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
The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) recognised the resort, acknowledging the resort’s net zero energy, net zero water, and zero waste to landfill.
Club Mahindra Madikeri was recognised as India’s first triple net-zero-rated resort by the esteemed Indian Green Building Council. The triple net zero acknowledges net zero energy, net zero water, and zero waste to landfill. The rating sets a benchmark on par with international standards, thus making Club Mahindra Madikeri achieve a significant milestone in sustainable hospitality.
More about net zero certifications:
Net zero energy: This indicates the resort generates as much energy as it consumes. The resort makes optimum utilisation of solar energy and energy-efficient infrastructure, reducing its carbon footprint.
Net zero water: This is a remarkable achievement in water management. It promotes water conservation and security. Club Mahindra’s water conservation initiatives demonstrate its commitment to sustainable practices. Measures include rainwater harvesting, efficient irrigation systems, and water-saving fixtures.
Zero waste to landfill: TÜV SÜD certified the resort for net zero waste in FY23. Comprehensive waste management practices, including segregation at source, composting, recycling, and other measures, help Club Mahindra achieve this.
The resort nestled in the picturesque region of Coorg, Karnataka, is a beacon of luxury, comfort, and responsible tourism, thus contributing to preserving the planet. The resort blends seamlessly with its lush surroundings, supporting local plants and animals, covering a vast area of 126464.26 square metres, with buildings occupying just 22257.7 square metres. By incorporating dense vegetation, insulated roofs, and using local materials, the resort has reduced the surrounding temperature by approximately 3°C. The resort adopts several other energy-saving initiatives, such as motion sensor-controlled washrooms, regulated geysers, timer-controlled external lights, heat pumps, and BLDC fans, which have resulted in an impressive energy performance index of 74.4 kW per m² per year, surpassing the Bureau of Energy Efficiency’s benchmark of 313 kW per m² per year. Moreover, over 70% of the water is recycled and reused for operational purposes at the resort, further emphasising the resort’s commitment to sustainability.
Additionally, under the Mahindra Hariyali project, thousands of trees have been planted, enriching the region’s natural habitat and attracting diverse bird species. This initiative fosters a thriving ecosystem, enhancing the visitor experience with its biodiversity.
Julian Ayers, Chief Resort Officer of Mahindra Holidays and Resorts India Limited, said, “At Mahindra, we recognise the crucial importance of advocacy and partnerships in driving the swift shift towards a sustainable future. Our journey towards a greener future began in 2008. Since then, we’ve embraced a ‘Planet Positive’ approach to sustainability. We’re committed to making our operations eco-friendly, helping industries reduce their carbon footprint, and revitalising nature. Our unwavering commitment to habitat protection and biodiversity at Madikeri has earned us recognition and honour from the IGBC, reflecting our steadfast dedication. We embrace a global responsibility to safeguard diverse ecosystems and achieve carbon neutrality by 2040. As part of Mahindra Holidays’ sustainability journey, we’re committed to innovating and inspiring change within our operations and beyond.”
Mahindra Holidays is India’s first hospitality company to join the global campaign RE100 and EP100. To achieve its zero-energy goal, Club Mahindra implemented an 804-kW solar rooftop photovoltaic plant and solar carports in parking areas. In water conservation efforts, over 70% of water is recycled and reused, with natural streams diverted to a 380 kL capacity pond and 14 rainwater harvesting pits constructed within the resort premises. For zero waste, the resort utilises a bio-digester to convert food waste into biogas, reducing waste, and LPG costs.
With these remarkable achievements, Club Mahindra continues its steadfast journey towards sustainability and biodiversity conservation. By doing so, it provides its members with unparalleled access to some of the most breathtaking and exotic destinations both in India and across the globe.
source: http://www.hotelierindia.com / Hotelier India / Home> Operations / by Staff Writer – Hotelier India / June 07th, 2024
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 , Unilever, 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.esmagazine.com / ESM, European Supermarket Magazine / Home> Supply Chain / by Dayeeta Das / May 06th, 2024
Forest, Environment and Ecology Minister Eshwar B Khandre said Rs 100 crore has been allocated to undertake a sapling plantation drive for this financial year.
Image used for representational purposes only.
Bengaluru :
Forest, Environment and Ecology Minister Eshwar B Khandre on Tuesday said the forest department’s revenue collection has increased and so has recovery of encroached land.
Khandre told the media that revenue has increased from Rs 263.41 crore in 2019- 20 to Rs 417.84 crore in 2023- 24. Reserved forest area has increased by 3395.73 hectares in 2023- 24, and protected area has increased by 184.52 hectares. The department has also recovered 2602.30 acres of encroached forest land worth Rs 1500 crore.
