Kodagu/Coorg - ಕೊಡಗು/ಕೂರ್ಗ್ Developments, Discussions & Updates Thread

Kodagu was a kingdom rulled by the Hoysalas from the 11th to the 14th century A.D. and thereafter by the Vijayanagar kings and the Chengalvas. The Wodeyars of Kodagu ruled from the 17th to the 19th century. The British annexed Kodagu in 1834 after dethroning Chikkaveerarajendra Wodeyar. It was administered by Chief Commissioners till Independence and then in 1952, as a category 'C' state, had a representative in the Rajya Sabha. Upon the reorganisation of states in 1956, Kodagu became a district of Karnataka State.

Map of Kodagu-ಕೊಡಗು

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Stalemate over regional science centre/ MU Refuses To Allow Institute On Its College

MADIKERI: Mangalore University and the Kodagu district administration have locked horns over the proposed regional science centre in Madikeri.

The BJP-JD(S) government had sanctioned the project for the establishment of a science centre in Madikeri. The then science and technology and Kodagu district incharge minister Ramachandragowda got an initial sanction of Rs 1 crore for the project. The amount is still unused.

Former deputy commissioner Baladevakrishna had reserved four acres of land on Field Marshal Cariappa College (FMCC) site. When the project had to be channelised Mangalore University vice-chancellor Prof Shivashankaramurthy wrote a letter to the deputy commissioner not to commence the work on the F M College premises.

Speaking to The Times of India Shivashankaramurthy said as per education policies, the university can lend its land only for university activities. The state higher education department under secretary had also sent a letter to the deputy commissioner supporting this move.

Meanwhile, present deputy commissioner Ashwathnarayan Gowda confirmed that FMCC has just 50 cents of land on record and the government has 31.12 acres, and that the proposed science centre can come up on the four acres of land reserved for the purpose.

Speaking to The Times of India, Mangalore University registrar Chinnappa Gowda said that the university will use the land only for its educational purposes. He said he had recently met the Kodagu DC and requested him to start the science centre elsewhere rather than on the college site. The University has claimed Record of Tenancy and Crop (RTC) for the 31.12 acres of land in favour of FMC College. However, the University will not clash with the revenue department on the issue, he said. The proposed science centre in the college site will be more beneficial for primary students than college students, Gowda felt.

Source Times of India (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mysore/Stalemate-over-regional-science-centre/-MU-Refuses-To-Allow-Institute-On-Its-College/articleshow/7438842.cms)

Kodagu Tourist Map

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This Bus Driver knows that mud road is better options these days :bash:

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Source - KC

Shoddy road work

Cracks have developed on the newly laid road by KRDCL along the Kushalnagar-Madikeri state highway. What does this mean? Was the road work of sub-standard quality? If so, concerned authorities should fix the issue as soon as possible. We expect quality work from KRDCL, not shoddy job.

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Source: YASH - KC

cc myself

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cc myself
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Chelavara Falls & Choma Kundu view point

Chelavara Falls & Choma Kundu view point its nearly 120 kilometers from Mysore

Its a must visit place

Route - Mysore - Hunsur - Virajpet - Cheyandane (Village) from here its about 3 kilometers for Chelavara Falls and 7 kilometers for Choma Kundu view point

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/2785/95004527.jpg (http://img706.imageshack.us/i/95004527.jpg/)


Chelavara Falls & Choma Kundu view point

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Chelavara Falls & Choma Kundu view point

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Chelavara Falls & Choma Kundu view point

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Chelavara Falls & Choma Kundu view point

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Chelavara Falls & Choma Kundu view point

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Chelavara Falls & Choma Kundu view point

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Chelavara Falls & Choma Kundu view point

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/attachments/4x4-excursions/30043d1216328093t-offroading-into-clouds-choma-kunda-coorg-p7131254.jpg

Chelavara Falls & Choma Kundu view point

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/attachments/4x4-excursions/30048d1216328093t-offroading-into-clouds-choma-kunda-coorg-p7131262.jpg

Chelavara Falls & Choma Kundu view point

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/attachments/4x4-excursions/30049d1216328093t-offroading-into-clouds-choma-kunda-coorg-p7131263.jpg

