Shangri-La Eros New Delhi welcomes guests to an exceptional Chef Pin pop-up featuring the authentic Kodava cuisine crafted by Home Chef Smitha Kuttayya Boppanda from February 6 to 8, 2025.
The culinary showcase at the hotel’s international restaurant, Tamra presents cherished family recipes passed down through generations, offering diners a genuine taste of Coorg’s rich heritage. Home Chef Smitha, a classical dancer, published author, and storyteller, brings her multifaceted expertise to this unique dining experience that celebrates the traditional flavors of Kodava households.
Home Chef Smitha Kuttayya Boppanda brings to Shangri-La Eros New Delhi the culmination of a remarkable 15-year culinary journey. From her initial venture ‘Limited Overs’ to the establishment of Baked Delights and now Global Theeni, she has consistently delivered flavors that reflect her Kodagu roots. Her impressive track record of curating food festivals at renowned hotels like Taj Fisherman’s Cove and Hyatt showcases her dedication to sharing personal, memory-laden interpretations of Coorg’s rich culinary heritage.
The Chef Pin pop-up captures the essence of Coorg’s culinary heritage with a carefully curated menu showcasing the region’s bold and earthy flavors. The experience begins with starters like Nugge Elayithkande, a flavorful drumstick and potato preparation, Kumm Barthad with crispy fried mushrooms, Balekai featuring golden fried raw plantains, and the richly spiced Erchi Barthad, a mutton fry.
The mains celebrate both vegetarian and non-vegetarian specialties, including Kumbala Curry with vibrant pumpkin, Baimbale Curry with bamboo shoots, and Kaad Maange Curry with wild mango. Meat lovers can savor Kaima Curry, Erchi Curry, and the iconic Pandi Curry with succulent pork.
Accompaniments like Kadambutt, Nooputtu, and Tarkari Pulav perfectly complement the meal, which ends on a sweet note with Kaskase Payasa and Madd Kool. Paired with Coorg’s celebrated coffee, this pop-up promises a memorable journey through Kodava cuisine.
The exclusive Chef Pin pop-up at Tamra promises an intimate dining experience where each dish shares a story from the heart of Kodagu. Guests can enjoy the Lunch Buffet at INR 3,200 plus taxes per person or the Dinner Buffet at INR 3,500 plus taxes per person, making it a truly memorable experience.
source: http://www.contentmediasolution.com / Content Media Solution / Home> Business / February 05th, 2025
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will formally inaugurate the Bhagamandala flyover in the Cauvery basin on Friday (Jan. 31).
He will be accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Large and Medium Scale Industries Minister M.B. Patil, MLAs A.S. Ponnanna, Dr. Manthar Gowda and other dignitaries. The Rs. 30 crore project, aimed at addressing frequent flooding in the region, was executed by Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Limited (CNNL).
Before the inauguration, Siddaramaiah will visit Talacauvery at 1.30 pm. The flyover inauguration is scheduled for 3 pm, linking Bhagamandala and Napoklu, providing a critical transport corridor to prevent travel disruptions caused by seasonal floods.
Relief for residents
Though opened for traffic in May 2024, the flyover is now being officially inaugurated. The region, particularly Brahmagiri Hills, Talacauvery, Korangala, Cherangala and Bhagamandala, experiences heavy monsoon rainfall, leading to severe flooding at Triveni Sangama, where the Cauvery, Kannike and Sujyothi rivers converge. This results in frequent road closures on the Madikeri-Bhagamandala-Talacauvery and Bhagamandala-Ayyangeri-Napoklu routes.
Flooded roads not only cut off Bhagamandala, temporarily turning it into an island, but also cause immense hardship for residents, students and businesses. With essential supplies blocked, villagers struggle for basic necessities, and schoolchildren are often unable to attend classes. The completion of the flyover has now eliminated these challenges, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity even during heavy rains.
The 880-metre-long flyover, supported by 36 pillars, includes a 200-metre connecting road with underground drainage (UGD) facilities. It has been designed to withstand vehicles weighing over 60 tonnes, with a speed limit of 40 kmph. Authorities have also installed streetlights and rainwater drainage pipelines, with all painting and finishing works completed.
Development Efforts
According to Kodagu District Congress spokesperson T.P. Ramesh, the project was conceptualised nine years ago, during the previous Congress government. Following an expert assessment, the government approved Rs. 30 crore in phased grants for construction.
