed international peer-reviewed journals, with more than 2,300 citations and an H-index of 25. He has also filed two patents in South Korea and one in China.

An extraordinary achiever, Dr. Uthappa is the son of Uluvangada Sabu Thammaiah and Meena, residents of T. Shettigeri, Ponnampet Taluk, Kodagu.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / October 17th, 2025

Coffee Dasara brews hope for growers amid challenges

September 28, 2025Agriculture, Business & Economy, Coffee Board, India (wef. Nov 17, 2021), Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, AllA Nanda Belliappa, A Nanda Belliappa - Chairman - Coorg Planters Association, Chettalli, Coffee Board Director, Coffee Board President Dinesh Devavrinda, Coffee Dasara 2025, Coffee Dasara in Kodagu, Coffee Dasara in Madikeri, Coffee Grower - Karan, Coorg Planters Association, Coorg Planters' Association, D P Ravishankar, D Y Abdul Razak, D Y Abdul Razak - Kodlipet, Deepa Bhasthi - Kodagu, Deepa Bhasthi - Winner - International Booker Prize for Translation, Dinesh Devavrinda, DP Ravishankar - Ponnampet, Dr Chendrimada, Dr Chendrimada Captain Thimmaiah, Dr Chendrimada Captain Thimmaiah - Assistant Director - Veterinary Services, Dr Ichettira Mandappa, Dr Ichettira Mandappa - Coffee Board Director, DY Abdul Razak, Edadante Village, H T Anil, H T Anil - Convenor - Coffee Dasara 2025, Jermie D'Souza, Jyothika, Jyothika - Women's Coffee Awareness Forum, Jyothika Bopanna, Karan, Karnataka's First Woman Coffee Entrepreneur, Kodagu Deputy Commissioner - Venkat Raja, Lava Edadante, Lava Edadante - Edadante Village, Madikeri Dasara Committee, Madikeri Dasara Committee Chairperson - P Kalavathi, Madikeri Dasara Cultural Committee, Madikeri MLA Dr Manthar Gowda, Madikeri Town Municipality President - P Kalavathi, MLC Veena Achaiah, Nizamuddin Siddiqui, Nizamuddin Siddiqui - Coffee Entrepreneur - Madikeri, P Kalavathi, Ponnampet, Ponnathmotte, Robert, Robert - Ponnathmotte in Chettalli, S G Medappa, S M Chengappa - Kiragandur, Sakamma Auditorium, Venkat Raja - DC Kodagu, Venkat Raja - Deputy Commissioner of Kodagu, Vikram, Vikram - Masagodu, Vinod Shivappa, Vinod Shivappa - President - UPASIadmin

45 stalls celebrate Kodagu’s coffee culture as top growers honoured

Madikeri:

The Coffee Dasara celebration held on Wednesday at Gandhi Maidan, Madikeri, captivated visitors with a vibrant display of coffee culture, featuring 45 thematic stalls and a strong message of solidarity with coffee growers grappling with persistent challenges.

The event was jointly organised by the Madikeri Dasara Committee, Madikeri Dasara Cultural Committee and the Coorg Planters Association inside the Sakamma Auditorium, named after Karnataka’s first woman coffee entrepreneur. The coffee mega event was executed and coordinated by H.T. Anil.

Inaugurating the celebration, Madikeri MLA Dr. Mantar Gowda highlighted that despite favourable market prices, coffee growers continue to face serious hardships.

“Labour shortages, climate fluctuations, and market instability are major hurdles, especially for small-scale producers. We must unite to tackle these challenges,” Dr. Mantar Gowda urged.

Dr. Mantar Gowda noted that Kodagu district accounts for nearly 75 percent of Karnataka’s coffee production and stressed that Coffee Dasara, which began last year, should become an annual platform to foster dialogue and development.

Madikeri MLA Dr. Mantar Gowda with Coffee Dasara Convener H.T. Anil during the event.

Crop insurance coverage

Coffee Board Chairman Dinesh Devavrinda underscored the need for insurance coverage for coffee crops, similar to schemes available for arecanut and pepper. He pointed out that coffee is cultivated not only in Karnataka’s Kodagu, Hassan and Chikkamagalur districts but also across the north-eastern States and encouraged farmers to take pride in their profession.

Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Venkat Raja reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to supporting farmers, promising to act as a bridge between growers and policy-makers. He announced plans to launch video-based training programmes on coffee cultivation and marketing, emphasising the urgent need for modernisation in the 21st century.

Technical insights

Several experts shared technical insights during the event. Dr. Ichettira Mandappa, Coffee Board Director, spoke about maintaining quality in coffee cultivation, coffee grower Karan discussed emerging varietals in coffee farming, Jermie D’Souza presented research on dwarf robusta strains while Dr. Chendrimada Captain Thimmaiah, Assistant Director, Veterinary Services, explained the role of soil fertility in improving yields.

The event also featured a felicitation ceremony honouring outstanding coffee farmers, recognising their contributions to the industry.

Growers felicitated

Distinguished coffee growers were felicitated by International Booker Prize-2025 winner Deepa Bhasthi, who hails from Madikeri. They included Vinod Shivappa, former President of UPASI (United Planters’ Association of Southern India), S.M. Chengappa, progressive farmer from Kiragandur, Lava Edadante from Edadante village, D.P. Ravishankar from Ponnampet, D.Y. Abdul Razak from Kodlipet, Vikram from Masagodu, Robert from Ponnathmotte in Chettalli and Nizamuddin Siddiqui, senior coffee entrepreneur from Madikeri.

Prominent dignitaries present included the Coorg Planters Association Chairman A. Nanda Belliappa, Madikeri Town Municipality President and Madikeri Dasara Committee Chairperson P. Kalavathi, Madikeri Dasara Committee office-bearers, Jyothika of Women’s Coffee Awareness Forum, former MLCs Veena Achaiah and S.G. Medappa.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 28th, 2025

Paddy diversity, agricultural heritage highlighted in Mysuru desi rice mela

August 11, 2025Agriculture, Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Green Initiatives / Environment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Nature, Records, AllB P Ravishanikar, B P Ravishankar - Seed Conservator of Kodagu, BP Ravishankar, Coorg, Hudoor, Hudoor - Ponnampet - Kodagu, Kodagu, Kodagu District, Kodagu First, Kodagu's Seed Conservator, Ponnampetadmin

Nearly 200 varieties of indigenous rice varieties on display at the desi rice mela, which was inaugurated in Mysuru on Saturday. | Photo Credit: M.A. SRIRAM

The two-day desi rice mela commenced in Mysuru on Saturday, with seed conservators expressing concern that commercial crops were pushing the traditional paddy varieties to the brink.

The objective of the mela is to highlight the paddy diversity that existed in the Old Mysuru region, and how scores of indigenous paddy varieties are going out of vogue due to the proliferation of hybrid varieties and shifting consumer preference to white polished rice.

With over 200 paddy varieties on display, the mela is being held at Nanjaraja Bahadur Choultry, and has been organised under the aegis of Sahaja Samrudha and the Save Our Rice Campaign. Also on display are traditional rice varieties from different States, including rare types such as red rice, aromatic rice, black rice, medicinal rice, and bold-grained rice, along with value-added rice products.

Paddy conservators from across the State are selling their own desi rice directly. Seeds of popular varieties like Rajamudi, Burma Black, Sidda Sanna, Ratnachudi, Navara, Govind Bhog, HMT, and Sindhoor Madhusale are also on display and for sale.

The mela was inaugurated by B.P. Ravishankar, a seed conservator from Hudoor in Ponnampet, Kodagu. He has preserved as many as 57 desi rice varieties.

“Paddy cultivation is becoming increasingly expensive. With the arrival of commercial crops, traditional paddy varieties are being pushed to the margins and the government must provide necessary support to bring these desi rice varieties back into farmers’ fields”, said Mr. Ravishankar.

Unveiling medicinal rice varieties, Shridevi Annapurna Singh, former Director of the Central Food Research Institute, said that traditional varieties are rich in nutrients, while the black and red rice varieties have medicinal properties, and called for their inclusion in people’s diets.

Presiding over the event, G. Krishna Prasad, Director of Sahaja Samrudha and the Organic Farmers’ Collective, said that farmer-breeders in Karnataka have developed excellent paddy varieties like Sidda Sanna, Sindhoor Madhusale, Andanoor Sanna, and NMS-2. “The government must take steps to release these varieties, which are popular among farmers,” he said.