Chelavara Falls & Choma Kundu view point

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/attachments/4x4-excursions/30050d1216328093t-offroading-into-clouds-choma-kunda-coorg-p7131267.jpg

Chelavara Falls & Choma Kundu view point

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/attachments/4x4-excursions/30052d1216328215t-offroading-into-clouds-choma-kunda-coorg-p7131269.jpg

Chelavara Falls & Choma Kundu view point

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Chelavara Falls & Choma Kundu view point

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Chelavara Falls & Choma Kundu view point

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Chelavara Falls & Choma Kundu view point

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Chelavara Falls & Choma Kundu view point

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Chelavara Falls & Choma Kundu view point

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Chelavara Falls & Choma Kundu view point

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Chelavara Falls & Choma Kundu view point its nearly 120 kilometers from Mysore

Its a must visit place

Route - Mysore - Hunsur - Virajpet - Cheyandane (Village) from here its about 3 kilometers for Chelavara Falls and 7 kilometers for Choma Kundu view point

Source: some of them are mine and some from Team-BHP

US magazine rates Karnataka best tourist spot

Tourism in Karnataka has received a boost after a US-based lifestyle magazine Conde Nast featured the State and rated it as the fourth best destination in the world to visit this year in its Traveller edition this month.

Karnataka in the fourth position and Odisha in the ninth position are the only Indian places to figure in the list of eleven. Iran tops the list of the must-travel destinations for the year followed by Botswana, Tasmania (Australia), Karnataka, Myanmar, Seoul (South Korea), Tel Aviv (Israel), Tallinn (Estonia), Odisha, Sri Lanka and Uruguay.

Director of Tourism Vishwanatha K Reddy said that this was the best possible exposure for Karnataka tourism and would help enormously in making the State a visible brand name in the international tourism sector in the comiyears.

The Traveller piece recommends Karnataka for its palaces, tiger-spotting at unspoilt sanctuaries like Bandipur, the rapids of Coorg with the homestay experience along with the specially brewed coffee and of course the temples of Belur and Halebeedu.

The Tourism Department has been aggressively promoting the State in the international circles for the last three years by participating in trade fairs and road shows. This includes almost all European capitals and Argentina, Brazil, China, UAE and Japan. Reddy said they expected a big leap in tourists and the results of the promotions could be seen in a couple of years.

Source DHNS (http://coorgnews.wordpress.com/2011/02/10/us-magazine-rates-karnataka-best-tourist-spot/)

Originally posted by vlakshmi_n

Madikeri may get mini - buses soon

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Mysore division Deputy Transport Commissioner C P Narayanaswamy assured that efforts will be made to introduce mini buses within Madikeri town.

Speaking at transport adalat organised at General Thimmaiah Memorial Bhavana which houses RTO office, he said in the backdrop of growing city, there is a need for city buses for the poor labourers and school children. He directed the KSRTC Manager to submit a proposal on the route for mini buses to the RTO at the earliest. District Chamber of Commerce President G Chidwilas said there is a need to introduce mini bus service to Stone Hill, Golf Maidan, Abbey falls, Sampige Katte, Gaddige, Dechoor and Raja Rajeshwari Temple. The Deputy Transport Commissioner said that no buses should ply without license in the district. Kodagu district Private Bus Owners Association President Hosur Ramesh Joyappa said several KSRTC buses ply without license in the district. Kodlipete Chamber of Commerce Girish said as there is no bus facility between Madikeri and Arakalagoodu, the residents are put to hardship. The Deputy Transport Commissioner directed the KSRTC Manager to provide bus connectivity at the earliest.

Source DHNS (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/134899/madikeri-may-get-mini-buses.html)

NEW COURT TO COME UP AT KUSHALNAGAR

Chief justice A.S.Satyanarayan yesterday inspected the land for the new court building to be built at Kushalnagar. Satyanarayan was received at Kushalnagar gate by the district judges and the court employees. Somwarpet court employees and advocates were present.

Source shakthidaily (http://www.shakthidaily.com)

HIGHWAY WORK IN PROGRESS

The highway work between Madikeri and Sampaje is in progress. If the words of the officials of the KRDCL are to be believed, the work will be completed by April.

