Category Archives: Records, All

Whodunnit? Thousands of trees burnt inside Kodagu reserve forest

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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

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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

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

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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

Tree Surveys On Private Lands In Kodagu Irk Coffee Growers

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Madikeri:

Tree surveys on private lands and coffee plantations in Kodagu District, initiated by the Forest Department following the directives from higher authorities, have faced opposition from farmers and coffee growers in the region.

Recently, Forest Department officials visited certain coffee plantations in Valnoor and Tyagathur villages, informing villagers that they were there to conduct surveys of trees on private lands and plantations, citing regulations under Section 133 of the Karnataka Forest Rules, 1969.

Officials stated that they were acting upon orders from Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (APCCF) for Forest Conservation and were surveying estates and lands in Valnoor and Tyagathur. However, farmers and plantation owners objected to this action and raised their concerns.

The villagers strongly reprimanded the Forest Department’s field staff for accompanying officials to document trees on private and Jamma tenure lands. They accused the Congress government of pursuing a policy of appeasement by authorising one-sided tree survey operations without prior notification to land-owners.

Expressing their discontent, they informed the officers that villagers have been safeguarding trees for generations, demonstrating greater competence in this regard compared to the Forest Department. They alleged that after conducting tree recording activities on private lands, the trees would be subsequently felled and sold to fund the guarantees announced by the Congress Government.

The villagers asserted that they would not allow tree-recording activities in the village under any circumstances. In response, Bhaskar, the Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) of the Madikeri Division, stated that according to Section 133 of the Karnataka Forest Rules, 1969, a directive was issued on Jan. 24 from the Central Office of the Forest Department to record and list trees growing on private lands.

“We have instructed officials to adhere to the prescribed procedure, and tree recording has been conducted in certain areas accordingly. However, objections have been raised by farmers in certain regions. Reports detailing the situation will be submitted to higher authorities,” he added.

“This is a Statewide survey, and it is being conducted across all districts. As it is currently summer, officials have commenced fire prevention activities. Concurrently, tree recording activities are also underway,” stated Jagannath, the DCF of Virajpet Division. He further mentioned that tree recording is being conducted on lands within Virajpet division and in Ponnampet.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / May 07th, 2024

Kodagu’s First Flyover Opens For Public Use

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Now, travelling to holy places Talacauvery and Bhagamandala becomes hassle-free.

In what is considered a significant relief for travellers and residents, commuting to holy places like Talacauvery and Bhagamandala will now be hassle-free as the authorities have opened the Bhagamandala flyover — Kodagu’s first flyover project — for public use.

The State Government had allocated Rs. 28 crore for the project, which was executed by Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Limited (CNNL). With the completion of the flyover, villagers surrounding Bhagamandala and Talacauvery can now travel with ease, even during heavy rainfall, without fearing floods. However, there has been no official inauguration due to the Model Code of Conduct, which  remains in effect until June 4.

No fear of floods

During the rainy season, Brahmagiri Hills, Talacauvery, Korangala, Cherangala, Bhagamandala and surrounding areas experience heavy rainfall, leading to an overflow of water at Triveni Sangama, the confluence of the Cauvery, Kannike and Sujyothi rivers. 

This overflow often disrupts vehicular movement on Madikeri-Bhagamandala-Talacauvery and Bhagamandala-Ayyangeri-Napoklu roads. Additionally, heavy rains sometimes result in the isolation of Bhagamandala, effectively turning the town into an island for many days. 

The flooded roads render them impassable for vehicles, causing significant inconvenience for residents who struggle to access essential items and groceries. School children are unable to attend classes due to the flooded roads, exacerbating the situation. The completion of the flyover has alleviated these challenges, bringing much-needed relief to the residents of Bhagamandala and surrounding areas.

880 metres-long flyover

The newly-constructed flyover serves as a vital link between the Bhagamandala entrance gate and Talacauvery road, providing connectivity to Napoklu as well. Spanning 880 metres in length, it comprises 36 pillars and includes a 200-metre connecting road with underground drainage (UGD) facilities. 