Now, under CM Siddaramaiah’s leadership, the flyover’s completion marks another significant milestone in Kodagu’s infrastructure development. MLA A.S. Ponnanna has also played a key role in enhancing road connectivity between Madikeri and Bhagamandala, with the Government implementing a special action plan for further road improvements.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / January 30th, 2025
Deputy Commissioner, Kodagu, Venkataraja addressing a press conference in Madikeri on Thursday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Raja Seat, one of the main tourist attractions for visitors in Madikeri, is hosting a flower show from Friday. The annual flower show, on the occasion of the Republic Day, will conclude on January 27. Besides the flower show, an exhibition has also been organised at Gandhi Maidan.
Deputy Commissioner Venkataraja told reporters here on Thursday that the four-day flower show will attract visitors as a variety of attractions created in flowers will be in store. Keeping the interests of children in view, some creations have been done in flowers, and the entry for children wearing uniforms will be free. The entry fee for adults is ₹20.
Mr. Venkataraja said the expo is open from 8 am to 8:30 pm. This year, a sum of ₹35 lakh was being spent on the flower show. The honey produced by the Horticulture Department will be marketed under the brand name “Jhenkara”. The Jhenkara brand and Coorg Honey brand will be created in flowers, he added.
Efforts are on to repair the toy train as a report has been sought from the railway engineers from Mysuru.
He said an expert team from New Delhi visited to look into the snag in the musical fountain. The musical fountain will be set right soon, the DC said.
The main attraction of the flower show is the model of Sri Omkareshwara temple.
A total of five lakh flowers were used to create the model. The models of honey bees were also being created besides the models of vintage cars.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / January 23rd, 2025
India 7th Largest Exporter Of Coffee With Shipments Valuing USD 1.29 Bn In FY 2023-24
New Delhi :
India has emerged as the seventh-largest coffee producer globally, with exports nearly doubling to USD 1.29 billion in FY 2023-24 from USD 719.42 million in 2020-21, according to a statement released by the Commerce and Industry Ministry on Monday.
The country’s strong export performance continues in 2025, with over 9,300 tonnes of coffee shipped in the first half of January, primarily to markets including Italy, Belgium, and Russia.
The nation’s coffee production, dominated by Arabica and Robusta varieties comprising roughly three-quarters of total output, is primarily exported as unroasted beans. However, the export boom is increasingly driven by growing demand for value-added products such as roasted and instant coffee.
Simultaneously, domestic consumption has shown steady growth, rising from 84,000 tonnes in 2012 to 91,000 tonnes in 2023, fueled by rising disposable incomes, cafe culture, and increasing coffee preference over tea in both urban and rural areas.
India’s coffee cultivation is concentrated in the biodiversity-rich Western and Eastern Ghats, with Karnataka leading production at 248,020 MT in 2022-23, followed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
These regions feature shaded plantations that not only support coffee production but also play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of these biodiversity hotspots.
The Coffee Board of India has implemented several strategic initiatives to boost production and meet growing demand, including the Integrated Coffee Development Project (ICDP).
This comprehensive program focuses on improving yields, expanding cultivation to non-traditional regions, and ensuring sustainable farming practices.
These developments, coupled with export incentives and logistical support, have strengthened India’s position in the global coffee market.
The combination of historical legacy, modern initiatives, and strategic support continues to drive the growth of India’s coffee industry, supporting both domestic production and international competitiveness.
(KNN Bureau)
source: http://www.knnindia.co.in / KNN / Home> Sectors> Exports-Imports / by KNN Bureau / January 22nd, 2025
The initiative aims to establish 2,500 coffee kiosks and train women from self-help groups to become successful coffee entrepreneurs.
Women harvesting coffee beans. Initially, 400 women will be trained to become master trainers at the coffee board’s head office in Bengaluru. | Photo Credit: K.R. Deepak
The Coffee Board of India, in partnership with the National Livelihood Mission in Karnataka, has initiated a project to empower 1,00,000 women members of National Livelihood Mission Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across the State on coffee brewing techniques and rural cafe management.
To execute the programme, an MoU was signed between K.G. Jagadeesha, CEO and Secretary, Coffee Board, and P.I. Sreevidya, Mission Director of National Livelihood Mission. This was mainly aimed to facilitate the establishment of rural and urban cafes dedicated to offering an authentic filter coffee experience, said the coffee board on Wednesday.