Engineer Manjunath and Deputy Divisional Engineer Venkatesh told this correspondent that the work is going on in a war footing. They told that the road passing inside Madikeri is being delayed as the City Municipal Council has to replace the pipelines. A meeting with the Deputy Commissioner was already held in this respect, they said.

Reacting to the substandard work up to Madikeri from Kushalnagar resulting in road cracks and side barricades collapsing in certain points, they informed that the repair work is on. The engineers clarified that the speed limit in the new road between Kushalnagar and Sampaje should be within 80 KMs as it is full of curves. The 60.2 kilometers road is undertaken at a cost of rupees 101.88 crores.

The CMC commissioner Srikanth told that the pipeline work inside Madikeri will be undertaken next week and the deputy Commissioner Ashwathnarayana Gowda has instructed to complete it early.

Source Shakthi Daily (http://www.shakthidaily.com/2011/Feb/04.html)

ರು ೨೮ ಲಕ್ಷ ವೆಚ್ಚದ ಕಾಮಗಾರಿಗೆ ಚಾಲನೆ

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ಕೃಪೆ : ಕನ್ನಡಪ್ರಭ ದಿನಪತ್ರಿಕೆ (http://www.kannadaprabha.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=KPD20110210140008&Title=District+News&lTitle=%C1%DBd%C0+%C8%DB%7D%E6%25&Topic=0&ndate=2/10/2011&dName=O%E6%E0s%DAV%DA%DF&Dist=-12)

66/11 ಕೆವಿ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್ ಉಪ ಕೇಂದ್ರದ ಪ್ರಾಯೋಗಿಕ ಉದ್ಘಾಟನೆ

ಮಡಿಕೇರಿ: ಸುಮಾರು 45 ಕೋಟಿ ರೂಪಾಯಿ ವೆಚ್ಚದಲ್ಲಿ ಕೈಗೆತ್ತಿಕೊಂಡ ವಿರಾಜಪೇಟೆ, ಸುಂಟಿಕೊಪ್ಪ ಹಾಗೂ ಮಡಿಕೇರಿ 66/11 ಕೆವಿ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್ ಉಪ ಕೇಂದ್ರಗಳನ್ನು ಮೇಲ್ದರ್ಜೆ ಗೇರಿಸುವ ಕಾರ್ಯ ಪೂರ್ಣಗೊಂಡಿದ್ದು, ಬುಧವಾರ ಮಡಿಕೇರಿ ಉಪ ಕೇಂದ್ರ ಕೂಡ ಪ್ರಾಯೋಗಿಕವಾಗಿ ಉದ್ಘಾಟನೆಗೊಂಡಿತು.

ಇದರೊಂದಿಗೆ, ಮಡಿಕೇರಿ ಮತ್ತು ಸುತ್ತ ಮುತ್ತಲ ಪ್ರದೇಶಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಇನ್ನು ಮುಂದೆ ವೋಲ್ಟೇಜ್ ಸಮಸ್ಯೆ ಬಗೆಹರಿಯುವುದರ ಜತೆಗೆ, ಗುಣಮಟ್ಟದ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್ ಪೂರೈಕೆ ಸುಧಾರಣೆ ಯಾಗಬಹುದೆಂದು ನಿರೀಕ್ಷಿಸ ಲಾಗಿದೆ. ಅಲ್ಲದೆ, ಲೋಡ್*ಶೆಡ್ಡಿಂಗ್ ಅವಧಿ ಹೊರತುಪಡಿಸಿ ಮಡಿಕೇರಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಸಂಜೆ ವೇಳೆ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್ ನಿಲುಗಡೆ ಮಾಡುವುದನ್ನು ಕೂಡ ರದ್ದುಪಡಿಸುವ ಸಂಭವವಿದೆ.