Khandre said the highest land recovery has happened in Kolar division, of 1392.41 acres of encroached forest land. Also, 5.50 acres have been cleared in Madikeri and 17 acres in Bengaluru’s Kothanur forest division. Around 7,500 acres of forest land in Kodagu, Chamarajanagar and Mysuru which were leased to industries and estates by the British will be recovered as soon as their lease period ends. He said companies which occupy these lands have earned crores of rupees.
The minister said Rs 100 crore has been allocated to undertake a sapling plantation drive for this financial year. In the last fiscal, 5.40 crore samples were planted across the state and a three-month audit is being done to know how many of them have survived.
On the task of filing up vacant posts in the department, Khandre said there are around 6,000 vacancies and steps are being taken to fill them up. In the first phase, 310 posts of watchers have been filled up and the process of recruiting 540 guards is under way. Directions have also been issued to conduct quick written exams to fill up posts in 10 forest zones.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / May 29th, 2024
Madikeri in Kodagu, known as the “Kashmir of Karnataka” and the “City of Fog,” is enveloped in dense mist during the rainy season, attracting tourists with its enchanting allure. Despite past travel disruptions due to landslides, Kodagu has regained its natural beauty, offering travellers serene, foggy landscapes and vibrant greenery along the journey from Bengaluru.
PC: Vighnesh Bhootanakadu, Kannadaprabha
Madikeri in Kodagu district, affectionately known as the ‘Kashmir of Karnataka’ and widely popular as the ‘Scotland of India’ is now shrouded in dense fog with the onset of the rainy season. Over the past three to four years, Madikeri’s reputation as the “City of Fog” has become well-established.
PC: Vighnesh Bhootanakadu, Kannadaprabha
‘The City of Fog’ aptly describes Madikeri during the rainy season, when a thick, ethereal mist blankets the town. This year, the fog has descended even before the rains began, drawing tourists with its enchanting allure.
PC: Vighnesh Bhootanakadu, Kannadaprabha
Previously, travellers to Coorg from Bengaluru, Mangaluru, and other regions had to cut their trips short due to landslides in Kodagu.
PC: Vighnesh Bhootanakadu, Kannadaprabha
Over the last three to four years, the number of visitors to Kodagu had dwindled. Some attributed the persistent fog to deforestation in the area.
PC: Vighnesh Bhootanakadu, Kannadaprabha
However, the truth lies elsewhere. The landslides in Kodagu, triggered by floods, were nature’s way of restoring balance. Now, after three or four years, Kodagu has reclaimed its natural splendour.
PC: Vighnesh Bhootanakadu, Kannadaprabha
The state experienced a favourable pre-monsoon season in the first week of May, following the scorching heat of April. As a result, Mother Earth has been donning a vibrant green saree for the past 15 days. As you journey from Bengaluru to Kodagu, the mist begins to fall as soon as you cross the border at Kushalanagar. Travelling through the hills, the road often disappears into the thick fog.
PC: Vighnesh Bhootanakadu, Kannadaprabha
The mist envelops this green saree of Mother Earth like delicate jasmine flowers. At times, the fog is dense; at others, it lifts, creating a captivating play of mist in Madikeri.
PC: Vighnesh Bhootanakadu, Kannadaprabha
As you journey from Bengaluru to Kodagu, the mist begins to fall as soon as you cross the border at Kushalanagar. Travelling through the hills, the road often disappears into the thick fog. On the way to Madikeri, motorists can slow down, pause, and immerse themselves in the serene embrace of nature, savouring its unparalleled beauty.
source: http://www.newsable.asianetnews.com / Asianet Newsable / Home> English News> News> Lifestyle / Pics: Vighnesh Bhootanakadu, Kannadaprabha / May 28th, 2024
This is only the second documented occurrence of the Ligdus genus in 129 years, according to naturalists.
Ligdus garvale spider discovered in Kodagu district. | Photo Credit: special arrangement
A group of naturalists from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka recently discovered a new species of spider in Kodagu. They named it Ligdus garvale after the village where it was found. Garvale, a village in the Somwarpet taluk of Kodagu district, is where the spider was discovered.
This jumping spider is significant as it represents only the second documented occurrence of the Ligdus genus in 129 years, according to naturalists.
The research team includes John T.D. Caleb from the Department of Anatomy at Saveetha Medical College & Hospital in Chennai, A. Divyashree from Kuvempu University in Shankarghatta, A.P.C. Abhijith from Indraprastha Organic Farm in Mysuru, and Lohith Kumar from Montrose Golf Resort and Spa in Kodagu.
According to Ms. Divyashree, Ligdus garvale was found in Garvale village, which is surrounded by agroforestry. “Coffee plantations are prominent in the area, along with pepper and paddy fields where the Ligdus Garvale, a jumping spider, was found,” she added.