“The coffee board, in collaboration with subject matter experts and in-house specialists, will work along with the Atal Incubation Centre of Coffee Board, the implementing and monitoring partner, to ensure impactful outcomes,’‘ said Mr. Jagadeesha. Ms. Sreevidya added: “This coffee micro entrepreneurial project will provide a new window of opportunities to women empowerment.”
According to the coffee board, the project will be implemented in two phases. Initially, 400 women identified by NLM will be trained to become master trainers at the coffee board’s head office in Bengaluru, who in the second phase will subsequently upskill other women at taluk and hobli levels. The initiative aims to establish 2,500 coffee kiosks and train one lakh women from SHGs to become successful coffee entrepreneurs.
The State government allocated ₹25 crore in its 2024-25 State budget to train one lakh women from NLM SHGs as coffee entrepreneurs. ‘’By supporting potential and existing entrepreneurs, it promotes gender equality, reduces poverty, and fosters opportunities for marginalised women,” Mr. Jagadeesha said.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / January 23rd, 2025
India’s relationship with coffee dates back centuries. The story begins in the 1600s when Baba Budan, a revered holy saint, brought seven Mocha seeds to the hills of Karnataka. This simple act of planting seeds in his hermitage courtyard in Baba Budan Giri marked the beginning of India’s rise as a significant coffee producer. Over the years, coffee cultivation has transformed from a modest practice into a booming industry. Today, India stands as the seventh-largest coffee producer in the world, with exports reaching an impressive $1.29 billion in the fiscal year 2023-24. This figure is nearly double the $719.42 million recorded in 2020-21.
Growing Global Demand for Indian Coffee
The surge in India’s coffee exports can be attributed to the increasing global demand for its rich and unique flavors. In January 2025 alone, India exported over 9,300 tonnes of coffee, with major buyers including Italy, Belgium, and Russia. Approximately 75% of India’s coffee production consists of Arabica and Robusta beans, primarily exported as unroasted beans. However, there is a notable shift towards value-added products, such as roasted and instant coffee, which is further driving the export boom.
The rise of café culture, coupled with higher disposable incomes, has led to a growing preference for coffee over tea among Indian consumers. This trend is evident in both urban and rural areas. Domestic coffee consumption has increased from 84,000 tonnes in 2012 to 91,000 tonnes in 2023. This shift reflects a broader change in drinking habits, as coffee becomes a staple in daily life for many Indians.
Coffee Cultivation in India: A Rich Heritage
India’s coffee is primarily cultivated in the ecologically rich Western and Eastern Ghats, known for their biodiversity. Karnataka leads the nation in coffee production, contributing 248,020 metric tonnes in 2022-23, followed closely by Kerala and Tamil Nadu. These regions are home to shaded plantations that not only support the coffee industry but also play a crucial role in preserving the natural environment. They help maintain the ecological balance of these biodiversity hotspots.
The Coffee Board of India has launched several initiatives to enhance coffee production and meet the growing domestic and international demand. The Integrated Coffee Development Project (ICDP) focuses on improving yields, expanding cultivation in non-traditional regions, and ensuring the sustainability of coffee farming. These measures are part of a comprehensive strategy to strengthen India’s coffee industry, increase productivity, and enhance its global competitiveness.
Empowering Communities Through Coffee Farming
A prime example of successful coffee farming is found in Araku Valley. Here, nearly 150,000 tribal families have collaborated with the Coffee Board and the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) to increase coffee production by 20%. This achievement is supported by loans from the Girijan Co-Operative Corporation (GCC). It demonstrates how coffee farming empowers communities and aligns with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, or self-reliant India.
These initiatives, along with export incentives and logistical support, play a vital role in expanding India’s coffee industry. They not only improve domestic production but also enhance global competitiveness. As India continues to establish itself as a leading player in the global coffee market, the future looks bright for this beloved beverage.
source: http://www.observervoice.in / Observer Voice / Home> News> National / by Shalini Singh / January 21t, 2025
Timbertales Luxury Resort, nestled amidst the luah forests of Coorg, is delighted to announce its grand opening this January. This much-anticipated retreat with 71 villas, spread across 100 acres , is designed to pamper, soothe, and offer an oasis of serenity for those who seek an escape.