Mr. Prasad also cautioned against any attempts by the government to introduce transgenic paddy varieties that pose risks to the environment and consumer health. Farmers and consumers must remain vigilant to prevent transgenic paddy from entering farmers’ fields, he added.

C. Shanthakumar, the coordinator of Save Our Rice Campaign, said that Karnataka was the home of paddy diversity, but hundreds of varieties have been lost due to lack of demand. ‘’The desi rice mela has been organised to create awareness among farmers and consumers about nutrient-rich, traditional paddy varieties suited to local food habits,” he added.

The mela also offers millets, vegetable seeds, tubers, organic products, and fruit saplings that are for sale.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / August 09th, 2025

Kodagu reels under landslides, heavy rains: Over 60 families evacuated amid fear of floods

July 29, 2025Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, AllBajegundi Village, Bajegundi Village - Somwarpet Taluk, Balyamandur-Harihara Road, Cauvery Rivers in Kodagu, Coorg, Harangi Reservoir, Hudugur - Kushalnagar Taluk, Kodagu, Kodagu District, Kodagu First, Kodagu Floods, Kodagu Rain, Madikeri, Mekeri Village - Shaktinagar, NDRF Kodagu, Ponampet Taluk, Ponnampet, Shaktinagar - Kodaguadmin

Kodagu :

Torrential rains continued to lash Kodagu district, triggering landslides, overflowing rivers, and widespread panic among residents. The worst affected is the Shaktinagar area near Madikeri, where more than 60 families have been forced to vacate their homes due to fear of landslides.

The relentless downpour has caused rivers, streams, and rivulets across the district to swell beyond danger levels. In Shaktinagar of Mekeri village, located on a vulnerable hill slope, the threat of soil erosion has left residents in deep anxiety. Authorities have covered the vulnerable area with tarpaulin sheets in an attempt to prevent further damage.

District officials have stepped up vigilance across Kodagu as the current weather situation draws parallels to the devastating floods of 2018. Powerful winds accompanying the rain have uprooted hundreds of trees and electric poles, further worsening the situation.

In a related incident, a massive tree fell on a moving car in Bajegundi village, Somwarpet taluk. The driver, Charan, had a miraculous escape with no injuries reported.

Meanwhile, water has been discharged from the Harangi reservoir into the Harangi and Cauvery rivers, which are now flowing dangerously over their banks. In Kushalnagar taluk’s Hudugur area, coffee plantations and paddy fields have already been submerged, and fears are growing that homes in low-lying areas could soon be inundated.

Several roads across the district have been affected. A large tree fell across the Madikeri–Somwarpet highway, bringing traffic to a standstill for over an hour. In Ponampet taluk, many low-lying areas are submerged, and the Balyamandur–Harihara road has been rendered impassable.

The district administration, along with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), has been placed on high alert, closely monitoring the situation. Residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel and to remain vigilant as rain and strong winds are expected to continue.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home> Karnataka / by Daijiworld Media Network – Kodagu / July 27th, 2025

A rain gauge in Kodagu that can never do its job!

June 29, 2025Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All, Science & TechnologyCoorg, Kanoor Gram Panchayat, Kanoor Gram Panchayat - Ponnampet Taluk, Kodagu, Kodagu District, Kodagu First, Ponnampet, Rain Guage in Kodagu, Telemetric Rain Guages - TRGs - Kodaguadmin

Ponnampet:

Relentless rains continue to lash Kodagu, pushing rivers and streams well above the danger mark. Authorities have evacuated residents from low-lying areas and declared a holiday for all schools and colleges today, as the region remained under a red alert issued until 8 am this morning.

But as Kodagu battles the fury of nature, its most critical weather monitoring tools are failing. Of the 104 Telemetric Rain Gauges (TRGs) installed across the district, 56 — over 54 percent — are non-functional. Shockingly, there is no clear timeline for when these essential devices will be restored.

In a glaring act of official negligence, a TRG installed at Kanoor Gram Panchayat in Ponnampet Taluk — an area known for heavy rainfall — has been placed under a roof. Ironically, it is installed to measure rain but placed where it does not rain.

