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
Training sparks debate over elephant transfers toAndhra Pradesh; local Mahouts, Kavadis unhappy
A team of 21 elephant handlers, including 17 Mahouts and four Kavadis from Andhra Pradesh, is undergoing specialised training in handling Kumki elephants at Dubare Elephant Camp in Kodagu.
The training, which began in mid-November, is set to conclude on Dec. 10, after which the team will return to Andhra Pradesh. Kumki elephants are trained to tackle wild elephants, safeguard human settlements and support wildlife conservation, including forest patrols and crop protection.
This training is part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in Vijayawada between the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department and Karnataka in September 2024. The agreement seeks mutual cooperation in addressing wildlife challenges and it was formalised in the presence of Andhra Pradesh Dy.CM Pawan Kalyan and Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar B. Khandre.
However, reports suggest that Karnataka may be planning to transfer four to six trained elephants to Andhra Pradesh under the guise of this training programme.
Andhra Pradesh has an urgent need for Kumki elephants, with only two elephants — Jayanth (67) and Vinayak (54) — stationed at the Naniyala forest camp in Chittoor district and are reaching retirement age. This shortage has hampered efforts to protect wildlife, prevent the theft of sandalwood and red sanders trees, conserve forests and mitigate man-animal conflicts.
Sources informed Star of Mysore that the training might be a cover for relocating elephants to Andhra Pradesh. Mahouts and Kavadis in Dubare are unhappy with the move, citing Karnataka’s own shortage of trained elephants.
“It takes four to five years to tame and train an elephant to follow commands. We build a deep, familial bond with these animals through immense sacrifice and effort. Transferring them would not only sever this bond but also leave us jobless,” said one mahout.
Forest officials, however, denied any finalised plans, stating they have not received Government orders to shift the elephants. Some mahouts countered, claiming that a proposal was discussed months ago and that Karnataka is quietly laying the groundwork for the transfer.
Reports indicate that many elephants in Dubare have already been introduced to Andhra Pradesh handlers, who are being trained to manage them. The plan reportedly involves sending a specific number of elephants to support wildlife operations in Andhra Pradesh, with fears they might not return after their assignments and will be kept there for that State’s services.
Meticulous training on all elephant aspects
The training programme for elephant handlers from Andhra Pradesh at Dubare Elephant Camp focuses on understanding elephant behaviour and mastering specific cues to control and direct them effectively. Under the guidance of lead trainer J.K. Dobi, the training employs a range of techniques, including the use of specialised tools, handling chains and creating loud noises to ward off wild animals.
The handlers are trained with elephants Dhananjaya, Kanjan, Vidyashree, Vijaya and Rama in foundational skills such as touching, bathing and interpreting signals. They are taught commands in specific languages, methods for balancing atop elephants and techniques like tapping the elephant’s ear with their foot or patting its head for direction.
Additionally, they learn about elephant dietary requirements, including the cooking process, ingredients and feeding schedules.
To provide a comprehensive understanding, the team has been taken to other elephant camps across Kodagu and Mysuru districts, including Harangi, Mathigodu, Balle, and Veeranahosahalli. Here, they are familiarised with the unique conditions and challenges specific to each camp, ensuring their preparedness for diverse environments.
Karnataka must prioritise its elephant needs
According to Forest Department officials, Karnataka plans to send four trained elephants to Andhra Pradesh to assist in wild elephant capture and training operations only. Since 2013, Karnataka has handed over 59 trained elephants to various States. The Forest Department must be transparent and avoid concealing facts.
Andhra Pradesh initially requested 22 elephants, but the number was scaled down to eight after Karnataka refused. Even now, sending elephants to Andhra Pradesh is not the right move. We need elephants for Dasara, other tasks and as a tourist attraction at elephant camps. Our resources are already stretched with limited elephants in the State. To capture and tame an elephant it costs Rs. 14 lakh and to fit a radio collar, it requires Rs. 22 lakh.—Joseph Hoover, Conservationist & Wildlife Activist
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / by Joseph Hoover, Conservationist & Wildlife Activist / December 09th, 2024
Kodagu district, known as the “Scotland of India,” faces an unprecedented heatwave with temperatures soaring to 35°C. The usual cool climate and abundant rainfall have given way to severe drought, leaving landscapes parched. Residents combat the heat by consuming watermelon and refreshing beverages. Concerns rise as the absence of rain depletes water sources and raises fears of even hotter summer months ahead.
Residents of Kodagu district, often dubbed as the “Scotland of India” for its lush greenery and cool climate, are currently grappling with an unusual heatwave as temperatures soar to 35 degrees Celsius. Once known for its abundant rainfall and fog-covered hills, the district is now experiencing a severe drought, leaving its scenic landscapes parched and its residents sweltering under the scorching sun.
Traditionally, Kodagu district, also known as Coorg, enjoyed moderate temperatures ranging from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius, thanks to ample rainfall that kept the region cool and foggy throughout the year. However, this year’s acute water shortage has transformed the district into a hot and arid terrain, devoid of its usual cloud cover and mist.
The absence of rainfall has led to the depletion of reservoirs, rivers, and streams, leaving the land dry and barren. With daily temperatures consistently reaching 34 to 35 degrees Celsius, residents find it challenging to venture outdoors, fearing the intense heat. Even simple tasks like buying groceries or commuting to work have become daunting endeavours, prompting many to stay indoors or seek refuge under umbrellas when stepping outside.
To combat the oppressive heat, residents have turned to consuming watermelon and other fruits with high water content, as well as indulging in fresh water and ice creams in large quantities. The demand for refreshing beverages has surged, with local vendors reporting a significant increase in sales.
Traders and residents alike express astonishment at the intensity of the heatwave, noting that such extreme weather conditions are unprecedented in their experience. Typically, monsoon rains would have arrived by March, providing relief from the heat. However, as the first week of April passes without a drop of rain, concerns mount about the impending summer months and the likelihood of temperatures rising even further.
source: http://www.newsable.asianetnews.com / Newsable Asianet / Home> English News> Karnataka / by Vinaykumar Patil / April 08th, 2024
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
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