Tag Archives: Venkat Raja – Deputy Commissioner of Kodagu

Thousands witness sacred Cauvery Tula Sankramana at Talacauvery, Karnataka

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The auspicious moment when the holy river Cauvery gushed out from the sacred Kundike occurred at the predicted time of 1.44 p.m., marking the highlight of the annual ritual.

Hundreds of Kodavas, dressed in their traditional attire, walked barefoot for about 8 km from Bhagamandala to Talacauvery in a display of devotion.(Photo | Express)

Madikeri : 

The chants of “Kaveramme Ukki Baa” filled the air across Talacauvery as thousands of devotees witnessed the sacred Cauvery Tula Sankramana on Thursday.

The auspicious moment when the holy river Cauvery gushed out from the sacred Kundike occurred at the predicted time of 1.44 p.m., marking the highlight of the annual ritual.

The rituals were led by chief priest Prashanth Achar along with a team of 11 other priests. Devotees from across Kodagu district and neighbouring states, including Kerala and Tamil Nadu, gathered in large numbers to take part in the holy festivity.

Hundreds of Kodavas, dressed in their traditional attire, walked barefoot for about 8 km from Bhagamandala to Talacauvery in a display of devotion.

Elders, also clad in traditional Kodava attire, led the way playing the traditional dudi and singing baalo paat as they made their way to Talacauvery. Devotees from various communities, including members of the Are Baashe community from across the district, also participated in the rituals with reverence.

Among the participants were Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Wadiyar, who adorned the traditional white royal attire, and Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna, who was dressed in traditional Kodava wear.

Both walked the 8 km stretch from Bhagamandala to Talacauvery and took part in the rituals. Madikeri MLA Dr Mantar Gowda, Deputy Commissioner Venkat Raja, Superintendent of Police K. Ramarajan and several others were also present at the ceremony.

Enhanced security measures and improved arrangements were in place at the temple premises to manage the large crowd. While a few devotees allegedly demanded the removal of barricades, the issue was resolved amicably, ensuring smooth movement for all.

A medical team from the Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences was stationed at both Bhagamandala and Talacauvery to attend to any emergencies.

‘Annadhana’ (mass feeding) arrangements were made for devotees at both temples, while the Kodagu Ekikarana Ranga will host a month-long mass feeding programme at the centre.

Cultural programmes are also being organised at Talacauvery by the Kodava and Are Baashe Sahitya Academies.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Muzrai Minister Ramalinga Reddy were scheduled to attend the event; however, their visit was cancelled due to unforeseen reasons.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / October 17th, 2025

Coffee Dasara brews hope for growers amid challenges

Agriculture, 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, All, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

AUGUST 15th : Independence Day celebrations: ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign launched in Karnataka’s Kodagu district

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Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Venkat Raja during the inauguration of ‘Har Ghar Tiranga campaign’ in Madikeri on Tuesday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The Kodagu district administration, on Tuesday, launched the three-day ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign, which will see a variety of programmes being organised as part of the Independence Day celebrations.

The ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign, commemorating the 78th year of India’s independence, will be held from August 13 to 15 across the district.

Deputy Commissioner Venkat Raja inaugurated the campaign at his office in Madikeri. The Revenue, Panchayat Raj, School Education and Literacy, Pre-University Education, Social Welfare, Backward Classes Welfare, Urban Development, Municipal Administration, and Kannada and Culture Departments have joined hands to conduct various activities at the event.

Mr. Raja said that the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign was being organised as per government directions, and added that programmes will be conducted at district, taluk, and gram panchayat levels through different departments. He appealed to all the participants to upload their selfies to https://hargartiranga.com after participating in the campaign.

Municipalities, town panchayats, and city councils will host a variety of events; schools, colleges, and hostels will also conduct a range of activities, the Deputy Commissioner said. “It is very important that everyone participates in the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign,” he added.

Additional Deputy Commissioner R. Aishwarya said that various programmes had already been conducted in schools, colleges, and historical places, and urged everyone to contribute to the success of the campaign. Social Welfare Department Deputy Director and taluk panchayat Executive Officer Shekhar said that arrangements had been made to organise the campaign in various gram panchayats and hostels.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau (Headline edited) / August 12th, 2025

Cracks in Mangaluru-Madikeri NH275 retaining wall spark landslide fears; residents evacuated

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This highway is lined with several retaining walls, including the Rs 7.5 crore retaining wall behind DC Office that also faced the threat of collapse and is currently being strengthened.

Residents living below the retaining wall are relocating to relief camps after large cracks appeared in the structure, raising fears of a possible collapse.Photo | Special Arrangement

Madikeri :

The first landslide-prone spot on the Mangaluru-Madikeri NH275 that caved in during the 2018 floods is once again under threat, with the multi-crore retaining wall at the site developing major cracks. Residents living right below the wall have been asked to shift to a relief center in Madikeri.

Permanent relief work across the Mangaluru-Madikeri National Highway, which has become vulnerable to landslides and road slips, has remained a distant dream from 2018. While crores of funds have been sanctioned for temporary relief works, the National Highway faces the threat of collapse and poses a risk to commuters every monsoon season.

