Scientists have developed a machine learning and cloud computing-based tool that can map landslide clusters in five minutes and simple events in just two, crucial for improving post-disaster risk and damage assessment1.
Understanding and mitigating landslides is challenging owing to the lack of spatial and temporal data. In a recent study, scientists at the Indian Institute of Technology in Delhi demonstrated how ML-CASCADE can be used to rapidly measure landslides using satellite data.
The semi-automatic method combines satellite data, terrain data, vegetation indices (measures of plant health), and machine learning. It uses pre- and post-event images from the Earth observation Sentinel-2 satellites, along with terrain factors, to classify areas as landslide or non-landslide. The application runs on Google Earth Engine’s cloud computing platform, allowing users to generate landslide maps instantly.
The tool’s effectiveness was demonstrated using two case studies — the Kodagu landslide in Karnataka’s Western Ghats and the Kotrupi landslide in Himachal Pradesh’s Himalayas. For Kodagu, ML- CASCADE produced a precise landslide map in five minutes, which closely matched expert assessments. Similarly, the tool accurately captured the Kotrupi landslide’s extent in under a minute, matching existing manual and semi-automated methods.
ML-CASCADE’s advantages include speed, accessibility, and adaptability to varied terrain, making it suitable for low-resource settings. Its disadvantages are that, it may overestimate areas near riverbanks, and it relies on user-supplied training samples which introduces some subjectivity.
Future work could involve refining the tool’s accuracy in different terrains and integrating it with other disaster management systems.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d44151-024-00178-5
[This research highlight was partially generated using artificial intelligence and edited by a staff member of Nature India.]
References
Sharma, N. & Saharia, M. Landslides (2024).
source: http://www.nature.com / Nature India / Home> Nature> Nature India> Research Highlights> Article / Ocotober 29th, 2024
Dr. S.V. Narasimhan, a family physician based at Virajpet in Kodagu district, is an avid birder, nature lover, adept at computers, Karnatak music and astronomy.
Author of Feathered Jewels of Coorg, a field-guide to 310 species of birds found in Coorg, Dr. Narasimhan is the pioneer in spreading wildlife conservation messages through his unique hand-painted Wildlife Message Cards that are sent free to individuals throughout the world to mark the Wildlife Week.
Total number of hand-painted cards made by him this year is 2,180; in 40 years, 81,595 cards. Total recipients this year including Star of Mysore – 1,236; in 40 years – 16,220 persons.
The Special Wildlife Messenger of this year is Red Junglefowl (Gallus gallus). A resident bird of the Himalayan foothills of Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland States of India, these birds belong to the most beautiful family of pheasants. Males about 70 cms, have a rich mix of colours on their feathers. They are found in the tropical forests of sub-Himalayan States of Assam, Nagaland and Meghalaya. They are found near human settlements and have been domesticated since 7,400 years, forming the primary species of all the domesticated chicken all over the world. Omnivorous, they feed on fallen fruits, seeds, roots and tubers along with arthropods, larvae and earthworms, lizards and insects foraged with its toes.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / October 13th, 2024
The Annual Theerthodbhava at Talacauvery will occur on Oct. 17 (Thursday) at 7.40 am in the auspicious Tula Lagna as per the Hindu almanac on Tula Sankramana Day.
On this day, it is believed that Goddess Cauvery comes in the form of a fountain-head where water gushes up from Brahmakundike in front of the Kalyani at the predetermined time.
The authorities of Sri Bhagandeshwara-Talacauvery Temple have announced the date of this year’s Theerthodbhava. The temple authorities are gearing up for this important occasion.
On the occasion of Theerthodbhava, rituals such as rice being poured to ‘Pathaya’ (Tula Lagna) of Sri Bhagandeshwara Swamy Temple at Bhagamandala will be held as per tradition on Sept. 26 at 8.35 am.
Oct. 4 (10.21 am): ‘Ajna Muhurtha’ will be held at ‘Vruschika Lagna’; Oct.14 (1.35 am): Placing of ‘Akshaya Patra’ (Dhanur Lagna); 04.15 pm, offering boxes will be placed (Kumbha Lagna).