Timbertales is more than a resort. It is an experience where every leaf tells a tale. Designed by a noted architect Mr. Abdul Manan, the resort’s global architecture seamlessly blends eco-luxury with traditional local craftsmanship. All villas on the property are made with Laterite stone, with the structures blending harmoniously with the lush greenery, exuding an air of understated luxury.
The true essence of Timbertales comes alive with the extensive use of Balinese bamboo that reflects limitlessness. The design features open spaces and abundant natural light, making you feel part of the forest and seamlessly blending architecture with nature, creating a tranquil and immersive retreat.
Mr Prasad G P, Joint Managing Director and the visionary behind Timbertales, says, “Timbertales is not just a place to stay, it’s an experience that embodies the charm of Coorg while redefining luxury tourism in India. Our goal is to create a retreat where guests can reconnect with nature, immerse themselves in local culture, and indulge in personalized luxury”.
Wellness in Nature
Embrace wellness and tranquillity at Viyoma, where nature and tradition unite to rejuvenate your mind and body. The 27,000 sq. ft. centre, spread across three levels, has 25 therapy rooms offering Swedish, Balinese, Aromatherapy, and Ayurvedic treatments. Viyoma also offers the only Turkish Hammam in the region.
Guests can also relax in the panoramic sauna, which creates a calm environment with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. Additionally, Viyoma includes specialized skin and hair care treatments designed to enhance natural beauty and rejuvenation. Understanding that wellness is a necessity in today’s fast-paced world, Viyoma expands its services to include wellness for kids, thoughtfully crafted to nurture their well-being and promote holistic growth.
Offering guided yoga and meditation sessions, the Vinyasa Yoga Deck is an atmosphere that offers calmness and vitality. Set against the backdrop of a vast 7-acre lake, it transports you into the embrace of nature and fosters an unmatched sense of tranquillity.
The Villas
Each of the 71 villas at Timbertales is designed with luxury and comfort in mind.
Windchimes Duplex Villa – This cozy yet luxurious duplex villa offers a unique experience where you descend to a beautifully designed room and wake up to an amazing nature view. Ideal for couples with distinct personas.
Riverstone Family Villa – Designed for families seeking togetherness and personal space, the villa has interconnected staircases that balance privacy and connection. The large balconies, invite you to spend time outdoors, offering a seamless connection with nature.
Mistwood Pool Villa – This villa is designed as a serene retreat, where the mist whispers ancient woodland stories to those who listen, offering a breathtaking view from its infinity pool, perfect for a young family.
Forestlight Luxury Villa – This villa is a world in itself, covering 3200 sq. ft. of luxurious space. It offers a truly unique experience, featuring an open living area, an in-house therapy space, an open-air shower, a jacuzzi, and an infinity pool overlooking the lake.
Timbertales offers luxury experiences priced between INR 40,000 and INR 1,00,000, where everything from meals to curated experiences is thoughtfully managed, embodying the essence of stress-free getaways.
The Dining Experience
Food is at the heart of any holiday memory. In line with this philosophy, the resort’s restaurant “Bamboo Buzz” offers over 250 curated dishes, lakefront views, and a unique ‘pan-to-plate’ experience. The ‘pan-to-plate’ concept emphasizes a fresh, immersive dining experience where guests can witness and ensure that each dish is as authentic and flavorful as it can be. “The Cellar Lounge Bar” awaits, where Winchester-style seating and an exquisitely appointed bar offer a perfect backdrop making it a must-visit destination.
“Twisted Basil” a plant-based culinary haven, features a dedicated vegetarian kitchen, private dining pods on a water body, and tropical surroundings with stunning panoramic views. Each of the curated set menus offer a luxurious 7-course meal, crafted to soothe any palate.
The Experience
At Timbertales, there is never a moment to get bored. Nature walks, aided by expert naturalists, wellness therapies, curated yoga sessions around the lake, kayaking, the infinity pool ‘Ripples’ overlooking the lake and equipped with a bar, and a lot more.
For children, the exclusive play area ‘Funky Turtle’ provides engaging activities that encourage them to step away from screens and enjoy interactive play. ‘The Modur Kaapi’: A Coffee Experience Centre offers guests a glimpse of the coffee-making process, as well as delightful choices in local brews. Guests can explore the entire process, from bean selection to brewing techniques, as part of the resort’s unique Bean to Brew concept.
Timbertales is situated 7 km away from the main city of Madikeri and can be accessed by road or nearby aerodromes. The resort offers one of the few helipads in Coorg for direct and convenient access.