Designed to accommodate vehicles weighing over 60 tonnes, the authorities have set a speed limit of 40 kmph. Streetlights have been installed along with rainwater drainage pipelines and the painting works have been completed.

Causes for delay

Despite receiving approval from the Siddaramaiah-led Government in 2018, the project faced delays due to challenges such as land acquisition, relocation of electric poles and tree removal by the Forest Department. The floods and COVID-19 lockdown further contributed to the sluggish progress of the project.

The flyover construction has been finished ahead of this rainy season. Vehicles of various types and sizes can now traverse the flyover smoothly, ensuring a hassle-free journey for those  heading towards Bhagamandala-Talacauvery and Bhagamandala-Napoklu, said Harinarayana, Flyover Project Director.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles> Top Stories / May 06th, 2024

Europe To Receive First EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)-Ready Coffee Verified By Rainforest Alliance

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Green Initiatives / Environment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Nature, Records, All, World Opinion

India’s High Range Coffee Curing is poised to become the first farm verified by the Rainforest Alliance to ship EUDR–ready coffee beans to Europe later this month.

The coffee farm partnered with the Rainforest Alliance to meet the necessary compliance requirements of the regulation.

Established in 1995, High Range Coffee Curing is located in the Periyapatna and Kushalnagar Coorg districts among 142 hectares of tropical forests and is known for its quality beans.

The farm supplies coffee to leading global coffee brands, roasters and traders in India, including Nestle, Unileverr, E-Com Commodities, Olam, Continental Coffee, Louis Dreyfus Company, Vidya Coffee and Allanasons.

EUDR-Ready Coffee

Zaidan M Saly, director of High Range Coffee Curing stated, “Implementing EUDR [EU Deforestation Regulation] posed significant challenges for our team, but with the invaluable guidance from Rainforest Alliance representatives in our region, we overcame them and gained confidence in the process.

“Their expertise made the seemingly daunting task entirely feasible, facilitating a smooth and successful implementation, which now not only guarantees adherence to EUDR regulations but also sparked a revolution in our approach to traceability.”

Rainforest Alliance certification enables coffee and cocoa farmers to opt in for EUDR-aligned criteria.

This allows companies to source from these farms, track ingredients along their supply chains, and leverage farm data to demonstrate compliance with the regulation’s deforestation risk assessment and mitigation requirements by the deadline, at no additional cost.

‘Sustainable Practices’

Miguel Gamboa, coffee sector lead at the Rainforest Alliance stated, “The EUDR represents an important step forward to shift the global coffee sector towards more sustainable practices.

“Yet, many smallholder coffee farmers need support to align with the requirements, including traceability, deforestation risk mapping, local laws, and practical and technical guidance on key environmental practices.”

The Rainforest Alliance has urged the EU Commission not to dilute or delay the legislation or postpone its deadline in response to calls from some companies and governments.

It has also called on companies not to scale back purchases from smallholder coffee farmers, but rather support them in meeting the deadline of this legislation.

Gamboa added, “We are also piloting a deforestation risk assessment offering for companies buying non-certified coffee and cocoa, which we plan to roll out more widely later this year.

“With this offering, we aim to support more companies in their journey to compliance, but more importantly, to also reach non-certified farmers so their products can still be sold on the EU  market.”

source: http://www.esmmagazine.com / ESM- European Supermarket Magazine / Home> Supply Chain / by Dayeeta Das (headline edited) / May 06th, 2024

Tennis Star Rohan Bopanna To Mentor 25 Underprivileged Children From Assam

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In a heartwarming move aimed at empowering underprivileged children, India’s leading tennis player, Rohan Bopanna, has selected 25 promising youngsters from remote regions of Majuli Island and Bongaigaon in Assam to receive comprehensive tennis training.

This collaborative effort between the Rohan Bopanna Tennis Academy (RBTA) and Kamal India Foundation UK seeks to provide extensive support to children aged between 9 and 11.

Following a rigorous assessment process, which saw around 300 children showcasing their skills and fitness, Bopanna personally handpicked the final 25 players for inclusion in the program.