This baffling decision has rendered the gauge completely useless. With not a drop of rain reaching the sensor, accurate data from this high-rainfall zone is lost. Residents said that the TRG was installed two months ago and nothing has been done to rectify the construction anomaly.

Furious residents have flayed the Panchayat for such incompetence, calling out the lack of basic common sense and waste of public funds. TRGs are vital for real-time rainfall data collection and help agencies like the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC) issue timely flood alerts and coordinate emergency responses.

With more rain forecast and rivers swelling dangerously, the failure to properly install and maintain these gauges could cost lives, and underscores a disturbing lack of preparedness to face the monsoon.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News> Top Stories / June 26th, 2025

Kodava Family Hockey Namme turns 25: Stage set for Muddanda Cup Hockey Festival from Mar. 28

March 16, 2025Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, Sports, World OpinionA S Ponnana, A S Ponnanna - Legal Advisor to Chief Minister Siddharamaiah, Ainmanes, Ainmanes in Ponnampet, Ainmanes of Kodava Families, Badakada Deena Poovaiah, Cauvery College - Virajpet, Cheppudira Cariappa, Coorg, Dr Mantar Gowda, Field Marshal K M Cariappa College Ground - Madikeri, General Thimayya Circle, Karada Village, Kecchettira Prasanna, Kodagu, Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Venkata Raja, Kodagu District, Kodagu First, Kodagu Hockey Academy, Kodagu SP K Ramrajan, Kodava Family Hockey Namme, Kodavathi, Kukkera Jaya Chinappa, Kundylonda Hockey Carnival, Kundyolanda Family, Madikeri, Madikeri MLA Dr Manthar Gowda, Maja Run in Kodagu, Maletira Srinivas, Mantar Gowda - Madikeri MLA, Mekerira Ravi Pemmaiah, MLC M P Suja Kushalappa, Muddanda B Devaiah, Muddanda Cup Hockey Festival 2025, Muddanda Cup Hockey Tournament, Muddanda Rashin Subbaiah, Muddanda Roy Thammaiah, Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, Pandanada Bopanna - President - Kodava Hockey Academy, Pandanda Family, Pandanda Family Ainmane, Pandanda K Bopanna, Pandanda K Bopanna - President - Kodava Hockey Academy, Police Parade Grounds - Madikeri, Ponnampet, Suja Kushalappa, Vandana Trust, Venkataraja - Kodagu Deputy Commissioner, Virajpet, Virajpet Kodava Samaja - Honorary Secretary - Maletira Srinivas, Virajpet MLA A S Ponnannaadmin

Madikeri:

The Kodava Family Hockey Namme (Festival) celebrates its 25th edition this year, with the Muddanda Cup Hockey Tournament set to begin on Mar. 28 and continue until Apr. 27.

Matches will be played across three different grounds, with 370 teams already registered for the competition.

Addressing the media in Madikeri yesterday, Kodagu Hockey Academy President Pandanda K. Bopanna noted that while 360 teams participated in last year’s Kundyolanda Hockey Fest, this year’s registrations have already reached 370, with a few more days left for additional entries.

He announced that the inaugural ceremony will feature an exhibition match between Kodagu Hockey Academy XI and Karnataka XI.

Tournament Director Badakada Deena Poovaiah and Coordinator Muddanda Roy Thammaiah will oversee the event.

Cheppudira Cariappa will serve as the main commentator, assisted by Maletira Srinivas, while Kecchettira Prasanna will be in charge of match coordination. The inauguration will also include a special felicitation ceremony honouring the Kundyolanda family, which achieved a Guinness World Record last year.

Umpire training

Hockey Academy Working President Mekerira Ravi Pemmaiah revealed that a training programme for hockey umpires will be conducted on Mar. 19 and 20 at Cauvery College, Virajpet, urging young hockey enthusiasts to participate.

Academy Vice-President Kukkera Jaya Chinnappa stated that several dignitaries, including Virajpet MLA and Chief Minister’s Legal Advisor A.S. Ponnanna, Madikeri MLA Dr. Manthar Gowda, Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, MLC M.P. Suja Kushalappa, Rajya Sabha MP Ajay Maken, Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Vekatraja, and Kodagu SP K. Ramrajan, will attend the grand opening ceremony.