About Timbertales Luxury Resort
Timbertales Luxury Resort, located in the lush landscapes of Coorg, is founded on the belief that nature is a storyteller. Here, luxury and the wild coexist in perfect harmony, offering guests an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the tales of the natural world. Designed with eco-consciousness at its core, Timbertales seamlessly integrates sustainability with opulence, allowing visitors to experience the soul of the forest while enjoying unmatched comfort.
source: http://www.msn.com / MSN / Home / by ANI news www.aninews.in / via PRNewswire / January 22nd, 2025
For the past five years, coffee plantations in Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, and Hassan districts have grappled with a labour crisis during the crucial November-to-March harvest period.
While harvesting requires manual labour, small planters are proposing mechanisation of processes like drying beans and irrigation, which will help reduce dependency on labourers. | Photo Credit: File photo
Karnataka’s big coffee planters, reeling under years of labour shortage, are enjoying a welcome respite this harvest season as migrant workers arrived in sufficient numbers to meet the demand even as coffee prices have hit a record high this year, offering a financial cushion to growers after years of challenges.
For the past five years, coffee plantations in Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, and Hassan districts have grappled with a labour crisis during the crucial November-to-March harvest period. Planters heavily rely on migrant workers, primarily from Assam and West Bengal, with smaller contingents from Tamil Nadu, Kerala and north Karnataka. However, the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdowns, and state and general elections in those States disrupted the arrival of these workers, exacerbating the shortage.
“We’ve seen a good inflow of labourers from Assam and West Bengal, unlike in recent years,” said Kaibulira Harish Appaiah, former president of the Kodagu Growers’ Association and executive committee member of the Kodagu Planters’ Association.
“All the elections in these States are over. There is no pandemic. This has ensured that workers can travel to Karnataka without disruptions. Coupled with record-high coffee prices, growers are hopeful that this will help recover from the losses incurred over the last 15 years, and help them reinvest in their estates,” he added.
However, workers from Tamil Nadu and north Karnataka have dwindled, opting for construction jobs in urban areas, such as Bengaluru. “These sectors offer regular work and comparable wages, pulling workers away from coffee estates,” said Mr Appaiah.
Kiran Hegde, a planter from Sakleshpur in Hassan, said, “Coffee harvesting is physically demanding and requires precision, which is why we rely on trained workers. The return of migrant workers has brought some relief, but it’s been a tough few years for all of us. If these high prices sustain, it might just give us the breathing room we desperately need.”
Varun Raj, a coffee grower from Mudigere in Chikkamagaluru, said, “We’re finally seeing hope. With global prices rising and labourers returning, it feels like we’re catching a break. However, this is just the beginning — we need sustained efforts to address these challenges for the future. Again next year we don’t know whether the labourers will come and if the price of the coffee will be high.”
Struggle for small growers
While large coffee estates have sufficient labour, small growers are still struggling.
“It usually takes a month to harvest my five-acre plantation with adequate workers. This year, we’ve only managed to cover 30% so far. Despite the high prices, small growers like me cannot afford the increased wages being offered by the larger estates. If we don’t harvest soon, the overripe cherries will drop, causing significant losses,” said Ramesh Uthappa, a planter from Birunani village in Kodagu.
Labour-intensive harvesting requires skilled hands, as the delicate process involves picking ripe cherries without damaging the plant. Workers, often earning double their usual wages, are incentivised to make the long journey to Karnataka.
Planters urge support for coffee mechanisation
Coffee growers rued the lack of support from the State and Central governments as well as the Coffee Board.
M.T. Poovaiah, a coffee planter from South Kodagu, said, “Labour shortages have become a major challenge. Local labourers are no longer available, and we have to rely on workers from Kerala, who come here, work for the day, and return home. We bear their transportation costs and hefty labour charges, which result in significant losses. Around 80% of the profit we earn from coffee goes back into maintaining our estates throughout the year. This includes expenses for harvesting, fertilizers, irrigation, and other essential work.”
Small coffee planters are urging the government to support mechanisation and automation to address labour shortages.
Highlighting this need, Mr Poovaiah added, “To tackle labour shortage problems, mechanisation and automation must be adopted in coffee plantations, and the government, especially the Coffee Board, should assist us. While harvesting still requires manual labour, mechanisation can be applied to processes like drying beans and irrigation, which will help reduce dependency on workers in these areas.”