The selected candidates will be relocated to Bengaluru, where they will benefit from state-of-the-art infrastructure, a world-class tennis curriculum, and guidance from experienced coaching staff.

Additionally, boarding and lodging facilities within the school campus, along with educational support, will be provided.

Notably, Bopanna himself will offer mentorship and guidance at RBTA.

When asked about the specific selection of players from Assam, Bopanna cited a request from a sponsor.

“One of the reasons was that a donor wanted kids to be selected from the North East. We thought why not? It does not matter which part of the country kids come from; it is an incredible opportunity,” he stated.

Expressing enthusiasm about the partnership with Kamal India Foundation UK, Bopanna emphasized the aim to nurture athletic talents while empowering children with education and life skills essential for their future.

At 44 years old, Bopanna, who recently attained the top ranking on the ATP Tour, remains committed to the program’s expansion.

“Out of 300, we got 25. Now these will remain. The plan is to support them till the 10th or 12th standard. We keep adding more kids to the program. Every year we will have players from different regions,” he affirmed.

As, Padma Shri, Rohan Bopanna prepares to compete at the Paris Games, his initiative stands as a beacon of hope for aspiring young athletes, promising a brighter future for underprivileged children through the transformative power of sport and education.

source: http://www.northeasttoday.in / Northeast Today / Home> Assam> Featured> Northeast> Sports / by NET Web Desk / May 03rd, 2024

Kundyolanda Family Cup Creates History

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Earns Guinness World Record for largest field hockey tournament

The annual Kodava family hockey tournament, hosted this year by the Kundyolanda family, has made history by earning itself a Guinness World Record for being the largest field  hockey tournament.

Originating in 1996 with just 60 teams, the festival has grown exponentially, boasting 360 teams participating this year with over 4,200 players, including men, women and children of all ages.

The achievement of this Guinness World Record is a testament to the dedication and passion of the Kodava Hockey Academy, which has elevated the Kodava hockey tournament to a global level.

The certificate from the Guinness Records Society was presented by Swapnil Dangarikar, official adjudicator and spokesperson for Guinness World Records based in London to Pandanda K. Bopanna, President of the Kodava Hockey Academy.

This year’s tournament also featured various activities such as a food fair, financial literacy camp, health care camp and marathon, organised by the Kodava families, which garnered widespread attention.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / April 29th, 2024

Kodava Family Hockey: Chendanda Champions

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Madikeri:

The 24th Edition of the Kodava Hockey Festival 2024, organised by the Kundyolanda Family under the auspices of the Kodava Hockey Academy, concluded its month-long (Mar. 30 to Apr. 28) Hockey Carnival at the General Thimayya Ground at Napoklu Karnataka Public School in Kodagu district last evening.

The registration of 360 teams marked a historic milestone in the tournament’s history, setting a new record for participation.

This year’s tournament witnessed the Chendanda family emerging as champions. In a thrilling match between Nellamakkada and Chendanda, Chendanda clinched victory in a nail-biting tiebreaker, with a  final score of 8-7.

The Chendanda team has now earned the prestigious title of Kodava Family Hockey Champions for the third time.

Team Nellamakkada, which settled for runners-up position, seen displaying the trophy and  the cheque for Rs. 3,00,000.

Somaiah from Nellamakkada was bestowed with the Man of the Match award. The goal scorers for Chendanda were Nikkin Thimmaiah in the 30th and 38th minutes, while Rohan scored for Nellamakkada in the 44th minute and Mac in the 54th minute.

The Kulletira family secured third place in the tournament by defeating the Kuppanda (Kaikeri) team with a score of 3-2. This match was also decided through a tiebreaker.

The victorious Chendanda team was awarded the rolling trophy and a cash prize of Rs. 4 lakh, while the runners-up, the Nellamakkada team, received a trophy along with Rs. 3 lakh in cash. The third-place holder, the Kulletira team, was awarded Rs. 2 lakh in cash, and the fourth-place team, Kuppanda, received a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh.