Kreeda Jyothi

Muddanda Hockey Festival Chairman Muddanda Rashin Subbaiah confirmed that matches will take place at Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College Grounds and the Police Parade Grounds. As part of the festival’s silver jubilee celebrations, a special ‘Kreeda Jyothi’ (Sports Torch) marathon will be held, visiting the Ainmanes (ancestral homes) of Kodava families.

The marathon will commence at 8 am on Mar. 25 from the Ainmane of the Pandanda family in Karada village, the pioneers of the Kodava Family Hockey Festival.

It will pass through eight Ainmanes in Ponnampet and surrounding areas before concluding on Mar. 28. On the inaugural day, a rally carrying the sports torch will proceed from General Thimayya Circle to Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College Grounds, flagged off by MLA A.S. Ponnanna.

To commemorate 25 years of the festival, a women’s hockey tournament has been introduced as part of the Muddanda Hockey Festival. So far, 30 women’s teams have registered, and more entries are expected before the Apr. 10 deadline.

The women’s matches will be played at the Police Parade Grounds in Madikeri. Star Indian hockey players Lalremsiami Hmarzote from the women’s national team and Indian men’s team captain Harmanpreet Singh will visit Madikeri during the tournament.

Matrimonial meet

The festival will also feature a thand-bendhu (matrimonial meet) and a quiz competition at the venue. A special cyclothon is scheduled for Apr. 26, and DJ music will entertain spectators from the pre-quarterfinal stage through the final.

An open ‘Maja Run’ from Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Circle has also been planned as part of the celebrations. Parking arrangements have been made for 2,000 vehicles, and Bengaluru-based Vandana Trust will assist in waste management throughout the month-long event.

Additionally, a shooting competition will be held on Apr. 20 at Ground No. 2, featuring three categories: 50-metre .22 rifle shooting, 30-metre 12-bore gun shooting, and 15-metre air rifle egg shooting. A traditional coconut shooting competition will also be organised.

Muddanda Family President Muddanda B. Devaiah urged members of the Kodava community to participate in large numbers in the rally from General Thimayya Circle to Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College Grounds, marking a significant milestone in the history of the Kodava Family Hockey Festival.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / March 16th, 2025

Curbing human-wildlife conflict: ‘Gandhada Gudi’ model elephant sanctuary in Kodagu on cards

February 24, 2025Nature, Records, All, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021)A S Ponnanna - Virajpet Congress MLA, Coorg, Elephant Sanctuary in Kodagu, Elephants of Kodagu, Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre, Gandhada Gudi, Kodagu, Kodagu District, Kodagu First, Ponnampet, Virajpet, Virajpet Taluk, Wildlife of Coorg, Wildlife of Kodaguadmin

Madikeri:

The longstanding human-elephant conflict in Kodagu has intensified over the decades, with elephant attacks claiming 33 lives in recent years.

Additionally, 53 people are grappling with various issues, including permanent disabilities. Despite continuous efforts by the Forest Department, the menace of wild elephants continues to escalate.

In response, the State Government is gearing up to establish an elephant sanctuary in Kodagu, drawing inspiration from the movie ‘Gandhada Gudi.’ The initiative aims to protect elephants while reducing inconvenience to the local population.

The intention is to strike a balance between wildlife conservation and the safety of local communities for a peaceful coexistence.

To facilitate this, 2,000 hectares of land have been identified in Kodagu, as part of a broader plan covering 12,000 hectares across the State. This land will be used to relocate elephants residing in human settlements back into the forest.

The plan also involves identifying elephants responsible for crop damage and human casualties and relocating them to the sanctuary. The Government intends to provide shelter for around 200 elephants that have settled in rural areas of the district.

During a State Wildlife Board meeting in January, attended by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre, Forest Department officials and Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna, the relocation of rogue elephants was discussed.

The Government agreed to identify safe areas for this purpose and preparations are now underway. The sanctuary will be equipped with technology to monitor and control the elephants, preventing them from straying back into villages.

Since 2014, the Government has allocated Rs. 21 crore for repairing fences and railway barricades in the Virajpet forest range, covering Ponnampet and Virajpet taluks. This measure is part of a long-term solution to the human-elephant conflict.