After the team of naturalists observed the spider and recorded their findings, they sent the specimen to Mr. Caleb for anatomical examination. “Ligdus garvale represents just the second recorded occurrence of the Ligdus genus in 129 years. The first, Ligdus chelifer, was documented in Myanmar in 1895,” Mr. Abhijith said.
Mr. Abhijith explained that the eight-legged creature was discovered beneath the leaf of a torch ginger plant in Garvale village in north Kodagu. “The Garvale jumping spider measures approximately 0.2 inches in length. It has eight legs, eight eyes, and a body covered with fine pale hairs. Only one male Garvale jumping spider was found, and the new species was named after the Garvale area where it was discovered. So far, this is the only area where it has been found,” he added.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau, Bengaluru / May 24th, 2024
Club Mahindra, the leading brand of Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Limited, proudly announces the prestigious recognition of its Madikeri resort as India’s first triple net-zero-rated resort by the esteemed Indian Green Building Council. The Triple Net Zero acknowledges Net Zero Energy, Net Zero Water, and Zero waste to landfill. The rating sets a benchmark on par with international standards thus making Club Mahindra Madikeri achieve a significant milestone in sustainable hospitality. To achieve carbon neutrality by 2040 Club Mahindra is committed to innovating and inspiring change.
More about Net Zero Certifications:
• Net Zero Energy: This indicates the resort generates as much energy as it consumes. Through optimum utilization of Solar Energy and energy-efficient infrastructure, the resort focuses on reducing its carbon footprint.
• Net Zero Water: This is a remarkable achievement in water management. It promotes water conservation and security. Club Mahindra’s water conservation initiatives demonstrate its commitment to sustainable practices. Measures include rainwater harvesting, efficient irrigation systems, and water-saving fixtures.
• Zero Waste to Landfill: TÜV SÜD certified the resort for Net Zero Waste in FY23. Comprehensive waste management practices, including segregation at source, composting, recycling, and other measures, help Club Mahindra achieve zero waste
The resort nestled in the picturesque region of Coorg, Karnataka is a beacon of luxury, comfort, and responsible tourism, thus contributing to preserving the planet. The resort blends seamlessly with its lush surroundings, supporting local plants and animals, covering a vast area of 126464.26 square meters, with buildings occupying just 22257.7 square meters. Further, incorporating dense vegetation, insulated roofs, and using local materials, the resort has reduced the surrounding temperature by approximately 3°C. Additionally several other energy-saving initiatives such as Motion sensor-controlled washrooms, Regulated Geysers, Timer controlled external lights, Heat Pumps, and BLDC fans have resulted in an impressive energy performance index of 74.4 kW per m² per year, surpassing the Bureau of Energy Efficiency’s benchmark of 313 kW per m² per year. Moreover, over 70% of the water is recycled and reused for operational purposes at the resort further emphasizing the resort’s commitment to sustainability.
Additionally, the Mahindra Hariyali project has led to the planting of thousands of trees, enriching the region’s natural habitat and attracting diverse bird species. This initiative fosters a thriving ecosystem, enhancing the visitor experience with its biodiversity.
Julian Ayers, Chief Resort Officer, Mahindra Holidays and Resorts India Limited, said, “At Mahindra, we recognize the crucial importance of advocacy and partnerships in driving the swift shift towards a sustainable future. Our journey towards a greener future began in 2008. Since then, we’ve embraced a ‘Planet Positive’ approach to sustainability. We’re committed to making our operations eco-friendly, helping industries reduce their carbon footprint, and revitalizing nature. Our unwavering commitment to habitat protection and biodiversity at Madikeri has earned us recognition and honour from the IGBC, reflecting our steadfast dedication. We embrace a global responsibility for safeguarding diverse ecosystems and to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040, we’re committed to innovating and inspiring change within our operations and beyond, as part of Mahindra Holidays’ sustainability journey.”
Mahindra Holidays is India’s first hospitality company to join the global campaign RE100 and EP100. To achieve its zero-energy goal, Club Mahindra implemented an 804 kW solar rooftop photovoltaic plant and solar carports in parking areas. In water conservation efforts, over 70% of water is recycled and reused, with natural streams diverted to a 380 kL capacity pond and 14 Rainwater Harvesting Pits constructed. For zero waste, the resort utilizes a bio-digester to convert food waste into biogas, reducing waste and LPG costs
With these remarkable achievements, Club Mahindra continues its steadfast journey towards sustainability and biodiversity conservation. By doing so, it provides its members with unparalleled access to some of the most breath-taking and exotic destinations both in India and across the globe.
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
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