Tag Archives: Virajpet Taluk

Curbing human-wildlife conflict: ‘Gandhada Gudi’ model elephant sanctuary in Kodagu on cards

Nature, Records, All, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021), , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Madikeri:

The longstanding human-elephant conflict in Kodagu has intensified over the decades, with elephant attacks claiming 33 lives in recent years.

Additionally, 53 people are grappling with various issues, including permanent disabilities. Despite continuous efforts by the Forest Department, the menace of wild elephants continues to escalate.

In response, the State Government is gearing up to establish an elephant sanctuary in Kodagu, drawing inspiration from the movie ‘Gandhada Gudi.’ The initiative aims to protect elephants while reducing inconvenience to the local population.

The intention is to strike a balance between wildlife conservation and the safety of local communities for a peaceful coexistence.

To facilitate this, 2,000 hectares of land have been identified in Kodagu, as part of a broader plan covering 12,000 hectares across the State. This land will be used to relocate elephants residing in human settlements back into the forest.

The plan also involves identifying elephants responsible for crop damage and human casualties and relocating them to the sanctuary. The Government intends to provide shelter for around 200 elephants that have settled in rural areas of the district.

During a State Wildlife Board meeting in January, attended by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre, Forest Department officials and Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna, the relocation of rogue elephants was discussed.

The Government agreed to identify safe areas for this purpose and preparations are now underway. The sanctuary will be equipped with technology to monitor and control the elephants, preventing them from straying back into villages.

Since 2014, the Government has allocated Rs. 21 crore for repairing fences and railway barricades in the Virajpet forest range, covering Ponnampet and Virajpet taluks. This measure is part of a long-term solution to the human-elephant conflict.

Additionally, Rs. 4.72 crore have been swiftly disbursed as compensation to those affected by wild animals and Rs. 22 crore have been allocated for new railway barricades, with installation set to begin soon.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / Februaryf 23rd, 2025

Jeevanadi Cauvery Awards presented to teachers

Education, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mysore/Mysuru:

Ten teachers were  felicitated and presented ‘Jeevanadi Cauvery’ awards in memory of Nambiyapanda Gowru Ponnavva  at a function held in the premises of Akkana Balaga  School in Agrahara in the city on Tuesday. The award presentation function was jointly organised by Cauvery Balaga and Hiranmayi Pratishtana.

Speaking at the function, writer Bannur K. Raju said it is essential that education and health must be provided to everyone without any bias like in many developed countries.

“Unfortunately in our country, both these vital sectors are in firm grip of private organisations which has deprived both education and health to poor and middle class people,” he regretted saying it has become essential that these two sectors be nationalised in the interest of majority of people in the country.

Teachers S.N. Janaki of Alanahalli Government Lower Primary School, H.D. Kote taluk; M.P. Manjula, Hunsur Govt. Lower Primary School; K. Parveen Taj, Arenahalli Govt. Urdu Lower Primary School, Periyapatna taluk; G. Ratna, Beeregowdanahundi Government Lower Primary School, Mysuru taluk; M.T. Akkamma, Ammathi Govt. Higher Primary School, Virajpet taluk; M. Rani, Head Mistress, Bharati Sthree Samaja Higher Primary School, Yadavagiri in Mysuru; T.S. Maithili, Physical Education teacher, Government Higher Primary School, Vysarajapura, T. Narasipur taluk and M.T. Saralakumari, Head Mistress, Kajoor, Somwarpet taluk were felicitated at the function with ‘Jeevanadi Cauvery’ awards.

City’s renowned Sculptor Appaneravanda Kiran Subbaiah was given a special award. ana

Noted Danseuse Dr. Tulasi Ramachandra, retired teacher A. Sangappa and artist Dr. Jamuna Rani Mirle spoke at the function.

President of Cauvery Balaga and retired teacher N.K. Kaveriamma, President of Hiranmayi Pratishtana A. Sangappa, Jnana Vignana Samiti District President H.V. Muralidhar, Art teacher Manohar, Social activist Malini R. Palaksha and teacher Anupama were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore /Home> News / May 23rd, 2024

State Human Rights Commission anguished by plight of Yaravas in Kodagu village

Records, All, , , , , , , , , ,

SHRC flags human rights violation in the hamlet.

The SHRC team interacting with members of the Yarava community at Balugodu hamlet in Virajpet taluk of Kodagu district on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) Chairman L. Narayanaswamy has expressed anguish over the living conditions of the Yarava community members at Balugodu hamlet in Virajpet taluk of Kodagu district.

SHRC has also directed the officials in Kodagu to ensure that basic amenities are extended and a progress report submitted to them. A progress review will be held in 20 days and the officials have been instructed to provide drinking water through tankers with immediate effect to the Balugodu hamlet.

Speaking in Virajpet after paying a visit to the hamlet on Wednesday, Mr. Narayanaswamy said that India boasts of success in Chandrayaan and is among the top five economies in terms of GDP ranking. But there are people who live in dire poverty devoid of basic amenities, lack of housing, electricity and connectivity which makes one wonder whether India was really developing, he said.