Last evening, a crowd of over 30,000 witnessed the thrilling finale, packing the gallery to its brim. Hockey enthusiasts from across Kodagu as well as from places like Mysuru and Bengaluru stood under the hot sun to witness the matches.

Despite the searing heat, their enthusiasm remained undeterred. Originating in 1997 from the visionary insight of the late Pandanda Kuttappa, affectionately known as Kuttani, a former State league referee, the Kodava Hockey Festival has evolved from its humble beginnings with 60 teams to become a grand event managed under the auspices of the Kodava Hockey Academy.

Following the grand finale and prize distribution ceremony, traditional Kodava music filled the air and the crowd, including men, women and children adorned in traditional attire, danced to the beats, bringing the tournament to an exciting close.

The Kodava Hockey Family Cup has transformed the tradition of families coming together to play hockey into a vibrant celebration akin to a festival.

For the past 24 years, not only the Kodava community but the entire district’s diverse populace, hockey enthusiasts and sports aficionados have eagerly awaited the unfolding of the Kodava Hockey Family Cup.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / April 29th, 2024

Battle Brews Over Coorg’s Coffee Estates: From Serenity to Sprawling Villas-locals fear environmental disaster

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HIGHLIGHTS

Plans to turn 2400 acres of BBTC Coffee Gardens into large villas and townships have sparked strong opposition and deep concern among locals and environmentalists alike, creating a tempest of controversy around the serene hills of Coorg.

Madikeri:

Plans to turn 2400 acres of BBTC Coffee Gardens into large villas and townships have sparked strong opposition and deep concern among locals and environmentalists alike, creating a tempest of controversy around the serene hills of Coorg.

The proposal, orchestrated by a resort tycoon, has ignited a fierce debate, with critics decrying the potential environmental devastation and cultural erosion that could accompany the transformation of these verdant landscapes. The Codava National Council spearheaded by NU Nachappa has opposed it on two major counts.

“The roots of this dispute delve deep into Coorg’s past, tracing back to the acquisition of the land by the Bombay Burma Trading Corporation (BBTC) during the colonial era. Once communal property of the indigenous Codava tribe, the estate passed through various hands before landing in the possession of a resort magnate, sparking memories of Coorg’s colonial subjugation and indigenous displacement” Nachappa told.

Economic Gain vs. Environmental Loss

At the heart of the controversy lies the stark dichotomy between economic gain and environmental preservation. The sale of the estate, purchased at a fraction of its current market value, has raised eyebrows and suspicions, prompting calls for a thorough investigation into the transaction’s legality and ethical implications.

“The conversion of lush coffee estates into sprawling villas and townships not only threatens to disrupt the delicate ecological balance of the region but also poses a grave threat to vital water sources and biodiversity hotspots. The ramifications extend beyond environmental concerns, touching on the preservation of indigenous culture and heritage, which risks being overshadowed by the specter of unchecked development” Nachappa told in a complaint lodged with the President of India, Prime Minsiter and Chief Secretary of the union government for forests and environment.

A Call to Arms

Following the CNC taking up the issue on a global scale, voices from all over the places where Codava people have migrated and relocated “decisive action to halt the encroachment on Coorg’s natural splendour and cultural heritage. Calls for stringent legal measures echo through the hills, demanding accountability from all parties involved, from buyers and sellers to local authorities and regulatory bodies. “The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated, as Coorg stands at a crossroads, torn between preserving its pristine landscapes and succumbing to the allure of unchecked development. The fate of this idyllic paradise hangs in the balance, with stakeholders grappling with the weighty consequences of their decisions” Nachappa relayed some sentiments of his countrymen.

In the face of mounting opposition, the battle for Coorg’s soul rages on, with the outcome poised to shape the region’s destiny for generations to come. As the debate rages on, one thing remains clear: the future of Coorg hinges on the choices made today.

source: http://www.thehansindia.com / The Hans India / Home> News> State> Karnataka> Bengaluru / by Hans News Service / May 01st, 2024