Additionally, Rs. 4.72 crore have been swiftly disbursed as compensation to those affected by wild animals and Rs. 22 crore have been allocated for new railway barricades, with installation set to begin soon.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / Februaryf 23rd, 2025

Coorg Institute PU College hosts Science Quiz

July 29, 2024EducationCIPUC, Colleges of Kodagu, Coorg, Coorg Institute of Pre-University College - CIPUC - Halligattu - Ponnampet, Coorg Institute Pre-University College - CIPUC, Coorg Institute PU College, Coorg Public School - Gonikoppa, Dr C P Rakesh Poovaiah, Dr Fathima Cariappa, Dr Fathima Cariappas, Dr Rohini Thimmaiah, Halligattu, Kodagu, Kodagu District, Kodagu First, Kodava Education Society, Lions High School - Kalathmadu, Ponnampet, Schools of Kodagu, Sri Rama Trust Napoklu High School, St Annes High School - Virajpet, St Anthonys High School - Ponnampetadmin

Ponnampet (Kodagu):

Marking National Mathematics Day, Coorg Institute Pre-University College (CIPUC) had organised a Science Quiz contest for high school students recently at the College premises in Halligattu, Ponnampet.

The first two prize winners were Sri Rama Trust Napoklu High School (Rs. 3,000 cash and a silver coin) and St. Anne’s High School, Virajpet (Rs. 2,000 cash and silver coin). Consolation prize of Rs. 500 each was presented to Lions High School, Kalathmadu, Coorg Public School, Gonikoppa and St. Anthony’s High School, Ponnampet.

Speaking as the chief guest, Dr. Fathima Cariappa advised the students to achieve their goals with confidence as the word ‘Impossible’ includes ‘Possible’ also.

Kodava Education Society Secretary C.P. Rakesh Poovaiah presided. College Principal Dr. Rohini Thimmaiah and CIT Principal Dr. Mahabaleshwarappa were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / January 14th, 2018

Prizes galore in District-level Cultural Meet and Sports

July 29, 2024Education, Records, All, Sports, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022)A Shivani Madappa, Aman Appachu, Ashika Bojamma, B S Dhyan Medappa, Coorg, Coorg Institute of Pre-University College - CIPUC - Halligattu - Ponnampet, Halligattu, K N Pushya Poovamma, K T Chondamma, Kodagu, Kodagu District, Kodagu First, M B Donvi Dechamma, Milan Muthanna, N Pranamya Kalappa, N R Prajna Bojamma, Neelamma, Ponnampet, PU Board - Junior College - Madikeri, T L Bhuvan Bopannaadmin

Mysuru:

The following students of Coorg Institute Pre-University College (CIPUC) in Halligattu, Ponnampet, have swooped 13 prizes and topped Kodagu in the District-level Cultural Meet organised by PU Board at Junior College in Madikeri recently.

II PUC: H.R. Minchu – 2nd prize in Monoacting; Shraddha Shastry – 2nd prize in Folk Song; N. Chetna Vivek – 3rd prize in Light Music; T.S. Aparna Bharadwaj – 2nd prize in Devotional Song; Chaincy Rai – 3rd prize in English Debate.

I PUC: M.B. Donvi Dechamma – 3rd prize in Monoacting; K.N. Pushya Poovamma – 3rd prize in Light Music; T.U. Mahitha – 1st prize in Folk Song; C.S. Devika – 2nd prize in Devotional Song; Aman Appachu – 1st prize in English Essay; A. Shivani Madappa – 3rd prize in Kannada Debate; N. Pranamya Kalappa – 1st prize in English Debate and P.P. Lipthi – 3rd in Pick and Speak.

A group photo of CIPUC students who excelled in sports and games.

Sports: CIPUC students have also excelled in Sports during the academic year 2019-20.

District-level: Milan Muthanna – Shotput; T.L. Bhuvan Bopanna – Discus Throw, Hammer Throw; Ashika Bojamma – Hammer Throw; Neelamma – Cross Country; Shashank – Cross Country; M.S Charan – Shotput; B.S. Dhyan Medappa – Chess.

State-level: K.T. Chondamma – Chess, Athletics and Cross Country; K.S. Yashas – Handball; N.R. Prajna Bojamma – Football; T.L. Bhuvan Bopanna – Discus Throw, Hammer Throw; Jnanesh – Karate.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / November 28th, 2019