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Business> Agri-Business / by Darshan Devaiah B.P. / January 17th, 2025
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah handed over a cheque for Rs. 1 crore to the Kundyolanda family, organisers of the 2024 Kodava Hockey Festival, during a ceremony held here on Thursday.
The funds, allocated from the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports, underscore the government’s commitment to promoting the unique sporting tradition of the Kodava community in Kodagu.
The event was attended by Virajpet MLA and Chief Minister’s Legal Advisor Ajjikuttira S. Ponnanna, MP Ajay Maken, Medical Education Minister Dr. Sharanprakash Patil, Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh, Chief Secretary to the Government Shalini Rajneesh, and Additional Chief Secretary to the CM and Additional Chief Secretary, Finance L.K. Atheeq.
Highlighting the cultural and sporting significance of the festival, CM Siddaramaiah praised the Kodava hockey tournament, which entered the Guinness World Record last year as the largest field hockey event.
The 2024 edition saw participation from 360 teams and 4,800 players, showcasing the unmatched passion of the Kodava community for hockey.
“Hockey is deeply rooted in Kodava culture, and it is a matter of pride that the tournament has gained global recognition. As the birthplace of hockey legends like Dhyan Chand, India must nurture this sport alongside cricket. The State Government remains steadfast in its support for elevating the Kodava Hockey Festival to greater heights,” Siddaramaiah stated.
The Kodava family hockey tournament, a hallmark of the Kodagu district, has been organised annually for over two decades. It began in 1997 with just 60 teams and has grown into a mega-event with international attention.
Many Kodavas have gone on to represent India in national hockey teams, further cementing the community’s association with the sport. CM Siddaramaiah expressed his hope for the tradition to flourish and promised continued support to sustain the festival’s legacy.
It may be recalled in Aug. 2024, Congress Rajya Sabha MP from Karnataka, Ajay Maken, speaking in the Rajya Sabha, had highlighted that the Kodava Family Hockey Tournament 2024 had earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records — a remarkable achievement accomplished without any support from the Union Government, though the State Government had fully backed the event. This, he had argued, underscores the urgent need for the Centre’s involvement in such significant sporting events.
He had also called upon the Centre to provide financial assistance for the Annual Kodava Family Hockey Tournament.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / January 13th, 2025
Justice Suraj Govindaraj ruled that the state cannot exploit a mistake made by a citizen in categorising the land as ‘sagu bane land’ when it was, in fact, alienated ‘sagu bane land’, and retain the deposited amount.
Representative image showing a forest./ Credit: DH Photo
Bengaluru:
The Karnataka High Court has directed the Forest Department to refund Rs 4.33 lakh, along with 6 per cent interest, to the legal heirs of a Kodagu landowner, Mahabaleshwar Bhat, who had deposited the amount in 1982.
Justice Suraj Govindaraj ruled that the state cannot exploit a mistake made by a citizen in categorising the land as ‘sagu bane land’ when it was, in fact, alienated ‘sagu bane land’, and retain the deposited amount.
Bhat, who owned 38.5 acres in Biligeri Village, Madikeri taluk, Kodagu district, had received permission on February 1, 1983, to cut 349 trees on the property. He subsequently paid Rs 4,33,082, the assessed value of the trees. However, he later realised that the land had been classified as alienated ‘sagu bane land’ since 1897, making the payment unnecessary.
Bhat requested a refund from the authorities, but his plea was rejected by the Forest Department on April 25, 2012, citing the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964, as grounds for denial. After the department’s appellate authority also dismissed his appeal, Bhat moved the high court.
During the pendency of the case, Bhat passed away and his legal representatives were substituted as petitioners in 2023. The court found that the Forest Department failed in its duty to verify the land’s classification.
“In fact, it was for the assistant and chief conservator of forest to verify these from the records concerned and not go by the statement made by the petitioner himself. Whenever any application is filed by any person claiming permission to cut trees, there is a duty imposed on the authority granting such permission to verify the details. If at all the details had been verified, it would have been clear that the land in question is alienated ‘sagu bane land’ and not un-alienated ‘sagu bane land’.
This aspect has been made clear by the deputy commissioner in his order dated March 29, 2010,” Justice Suraj Govindaraj said.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> India> Karnataka / by Subarna Mukherjee , DH Web Desk / January 03rd, 2025
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