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 15th, 2024
“There is an urgent need to find a permanent solution to prevent wild elephant-human conflicts,” stated Meriyanda Sanketh Poovaiah, Member of the State Board of Wildlife (SBWL).
Speaking at the ‘World Elephant Day‘ celebration organised by the Madikeri Wildlife Division of the Kodagu Circle at Harangi Elephant Camp, Poovaiah highlighted the critical role of community involvement.
“Rescuing wild elephants is not solely the responsibility of the Forest Department and the Government. There is an immediate need for the participation of border residents, organisations and the public in this effort,” he emphasised.
Poovaiah also mentioned that, to address the rising human-wild elephant conflicts in Kodagu district, a consultation meeting was held with Forest Ministers and officials from the neighbouring States of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. A decision on this matter will be taken by the Chief Minister’s Legal Advisor and Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna.
During the event, Dubare Elephant Camp Veterinarian Dr. Chittiappa educated students about elephants and their habitats, answering their questions. Madikeri Regional Division Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) Bhaskar underscored the significance of World Elephant Day.
The elephants at the Dubare camp, including Lakshmana, Eshwara, Ekadanta, Vikrama, Rama and Karna, were bathed, anointed with castor oil, adorned and honoured with a puja. Mahouts Putta, Manju, Vishwanath, Nagaraja, Sanju and Manja guided the elephants in raising their trunks to greet the guests.
Notable attendees included Kodagu Elephant Task Force DCF P. Anusha, Virajpet Subdivision Conservator of Forests N.H. Jagannath, Forest Mobile Squad DCF Syed Ahmed Sha Hussain, Madikeri Wildlife Division DCF K.A. Nehru, ACF Srinivas, along with Forest Officials N.C. Shaman, Mariswamy, Range Forest Officers (RFOs) Rathan Kumar, Kotresh, Aravind & Ravindra and Deputy Range Forest Officers (DRFOs).
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 02nd, 2024
In August 2018, relentless rainfall triggered landslides that caused death of 20 people, destroyed over 4,000 homes, and forced the evacuation of 18,000 people
In August 2018, relentless rainfall triggered landslides that caused death of 20 people, destroyed over 4,000 homes, and forced the evacuation of 18,000 people. (HT)
The recent Wayanad tragedy has rekindled the memory of devastating landslides of 2018 in the minds of Kodagu’s residents and yet the district continues to struggle with landslides, encroachment and environmental threats.
In August 2018, relentless rainfall triggered landslides that caused death of 20 people, destroyed over 4,000 homes, and forced the evacuation of 18,000 people. It was a disaster of unprecedented scale, marking the first major landslide-related calamity in Karnataka.
Even though the Karnataka government and its people stood by its neighbours in times of crisis, the problems at home were being ignored for years. When, in response to this tragedy in Wayanad, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) conducted a study, it, identified 104 disaster-prone areas in Kodagu. Authorities have since earmarked nearly 3,000 families for relocation to safer zones, with 313 families already moved, and 10 relief centres set up for temporary shelter. Plans are underway to establish 95 more relief centres across the district, in preparation for future evacuations.
According to experts, the critical situation is because of the rampant deforestation in Kodagu. Col CP Muthanna, former president of the Coorg Wildlife Society, has warned that the unchecked destruction of forests and rapid construction are endangering the district’s ecosystems, particularly the watershed of the Cauvery river.
He said that if the present trend of commercial conversions continues in Kodagu, then within a few years, Gonikoppal, Ponnampet, and Virajpet will become a single large city like Mysuru. In North Kodagu, Madikeri. Kushalnagar, and Somwarpet will become likewise.
“If we have two Mysuru-sized cities in Kodagu, then all the Cauvery water will be required within Kodagu and the 70% of water supply to Bengaluru will be cut off,” he said.
He added that said that one of the reasons for the water shortage in Bengaluru is the rampant and unchecked commercial land conversions and urbanisation of Kodagu, and argued against giving No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for such conversions in the district.