This highway is lined with several retaining walls, including the Rs 7.5 crore retaining wall behind DC Office that also faced the threat of collapse and is currently being strengthened.

Another retaining wall on this road is located about 4 km from Madikeri city centre and was sanctioned after a major landslide on the road in 2018. Thousands of sandbags were then lined across this vulnerable spot and crores of funds were released for the establishment of the retaining wall.

After over five years of project sanction, the retaining wall recorded was completed in 2023. Nevertheless, just two years after its completion, massive cracks have developed on the retaining wall that faces the threat of collapse.

Following the development of cracks, Madikeri taluk tahashildar visited the spot and requested the families residing below the retaining wall to shift to a relief centre.

Meanwhile, the locals voiced against the authorities for poor quality work and urged them to take action against the concerned contractor. DC Venkat Raja visited the spot and inspected the retaining wall.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / July 31st, 2025

₹50 crore for development works in Madikeri: Minister

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Minister for Municipalities Administration Rahim Khan speaking during his visit to Madikeri on Wednesday. MLA Mantar Gowda and Deputy Commissioner Venkataraja are seen. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Municipal Administration Minister Rahim Khan inaugurated the newly constructed Town Municipal Council (TMC) office building at Kushalnagar in Kodagu. The facility has been built at a cost of ₹7 crore.

Speaking at the event on Wednesday, the Minister announced that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had approved the release of ₹50 crore for various development projects in the Madikeri Assembly Constituency.

Mr. Khan said allocations would be released in phases for development works. He announced the launch of three additional Indira Canteens in the constituency. Each canteen is expected to serve breakfast and lunch to more than 300 people daily, he added.

Madikeri MLA Mantar Gowda said the new municipal office was spacious and well-equipped, adding that Kushalnagar was likely to be upgraded to a City Municipality in future. He proposed the installation of a statue of former Chief Minister R. Gundu Rao on the premises in recognition of his contributions to the town’s development.

He said the merger of several gram panchayats, including Guddehosur with Kushalnagar TMC, strengthened its case for elevation to City Municipality status.

The Minister inspected the Indira Canteen near the KSRTC bus stand.

source: http://www.thehindul.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / June 12th, 2025

Rain: Holiday declared for schools in Kodagu district

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The NDRF team inspecting the landslide-prone areas in Kodagu on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

In the wake of persistent and widespread rainfall across Kodagu district, Deputy Commissioner Venkataraja has declared a holiday for all anganwadi centres, primary and high schools, and pre-university colleges on Thursday as a precautionary measure.

The district has been witnessing heavy downpours over the past few days, with instances of rain-related damage reported from several locations. In the 24 hours ending at 8.30 a.m. on Wednesday, Kodagu recorded 60.92 mm of rainfall. Srimangala received 146 mm, while Shanthalli and Shanivarasanthe registered 160 mm and 112 mm respectively.

Meanwhile, Kiran Kumar, assistant commandant of the 10th Battalion of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), visited the district on Wednesday to evaluate the readiness of the NDRF team already deployed in Kodagu.

The NDRF team inspecting the landslide-prone areas in Kodagu on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

During his visit, he held discussions with R.M. Ananya Vasudev, a district disaster management expert, and inspected areas vulnerable to landslides. He also issued directives to strengthen safety measures and ensure swift relief operations in case of emergencies.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / June 25th, 2025

Karnataka rains: Minister seeks damage report from Kodagu DC

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Minister in charge of Kodagu N.S. Boseraju inspecting a damaged house during his tour of rain-affected areas in the district on Thursday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Minister in charge of Kodagu N.S. Boseraju on Thursday directed the district administration to submit a comprehensive report on rain-related damages in the Karnataka district. He said the matter would be taken up at the Cabinet meeting scheduled for July 2, where necessary funds will be sanctioned based on the report.

Speaking to reporters at Harangi after inspecting rain-hit areas, Mr. Boseraju said that Kodagu had been under red alert for several days due to incessant rains that caused widespread damage to roads, bridges, and houses. “Fortunately, there has been no loss of life, thanks to timely precautionary measures,” he said.

The Minister stressed that while rainfall in Kodagu is vital for southern Karnataka, the current downpour has led to severe local destruction. “In the upcoming Karnataka Development Programme (KDP) meeting, we will assess the extent of damage to homes, roads, and infrastructure for carrying out immediate relief measures and planning permanent solutions,” he added.

He noted that earlier, the release of relief funds required specific criteria to be met. Now, however, funds will be disbursed based on the actual scale of damage.

“Officers have been directed to submit the report at the earliest. Once received, it will be discussed with the Chief Minister, the Revenue Minister, and departmental secretaries to facilitate timely fund allocation.”

Referring to the closure of the Ramaswamy Kanive hanging bridge, which connects Kushalnagar in Kodagu with Periyapatna in Mysuru, Mr. Boseraju said steps would be taken to reopen the bridge in coordination with K. Venkatesh, Periyapatna MLA and Minister for Animal Husbandry and Sericulture.