He said one has to introspect and question oneself about the prevailing system given the fact that there are Adivasi communities devoid of site, housing, drinking water facilities, electricity, anganwadi or school.  

He directed the officials to ensure that the Yaravas in Balugodu hamlet are provided with basic civic amenities. ‘’Those who are part of the system and in the government enjoy all amenities but those outside it are deprived of basic amenities and is a matter of sorrow’’, said Mr. Narayanaswamy. The Yaravas are economically impoverished and extending all amenities to them by the local authorities should be the first priority, he added, pointing out that not even 5% of the government benefits have percolated to them.

SHRC member S.K. Vantigodi said the living conditions of Yaravas in Balugodu was deplorable and it was a clear case of human rights violation and exploitation.

T. Sham Bhatt, who is also a member of SHRC said government benefits have not reached the people of Balugodu and called upon the officials to take note and act upon it.

During their visit to the hamlet, the SHRC team apprised itself of the living conditions of the Yaravas and rued that they were living in tents devoid of basic amenities. The people of the hamlet bemoaned that they were living in such conditions exposed to vagaries of nature including heavy rains and severe cold. Besides, there was threat of snakes and hence sought concrete houses. A local resident said that 5 kg of rice being supplied by the government was not adequate and they get a square meal a day only when there was work in coffee plantations.

Later, the commission received grievances from the public and people sought for the immediate repair of Morarji Desai Residential School. It also inquired into cases pertaining to human rights violation in the taluk.

Deputy Commissioner Venkat Raja, ZP CEO Varnit Negi, Superintendent of Police K. Ramrajan and others were present.

source: http://www.thehindu.com/ The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / January 31st, 2024

Digital library carves new hope for cleaning staff in Kodagu

Education, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , , ,

The need to shift to a better job urged Bhavani, a cleaner at the panchayat, to try and apply for the 10th board exams.

Bhavani at the library in Kodagu. (Photo| Express)

Madikeri : 

A digital library in a rural part of Kodagu is helping shape a new life for a panchayat cleaning staff.

Bhavani HD (48), who never had the luxury to attend school, has now completed 10th grade after receiving help at the digital library even as she hopes for a promotion in her 12-year-old career.

A resident of Maldare village in Virajpet taluk, Bhavani hails from a poor family. She did not enjoy the right to attend school during her childhood and started off earning a living by working as a daily wager.

She then applied to work at the Maldare Grama Panchayat and has been working as the cleaning staff there for the past 12 years. She is shortly to be deployed as a civic worker who has to collect and dispose of garbage.

“I cannot lift heavy weights. I have undergone five surgeries including tubal ligation, uterus, piles, appendix, and a leg surgery. I requested a different job profile due to my illness and the then PDO had suggested that I could have applied for an attendee post at the panchayat if I had passed 10th grade,” shared Bhavani.

The need to shift to a better job urged Bhavani to try and apply for the 10th board exams.

“My dream of attaining an attendee post led me to the digital library at the panchayat. I obtained support from the library supervisor Sujitha,” Bhavani said. 

“From the Grama Digi Vikas portal, I helped download the study materials for Bhavani. The study materials are easy to understand and they are in the form of videos. Bhavani visited the library every day and studied for the board exams,” shared Sujitha KV, the library supervisor who learned about the ordeal of Bhavani and stepped in to help. 

For three months, Bhavani spent a few hours every day studying at the library. She wrote the board exams in March last year.

“But I passed only in Kannada. However, by god’s grace, I cleared all the subjects during the supplementary examination,” explained Bhavani.

Following this success, Bhavani is now confident of availing the attendee post.

However, Bhavani has a long fight before she gets to her dream post at the panchayat, as several panchayat members have failed to see her efforts and are demanding a male candidate for the attendee post over Bhavani.

While her hard work led her towards completing the 10th grade, it has not yet paid off due to the unprecedented developments at the panchayat.   

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Prajna GR, Express News Service / January 03rd, 2023

Coffee Board Launches Soil Testing Centre At Gonikoppal

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Green Initiatives / Environment, Records, All, Science & Technology, , , , ,

Mysuru:

Thousands of farmers in South Kodagu now look forward to better yield as Gonikoppal gets a new digital soil testing centre. The Coffee Board launched the testing centre last week following demands of farmers and growers.

Earlier, farmers of Virajpet taluk had to travel 50 to 70 kms to give soil for testing centres at Chettalli and Koodige and both the centres are in Somwarpet Taluk. Farmers in Virajpet were deprived of a testing centre.

Coffee Board Senior Liaison Officer said it took two hours to find the potential of hydrogen (PH) value of soil and five hours to find nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) in soil.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / December 28th, 2017

700-Year-Old Shiva Temple Discovered Near Virajpet

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Records, All, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021), , , ,

Madikeri:

An ancient Shiva Temple, said to be about 700 years old, has been discovered at Bollumadu village in Virajpet taluk. The temple, found at a spot behind the Post Office on Kadanga Paraane is in a highly dilapidated state and is on the verge of total collapse.