The widespread encroachment on forest land in the Western Ghats, threatens the fragile ecosystems. The Kodagu division of the forest department has registered over 3,000 cases of encroachment, with some already in the process of eviction. The Madikeri division alone faces 3,410 pending cases involving over 5,500 acres of forest land. “These are just known cases,” said a forest department official, who didn’t want to be named.
According to the government, despite stringent legal provisions, Karnataka has lost around 25,767 acres of forest land due to encroachment between 2014 and 2023.
The recent environmental disaster in Wayanad, have intensified concerns about the impact of these encroachments. In response, on August 2, forest minister Eshwar Khandre formed a special task force (STF) to tackle this issue. “The forest encroachment clearance operation in the Western Ghats and other Ghats has started. The task force will work diligently to clear illegal resorts, homestays, and other encroachments in all Ghats, including the Western Ghats, which span 10 districts of the state,” he said.
The newly formed task force will operate under the leadership of the principal chief conservator of forests and chief forest task force. “Clear instructions have been given to carry out clearance operations in all cases regarding encroachments in the forests in the Ghat areas after 2015,” the minister said.
However, the removal of encroachment is just one part of the problem, according to the environmental activists. The controversial K Kasturirangan commission report, which proposed designating 20,668 square km in Karnataka as an Eco-Sensitive Area (ESA), is back in the spotlight after the Wayanad tragedy.
Although the government initially rejected the report, chief minister Siddaramaiah has now signalled a potential re-evaluation, acknowledging the need for further discussion. K Kasturirangan commission report (formally titled Report of the High-Level Working Group on Western Ghats) was submitted in 2013. “The government is against the implementation of the Kasturirangan committee report. Though the government rejected the report, we will discuss the issue with forest minister Eshwar Khandre and not make a hasty decision. The issue needs more discussions before arriving at any decision,” he added.
Environmentalists are divided on the ESA designation. A faction opposing the Kasturirangan report expressed concerns that the report’s recommendations, which include restrictions on permanent structures, roads, industries, and tourism infrastructure within the ESA, would severely impact the livelihoods of local villagers and hinder regional development. In contrast, environmentalists argued that the rapid development occurring in Karnataka’s Western Ghats benefits outsiders rather than residents.
As the debate continues, Kodagu’s environmental challenges grow more urgent. The district’s booming tourism industry, which attracted over 42 lakh visitors last year alone, is straining natural resources and heightening the risk of future disasters.
As Kodagu braces for the rest of the monsoon season, the district finds itself at a crossroads, balancing the demands of development with the urgent need to protect its natural environment. The coming months will likely determine whether the region can avoid another disaster or face a repeat of the tragic events of 2018.
source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home / by Arun Dev, Bengaluru / August 16th, 2024
Atyadi village in Kodagu, known for its scenic beauty, faces isolation for six months annually due to a swollen stream. Residents risk their lives crossing it, especially during heavy rainfall. Despite decades of pleas for a bridge, authorities have not acted. Villagers, like Nityananda and Ramakrishna, hope for a solution to end their prolonged suffering.
Despite being known as the “Scotland of India” and the “Kashmir of Karnataka,” a village that faces a stark reality far removed from its scenic facade lies in Kodagu. Atyadi village, nestled under Chembu Gram Panchayat in Madikeri Taluk, Sampaje Hobli, struggles with a critical issue that isolates it from the outside world for half of the year.
During the monsoon season, which typically lasts from June to November, a stream flowing through the Hebba area of this village swells to alarming levels, reaching heights of 10 to 12 feet until December. This formidable obstacle effectively severs the village from the rest of civilization for six long months.
The plight of the villagers during this period is nothing short of harrowing. Crossing the swollen stream becomes a treacherous endeavour, with the elderly, disabled, and young children risking their lives to traverse its precarious waters. Nityananda, a resident disabled since birth, is forced to crawl across the hazardous stream to navigate the outside world.
The situation worsens when heavy rainfall causes the stream to overflow, rendering it impassable even by foot. The village becomes entirely cut off, leaving its inhabitants stranded and vulnerable. In emergencies, such as illness or medical emergencies, villagers resort to desperate measures, often transporting the sick on chairs to reach the nearest hospital.