N.S. Boseraju inspecting the hanging bridge near Kushalnagar in Kodagu on Thursday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Earlier in the day, the Minister, accompanied by Mantar Gowda, MLA, visited several rain-affected locations. He inspected the flow of the Cauvery river and assessed damage to the hanging bridge at Kushalnagar, and assessed another bridge near Rangasamudra., and visited a damaged house belonging to a local resident Chandrashekhar.

He said the monsoon had arrived unusually early — in late May — this year, resulting in considerable damage across the district. With more rain expected over the next two months, he directed officials to take adequate precautionary measures in flood-prone areas.

Mr. Boseraju also assured that the district administration has sufficient funds in its Personal Deposits account to manage disaster response, and that compensation has already been distributed to those whose houses were damaged. Permanent reconstruction works will begin after the monsoon subsides, he said.

A report on the total rain damage will be submitted to the Chief Minister, along with a request for additional funds, he added.

Deputy Commissioner Venkat Raja, Zilla Panchayat CEO Anand Prakash Meena, Superintendent of Police K. Ramarajan, and other officials were present during the visit.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / June 26th, 2025

FMD vaccination drive to begin in Kodagu from April 21

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As part of the National Cattle Disease Control Programme, the 7th round of the foot and mouth disease (FMD) vaccination drive will be conducted in Kodagu district from April 21 for 45 days.

At a recent meeting in Madikeri, Deputy Commissioner Venkataraja instructed officials to make all necessary arrangements to ensure the success of the drive. Stressing the importance of livestock health, he said that FMD poses a serious threat to the farming community by causing significant financial losses. He called on all stakeholders to work together to eliminate the disease through timely vaccination.

Lingaraja Doddamani, Deputy Director of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, noted that FMD is a highly contagious disease affecting livestock such as cattle and pigs. He emphasised that regular vaccination, twice a year, is crucial in preventing the spread of the disease.

Vaccination will be administered to calves older than three months, with a booster dose scheduled three to five weeks after the initial shot. Even pregnant cows and buffaloes can safely receive the vaccine, he added.

Kodagu district is home to 76,920 livestock, and a dedicated team of 75 veterinary staff has been mobilised for the drive. The vaccine is being provided free of cost, and officials have urged farmers and livestock owners to extend full cooperation to the field staff during the campaign.

The vaccination drive is a vital step toward safeguarding animal health and ensuring economic stability for farmers across the district, the officials said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / April 19th, 2025

All homestays in Kodagu district should be mandatorily registered: DC

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There are around 3,500 homestays in Kodagu district. Of them, 2,269 have got registered so far, says Anita Bhaskar, Deputy Director of the Department of Tourism, Kodagu.

The Kodagu district administration has directed owners of homestays in the district to mandatorily register themselves with the Tourism Department.

Deputy Commissioner of Kodagu Venkat Raja, who convened a meeting of representatives of hotels, resorts, homestays, and travel agencies in Madikeri recently to discuss the measures to ensure the safety of tourists, said the process of registering the homestays had been simplified.

Given the simplified process of registration, verification and certification is completed within a short period, he said.

Anita Bhaskar, Deputy Director of the Department of Tourism, Kodagu, said there were around 3,500 homestays in Kodagu district. Of them, 2,269 have got registered so far.

Meanwhile, Mr. Venkat Raja said the details of all the registered homestays should be made available online for easy access. The district administration aims to register all the homestays in the district and even facilitate online registration by paying a fee of ₹500, he said.

The Deputy Commissioner warned of strict legal action against unregistered homestays if any illegal activity or untoward incidents occur on their premises. He said the homestay owners in remote or forest areas would be held accountable for incidents involving their guests if they had not obtained prior approval from the police or forest departments.

Security

While issuing directions for the installation of CCTV cameras, posting of home guards or security personnel, and ensuring adequate lighting and illumination at night for the safety of the guests at all hotels, resorts, and homestays, Mr. Venkat Raja also directed the executive officers of taluk panchayats and tahsildars to hold regular meetings to ensure that these tourist facilities are complied with the government directives before issuing them trade licenses.

He also emphasised the need for heightening security measures in border areas of the district like Chelavara, Iruppu, and Dubare. The district administration has also emphasised the need to prioritise the safety of women and children at their facilities and tourist destinations.

The authorities said the tourists can contact the district police helpline at 94808-04900 or the District Disaster Management unit at 08272-221077 in case of emergencies.

The district administration has also shared the circular dated March 10, 2025, issued by the Additional Chief Secretary, on safety measures to be enforced for the safety of tourists.

Among other things, the circular pointed out that prior approval from the police must be obtained before taking tourists to remote or isolated areas, and tourists should be made aware of local culture, safety risks, and legal aspects. Only registered transport services for taxis and ride-share apps should be used.

The safety protocols for tourists include that they avoid displaying expensive jewellery or large amounts of cash, use digital payment methods (UPI, cards) instead of carrying large amounts of cash, avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transaction, use a VPN for secure Internet access, and exercise caution in remote areas, forests, and near water bodies.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / March 14th, 2025