‘ಕೊಡಗು ಪ್ಯಾಕೇಜ್’ ಯೋಜನೆಯಡಿ ಕೆಪಿಟಿಸಿಎಲ್ ಮೊದಲ ಹಂತದಲ್ಲಿ ಕೈಗೆತ್ತಿಕೊಂಡ ವಿರಾಜಪೇಟೆ, ಸುಂಟಿಕೊಪ್ಪ ಹಾಗೂ ಮಡಿಕೇರಿ 66/11 ಕೆವಿ ಉಪ ಕೇಂದ್ರಗಳನ್ನು ಮೇಲ್ದರ್ಜೆ ಗೇರಿಸುವ ಕೆಲಸ ಮೂರು ವರ್ಷಗಳಿಂದ ನಡೆಯುತ್ತಿತ್ತು. ಆದರೆ, ಅರಣ್ಯದಂಚಿನಲ್ಲಿರುವ ಕೆಲವು ಬೆಳೆಗಾರರು ತಮ್ಮ ತೋಟದಲ್ಲಿ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್ ಮಾರ್ಗ ಕೊಂಡೊಯ್ಯಲು ಅನುಮತಿ ನಿರಾಕರಿ ಸಿದ್ದರಿಂದ ಮಡಿಕೇರಿ ಉಪ ಕೇಂದ್ರದ ಉದ್ಘಾಟನೆ ಸ್ವಲ್ಪ ವಿಳಂಬವಾಯಿತು. ಕಳೆದ ಜುಲೈನಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರಾರಂಭವಾದ ಕುಶಾಲನಗರ- ಮಡಿಕೇರಿ ಮಾರ್ಗದ ಕೆಲಸ ಮೇ 11ಕ್ಕೆ ಮುಕ್ತಾಯಗೊಂಡಿತು.

ಮಡಿಕೇರಿಯ 66/11 ಕೆ.ವಿ. ಉಪ ಕೇಂದ್ರದಲ್ಲಿ 12.5 ಎಂವಿಎ ಎರಡು ಟ್ರಾನ್ಸ್ ಫಾರ್ಮರ್*ಗಳನ್ನು ಅಳವಡಿಸಲಾಗಿದ್ದು, 11 ಕೆ.ವಿ.ಯ ಎಂಟು ಫೀಡರ್*ಗಳನ್ನು ಅಳವಡಿಸ ಲಾಗಿದೆ. ಇದರಿಂದ ಲೋಡ್*ಶೆಡ್ಡಿಂಗ್ ಸಮಯ ಹೊರತುಪಡಿಸಿ 24 ಗಂಟೆಗಳ ಕಾಲ ಮಡಿಕೇರಿಗೆ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್ ಪೂರೈಸಲು ಸಹಕಾರಿ ಯಾಗಲಿದೆ ಎಂದು ಕೆಪಿಟಿಸಿಎಲ್*ನ ಕಾರ್ಯ ನಿರ್ವಾಹಕ ಎಂಜಿನಿಯರ್ ಬಿ.ಕೆ. ಕುಶಾಲಪ್ಪ ‘ಪ್ರಜಾವಾಣಿ’ಗೆ ಮಾಹಿತಿ ನೀಡಿದರು.

ಇದಲ್ಲದೆ, ಎರಡನೇ ಹಂತದಲ್ಲಿ ಕೈಗೆತ್ತಿ ಕೊಂಡಿರುವ ಕುಶಾಲನಗರ 220 ಕೆ.ವಿ. ಕೇಂದ್ರದ ಕೆಲಸ ಕೂಡ ಶೇ 75ರಷ್ಟು ಪೂರ್ಣಗೊಂಡಿದೆ. ಇದೀಗ ಅರಣ್ಯ ಇಲಾಖೆ ಕೂಡ ಯೋಜನೆಗೆ ಒಪ್ಪಿಗೆ ಸೂಚಿಸಿರುವುದರಿಂದ ಬಸ್ತಿಪುರ- ಕುಶಾಲನಗರ ನೇರ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್ ಮಾರ್ಗದ ಸಂಪರ್ಕ ಕೆಲಸ ಕೂಡ ಪುನರಾರಂಭವಾಗಲಿದೆ. ಕುಶಾಲನಗರದ 220 ಕೆವಿ ಕೇಂದ್ರ ಉದ್ಘಾಟನೆ ಗೊಂಡಲ್ಲಿ ಇಡೀ ಕೊಡಗಿಗೆ 66 ಕೆವಿ ಮಾರ್ಗದ ಮೂಲಕ ನೇರ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್ ಪೂರೈಕೆ ಮಾಡಲು ಸಾಧ್ಯವಾಗಲಿದೆ ಎಂದು ಅವರು ತಿಳಿಸಿದರು.