Tragically, the isolation extends even to moments of grief and loss. Last year, when Nityananda’s wife passed away, the village mourned in solitude as outsiders were unable to attend her cremation. Ramakrishna, another villager, expressed frustration at the recurring ordeal, lamenting the lack of response from authorities despite decades of pleas for help.
For the past 25 years, villagers have tirelessly petitioned local representatives, urging them to construct a bridge to alleviate their suffering. However, their pleas have fallen on deaf ears, with promises unfulfilled and solutions elusive. Despite a glimmer of hope when raw materials were procured for bridge construction for 10 lakhs, bureaucratic hurdles derailed the project, leaving the village stranded once again.
As the rainy season sets in, Ayadi village braces itself for yet another spell of isolation and hardship. Residents like Lilavati can only hope that their elected officials will finally heed their cries for help and provide a long-awaited solution to their predicament. The beauty of Kodagu’s exterior belies the urgent need for action to address the hidden struggles of its rural communities.
source: http://www.newsable.asianetnews.com / Asia Net Newsable / Home> English News> Karnataka / by Vinaykunar Patil / May 20th, 2024
CM hears plight of 20 families and suggests solutions.
*CM holds discussions with officials on the spot and proposes solutions.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah visited and inspected the landslide area of Srimangala Kutta in Ponnampet taluk and held discussions with officials and locals.
More than 20 families have lost their homes due to the collapse of the hill.The CM directed the immediate completion of the suspension bridge construction, repair work,and road construction.
Chief Secretary to the Government,Shalini Rajneesh, briefed the Chief Minister about the effects of the landslide and the safety measures and works that are being undertaken.
District In-Charge Minister,NS.Bosaraju,MLAs Ponnanna,and Manthar Gowda,and senior officials from the revenue department were present.
source: http://www.countryandpolitics.in / Country and Politics / Home> City News / by Vipin Gaur in City News / August 03rd, 2024
The sensitive and highly sensitive areas were identified and the families to be relocated were finalised.
Landslide at Sitharam Patti near Kalur village in Kodagu File photo | Pushkar V
Madikeri :
Exercising caution after massive landslides in Wayanad in Kerala, the Kodagu district administration has identified 104 landslide-prone areas, based on the reports submitted by the Geological Survey of India. Anticipating heavy rainfall this month, the administration has issued notices to 2,995 families located in these vulnerable regions to move to safer areas.
These regions have been identified based on previous disaster reports and surveys. The sensitive and highly sensitive areas were identified and the families to be relocated were finalised. The relocation could happen soon, sources said.
The administration has set up 14 relief centres, where over 200 residents are sheltered. It has also marked the locations to open 95 relief centres in these possible disaster areas.
“Steps will be taken to relocate residents from vulnerable regions depending on the rainfall forecast,” said DC Venkat Raja.
The district has received 24% excess rainfall this year and more rain is expected this month.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / August 05th, 2024
Movement of heavy goods vehicles banned in district from July 1 to 30
Madikeri:
Heavy rains over the past few days have flooded the Doni Kadavu area of Benguru village near Cherambane in Madikeri taluk, Kodagu district.
Villages along the Cauvery River, including Nelaji, Kakkabbe, Bhagamandala, Talacauvery and Napoklu, are surrounded by overflowing water. The flooding has cut off road connections between Doni Kadavu and Paisari villages, covering the entire 3 km road with floodwater.
More than 60 families in Parambu Paisari are severely inconvenienced as their surroundings are completely flooded. Residents and schoolchildren are now forced to use motorboats to reach their destinations.
The District Administration has responded by deploying a motorboat from the Forest Department, equipped with life jackets and operated by experienced personnel, to ferry flood-affected villagers.
Bhagamandala Revenue Inspector Shivakumar confirmed that the District Administration has provided a boat following requests from the villagers.
Shaila Rajesh, a resident of Parambu Paisari, mentioned that the Revenue Department has promised to repair the old boat for additional use and urged the construction of a bridge as a permanent solution.
Movement of heavy vehicles banned
In response to landslides and road deterioration caused by heavy rains in Kodagu, the District Administration has imposed a one-month ban on the movement of heavy goods vehicles from July 1 to 30.