The temple, said to be built using red stones, first came to be known to the villagers through Tantris in 2008. Subsequently, the villagers had cleaned up the spot by cutting down the trees around the temple. But as the temple was not accessible by road, no renovation works could be taken up and the temple remained in its dilapidated state.

However, the temple exploration resumed two days ago with villagers again cleaning the vicinity by cutting down the bushes and other plants. During the exploration, a Shivalinga stone sculpture was found in the well of the temple premises. Also, the almighty’s Ayudha (weapon) ‘Kadtale’ and small Ganapathi idols have been discovered. This apart, the stone sculptured images of Tripata, Kumuda, Jagatti, Kanta, Pattika and Devakoshta Sopanas were found at the temple foundation. After the discovery of the ancient temple, Bollumada villagers contacted Nayakanda Prakash, who is staying at Mysuru, seeking his help for tracing the history of the ancient temple. Prakash is a former official of Archaeological Survey of India and had also served as a site supervisor at Ram Janmabhumi in Ayodhya, UP.

Prakash, who visited the spot, opined that the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva may be 600 to 700 years old and it may also be a contemporary of the times of the ancient Bhagamandala Temple.

Prakash, who collected some documents regarding the site, observed that an excavation was necessary to trace the complete history of the temple, according to Bollumadu Gram Panchayat President Matanda Arun.

Pointing out that the spot where the temple has been discovered is said to be a Pysari land, Matanda Arun said that a few families are residing in the vicinity of the newly discovered temple. Though the temple was discovered earlier, it could not be reached as there was no access and as such no one bothered to go there. Now a huge tree has fallen on the temple’s ‘Garbhagudi’ (Sanctum Sanctorum), destroying it.

Now, a villager has come forward to part with his land to make way for accessing the temple, Arun said adding that the Kodagu District Administration will be appealed to take up excavation of this centuries old temple.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / October 23rd, 2022

Running barefooted, tribal youth of Vanavasi Kalyan won Bangalore International Midnight Marathon

Sports, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,


Vanavasi Kalyan team at Bangalore International Marathon
Bangalore:

Running barefooted, an 8 membered team of tribal youth of Vanavasi Kalyan won Runner-Up award in reputed Bangalore International Midnight Marathon, recently held in the city.

In an event where nearly 8500 athletes participated, the Vanavasi Kalyan team stood against all odds and won this prestigious Marathon, running in barefoot, has got special congratulations by the public, organisers.

Midnight International Marathon is first of its kind in the world, was organised on December 10th by Rotary Bangalore’s I.T. Corridor unit, with a motto of ‘Run for a Child’, to create awareness about Child healthcare, nutrition and Child education.

With just a delay of 90 seconds, Vanavasi Kalyan team secured second place in the Men’s 35km section of Marathon relay. The first and third prizes were bagged by teams sponsored by reputed Software Companies TESCO and HP respectively.

Vanavasi Kalyan team receiving award runner up award in Bangalore International Midnight Marathon

Hailing from the dense forest area of Titimati of Virajpet Taluk in Kodagu district, Karnataka, these youth are participating in their maiden Marathon race. Of this 8 membered team, Maada, a student of class 12 is a known sprinter. Others, Vishwanath, Harish, Papu, Raju PN, Suresh, Timmayya, Venkatesh are coolie workers having a high athletic skills.

With a spirit to imbue the confidence of these tribal talents, well known Physician Dr Rekha S Neela and her husband, businessman Srinivas R Neela, sponsored the Vanavasi Kalyan team and introduced these Vanavasi talents to an International Platform. Venkatesh Nayak, Coordinator of Vanavasi Kalyan Ashrama-Karnataka guided the team throughout.

Though the Vanavasi youth were lacking many civic facilities, never underwent any coaching or special practice for Marathon, were looking confident during the event. Being barefooted they won this event, just keeping the experience of few previous domestic athletic events. “There are many skilled youth at Vanavasi areas, if a proper care is taken, coaching is provided, talents are nurtured, they are capable bringing glory to nation by winning medals at Olympics”, says Dr Rekha.

Mr Venkatesh Nayak said “Vanavasi Kalyan has given the nation the Olympian Limba Ram in archery and Kavitha Raut in 10 Km race.”

The prize distribution ceremony was held at the premises of Hotel Royal Orchid on Saturday, December 17th, in which the audience congratulated the team with a standing ovation.

Vanavasi Kalyan team at Bangalore International Marathon


ABOUT THE MARATHON:
In 2007, The Rotary Bangalore IT Corridor, organized the 1st Bangalore Midnight Marathon. The marathon was the first of its kind in the world, being the only marathon that was run in the middle of the night. The only other similar run in the world was in Norway. This event, though being a night event, was run in full brightness, given that Norway is the country of Midnight Sun.

The Bangalore Midnight Marathon has several advantages – traffic and pollution is less at midnight, the cool temperature of the night is also conducive for running. Over the years, the organizers have innovated the run, adding fun element to make it interesting for both professional & casual runners alike. Large Display Video screens along the track, decorative lighting, live performances by rock bands & plenty of food add to the fun element of the run. It gives this Marathon a festive feel and makes it it a great experience for the runners & their supporters.

source: http://www.samvada.org / December 18th, 2011