ಒಟ್ಟಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಬಹುನಿರೀಕ್ಷಿತ ಹಾಗೂ ಮಹತ್ವಾ ಕಾಂಕ್ಷೆಯ 66/11 ಕೆವಿ ಮಡಿಕೇರಿ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್ ಸರಬರಾಜು ಉಪ ಕೇಂದ್ರ ಉದ್ಘಾಟನೆಗೊಳ್ಳು ವುದರೊಂದಿಗೆ ಮಡಿಕೇರಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಮಳೆಗಾಲದಲ್ಲಿ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್ ಸಮಸ್ಯೆ ಬಗೆಹರಿಯಬಹುದು ಎಂದು ನಿರೀಕ್ಷಿಸಲಾಗಿದೆ. ಇದರಿಂದ ಇದುವರೆಗೆ ವಿರಾಜಪೇಟೆ ಮಾರ್ಗದಿಂದ ಪೂರೈಕೆ ಯಾಗುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್ ಅನ್ನು ಇದೀಗ ಕುಶಾಲನಗರ, ಸುಂಟಿ ಕೊಪ್ಪ ಮಾರ್ಗವಾಗಿ ನೇರವಾಗಿ ಮಡಿಕೇರಿಗೆ ಪೂರೈಸಲು ಕೆಪಿಟಿಸಿಎಲ್*ಗೆ ಅನುಕೂಲ ವಾಗಲಿದೆ.

ಆದರೆ, ‘ಸೆಸ್ಕ್’ 33 ಕೆ.ವಿ. ಮಾರ್ಗವನ್ನು ಉತ್ತಮ ರೀತಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ನಿರ್ವಹಣೆ ಮಾಡಿದಲ್ಲಿ ಮಡಿಕೇರಿ ನಗರದ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್ ಕೊರತೆ ಸಮಸ್ಯೆ ಬಗೆಹರಿಯುವ ಸಾಧ್ಯತೆಯಿದೆ.ಮೊದಲು ವಿರಾಜಪೇಟೆ 66/11 ಕೆವಿ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್ ಉಪ ಕೇಂದ್ರ ಉದ್ಘಾಟನೆಯಾದರೆ, ಆನಂತರ ಸುಂಟಿಕೊಪ್ಪ, ಇದೀಗ ಮಡಿಕೇರಿ ಉಪ ಕೇಂದ್ರ ಉದ್ಘಾಟನೆಗೊಂಡಿದೆ. ಇದರಿಂದ ಲೋಡ್*ಶೆಡ್ಡಿಂಗ್ ಅವಧಿ ಹೊರತುಪಡಿಸಿ ಬೇಸಿಗೆಯಲ್ಲಿಯೂ ಮಡಿಕೇರಿ ನಗರದಲ್ಲಿ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್ ಸಮಸ್ಯೆ ಬಗೆಹರಿಯಬಹುದು ಎಂದು ನಿರೀಕ್ಷಿಸಲಾಗಿದೆ.

ಮಡಿಕೇರಿ ಉಪ ಕೇಂದ್ರದ ಪ್ರಾಯೋಗಿಕ ಉದ್ಘಾಟನಾ ಸಮಾರಂಭದಲ್ಲಿ ಕೆಪಿಟಿಸಿಎಲ್*ನ ಮುಖ್ಯ ಎಂಜಿನಿಯರ್ ಎ.ಆರ್. ಸತ್ಯನಾರಾಯಣ, ಸೂಪರಿಂಟೆಂಡೆಂಟ್ ಎಂಜಿನಿಯರ್ ಗಳಾದ ರತ್ನ ಬಾಲರಾಜು, ವೀರನರಸಿಂಹಲು, ಸಿವಿಲ್ ಎಂಜಿನಿಯರ್ ಚೌಡೇಗೌಡ, ಕಾರ್ಯ ನಿರ್ವಾಹಕ ಎಂಜಿನಿಯರ್ (ಪ್ರಸರಣ) ಪ್ರಭು, ಕಾಮಗಾರಿ ನಿರ್ವಹಿಸಿದ ಇಸಿಸಿಐ ಕಂಪೆನಿಯ ಅಸಿಸ್ಟೆಂಟ್ ಜನರಲ್ ಮ್ಯಾನೇಜರ್ ಆರ್. ರಾಮಕೃಷ್ಣ, ‘ಸೆಸ್ಕ್’ನ ಕಾರ್ಯನಿರ್ವಾಹಕ ಎಂಜಿನಿಯರ್ ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀಪತಿ ಮತ್ತಿತರರು ಉಪಸ್ಥಿತರಿದ್ದರು.