Vehicles affected include those with a Registered Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of 18,500 Kgs or more, multi-axle vehicles, bullet tankers, ship cargo containers, long chassis vehicles, articulated vehicles and lorries transporting logs and sand.
The ban, enforced under various legal provisions including the Karnataka Police Act, Disaster Management Act, Motor Vehicles Act, and Cr.PC, exempts vehicles transporting LPG cylinders and fuel, milk vans, Government service vehicles, public transport and educational institution vehicles.
Kodagu Police will deploy personnel at entry and exit points like Kushalnagar and Sampaje for enforcement, including round-the-clock mobile patrolling and actions against violators.
Boating to continue at Dubare
The Forest Department has resumed tourist entry to Dubare Elephant Camp following a temporary suspension due to heavy rains. Tourists will now use motor boats to cross the Cauvery River to reach the camp, as the absence of a bridge necessitates this mode of transport.
With the water level receding, boating operations have resumed with the Department providing four motor boats for safe passage to and from the camp, according to an official press release.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / June 30th, 2024
Heavy rains pound Kodagu District; Dubare Elephant Camp shut as River Cauvery swells
Kushalnagar:
The second glass bridge in Kodagu district, installed just four months ago at Nandi Motte in Hebbatageri village on the road to Abbey Falls and Mandalapatti in Madikeri taluk, is now facing a precarious situation.
Following a landslide underneath the bridge on Wednesday night, the three supporting pillars of the bridge have become unstable, exacerbated by heavy rains which further destabilised the hilly terrain.
The first glass skywalk bridge in the district — ‘Pappy’s Bridge of Coorg’ — located at Udoth Motte near Madikeri on Bhagamandala Road, stands 78 feet tall, with a length of about 32 metres and a width of 2 metres.
Acting swiftly on reports of landslides threatening public safety, Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Venkat Raja this morning ordered Madikeri Tahsildar Praveen to immediately inspect the area. Following the Tahsildar’s visit, the DC ordered the gates of the glass bridge to be locked, preventing entry.
Hailed as the tallest glass bridge in South India, this facility also features a skywalk. The bridge stands 270 feet high, 180 feet long and 8 feet wide. It is constructed with 40 mm toughened glass and supported by pillars.
At any given time, over 30 visitors can stand and walk on the bridge, enjoying breathtaking views from 270 feet above the ground. Each visitor is permitted to stay on the bridge for 10 minutes, with a cost of Rs. 300 per person.
The location where the glass bridge stands is reportedly unsuitable for development and has been classified as a landslide-prone area and a Green Belt Zone. During the 2018 landslide, the ground in this area cracked, prompting the Kalakeri Nidugane Gram Panchayat to reject proposals for residential construction and borewell drilling.
Despite these concerns over ground stability, questions are now being raised regarding how permission was granted for the construction of this glass bridge. Area residents alleged that except for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Kalakeri Nidugane Gram Panchayat, no other permissions have been secured to build the bridge. Villagers also have filed a complaint with the Zilla Panchayat CEO.
Residents and concerned citizens have urged the District Administration to immediately review all pertinent documents and take necessary measures to avert any potential disaster. This issue has sparked significant public concern due to its implications for public safety and infrastructure stability in the region.
Pictures show the slanted supporting pillars after the landslide.
Dubare Elephant Camp closed
In response to heavy rainfall in the catchment areas of the River Cauvery, leading to a significant rise in water levels, the Dubare Elephant Camp near Nanjarayapatna, Kushalnagar Taluk, on the banks of the River has been closed to visitors. The Forest Department has implemented strict restrictions on entry to ensure the safety of all.
Visitors intending to reach Dubare must cross the swollen River, as there is no bridge available. However, due to the current water levels, boating services have been suspended until the situation improves.
Effective immediately, entry to the Dubare Elephant Camp has been prohibited. The Forest Department has arranged for transportation using four motor boats to ferry visitors across the River and to the camp. This service will resume once conditions permit safe access.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News> Top Stories / June 28th, 2024
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