ಕೃಪೆ : ಪ್ರಜಾವಾಣಿ ದಿನಪತ್ರಿಕೆ (http://www.prajavani.net/Content/Jun32010/district20100603187992.asp)

HIGHWAY WORK IN PROGRESS

Reacting to the substandard work up to Madikeri from Kushalnagar resulting in road cracks and side barricades collapsing in certain points, they informed that the repair work is on. The engineers clarified that the speed limit in the new road between Kushalnagar and Sampaje should be within 80 KMs as it is full of curves. The 60.2 kilometers road is undertaken at a cost of rupees 101.88 crores.

Source Shakthi Daily (http://www.shakthidaily.com/2011/Feb/04.html)

kushalnagar-madikeri 35km road widening was over recently and now this madikeri-sampanje 25km will be over by april is really good show. state govt doing good job. bangalore mangalore journey will be shorter.

we need to connect kushalnagar to mysore/hassan by train too..

Shoddy road work

Cracks have developed on the newly laid road by KRDCL along the Kushalnagar-Madikeri state highway. What does this mean? Was the road work of sub-standard quality? If so, concerned authorities should fix the issue as soon as possible. We expect quality work from KRDCL, not shoddy job.

http://imageupload.org/?di=1112972784294

Source: YASH - KC

The cracks doesnt look like a result of shoddy work.

Indoor stadium, track to be ready by March

Staff Correspondent
Agency has been asked to expedite work


ON the FAST TRACK:Shivananjaiah, Director, Youth Services and Sports (left), inspecting the General Thimayya Stadium in Madikeri on Thursday.
Madikeri: The works relating to the construction of the indoor stadium and laying of the athletic track at the General K.S. Thimayya Stadium here (District Stadium) will be ready by March, said Shivananjaiah, Director of the Department of Youth Services and Sports, here on Thursday.

He was speaking to presspersons during inspection of the progress of works concerning both projects here. He admitted that works were delayed for certain reasons. The agency entrusted with the works had been told to expedite them.

To a question on what action could be initiated against poor standard of works, Mr. Shivananjaiah said the bills would be withheld and works completed as per the plans.

Referring to the laying of an artificial hockey playing surface at Ponnampet in Virajpet taluk, as planned by the State Government, Mr. Shivananjaiah said the issue of handing over the grounds (now with the Government junior college) needed to be sorted out. Budgetary allocations were available for taking up works.

The defunct swimming pool at the General Thimayya stadium had been planned to be taken up involving a cost of Rs. 1.70 crore. Of this, Rs. 80 lakh was readily available, the official said. Several indoor swimming pools were built in different parts of the State in recent times, he added.

The Hindu (http://www.hindu.com/2011/02/11/stories/2011021153900300.htm)

Dt stadium may get additional funds for development
Madikeri, Feb 10, DHNS

Measures will be taken to release additional funds for the development works at District Stadium, said Sports department Director Shivananjaiah.

Speaking to presspersons after inspecting the on going development works, he said if the District Stadium Development Committee sends a proposal seeking additional funds, then the funds will be released.

To a query on poor quality of work, he said if there was any poor quality of work being undertaken, then an expert team from Mysore JSS Engineering College will inspect the work.

The work on indoor and outdoor stadium will be completed within two months, said Land Army Corporation Joint Director Raghuram Nayak.

Shivananjaiah said a proposal of Rs 1.76 crore has been submitted to the development of swimming pool in the district. Once the government approves the proposal, a sum of Rs 80 lakh will be released. To another query on hockey stadium at Ponnampet, he said about 2.90 acre land is being handed over to the Sports department.

DHNS (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/136640/dt-stadium-may-get-additional.html)

Kannur airport will be the closest international airport to Kodagu

Kerala Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan on December 17, 2010 laid the foundation stone for the fourth international airport of the state here. Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel presided over the function attended by an array of dignitaries, including federal and state ministers and top bureaucrats.

“The airport, to be commissioned by 2013, will cater to one-thirds of the 2mn strong Keralite workers in the Gulf and trigger fast-phased economic development of northernmost part of the state,” the chief minister said after lighting the traditional lamp marking the beginning of the work on the Rs10bn airport project.

“Currently, 14 percent of the Gulf-bound migrants are from the district and the airport would be a boon for them. People from the neighbouring districts of Kasaragod, Wayanad and Kozhikode will also benefit from the airport besides the bordering areas of Karnataka state,” he added to applause from the overjoyed crowd.

The chief minister hoped that the new airport would boost export activities from the region, particularly in the textile, fisheries and spices industries. He said his government would also exert pressure on the Centre for a rail link to the new airport, to be commissioned by 2013. Efforts were also on to extend the National Waterway from Kottappuram to Neeleswaram.

Source:- KC

NO TOURISM CENTRE IN THALACAUVERY-SPEAKER


http://img809.imageshack.us/img809/3563/14as.jpg (http://img809.imageshack.us/i/14as.jpg/)

Madikeri Feb. 14: No tourism centre will be allowed in the pilgrimage centre Thalacauvery-clarified the assembly speaker and the Virajpet M.L.A K.G.Bopaiah. He was speaking in a function at Cherangala village conducted by Kaveri janmabhumi trust. The state Govt intends to implement the great thought of Vajpayee and Abdul kalam to improve the village people living standard. We need forest and environment. Meanwhile, some environmentalists unnecessary poke their nose to hinder the development works. This should not happen-he suggested. Some leaders propagate that during thula kaveri sankramana the emergence of water will not come and “thirthodbhava” will not occur. such unfaithful people better not tovisit holy Thalacauvery- Biopaiah suggested

Source:- Shakthi Daily

UKO THWARTS RAILWAY JATHA

Tension prevailed at Gonicoppal yesterday as a group of keralites in three vehicles went round Gonicoppal using mikes, supporting railway line from Mysore to tellicherry via Kodagu.

The members of United Kodava organization questioned the group indulging in propaganda and said that they are not in favor of railway line crossing Kodagu. They verified the records and found out that they did not take any permission from police to use mike and take out a propaganda drive.

The group with three vehicles was handed over to Gonicoppal police. One of the vehicles being used by the group also did not have any documents. The Kodava group flattened the tyres and cautioned the group not to venture into district with such demands.

Kalavur Jhonson, leading the fourteen member team from kerala told that they were demanding 145.5 kilometer railway line from Mysore to Tellicherry crossing kodagu. The protestors said that they will never allow railway track to pass through Kodagu as they will be deprived of agriculture land.

Source:- Shakthidaily (http://www.shakthidaily.com/2011/Feb/18.html)

‘Government keen on developing infrastructure in rural areas'

Rs. 86 lakh being spent on projects in Hakathur gram panchayat limits this year

Rs. 10 crore available with the zilla panchayat for water projects

Madikeri: Speaker of the Legislative Assembly K.G. Bopaiah on Saturday called upon the people of Kodagu to join hands with the Government in implementing development projects in the district, particularly drinking water and roads.

He was participating in a “ground breaking” ceremony to mark launch of work on various development projects in Hakathur gram panchayat limits in Madikeri taluk for 2010-11, a press release said. The State Government was laying emphasis on providing all infrastructure needed in rural areas and people should cooperate to make those programmes successful.

A sum of Rs. 86 lakh was being spent in the Hakathur Gram panchayat limit this year, Mr. Bopaiah said. Electrification of the areas too were being taken up simultaneously under the Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyudeekaran Yojna, he said. A sum of Rs. 10 crore was available with the zilla panchayat to take up drinking water projects in the district, he added. Mr. Bopaiah inaugurated the Kedambadi-Narkodi road constructed at a cost of Rs. 3 lakh. He appealed to the residents to part with land to construct a drain here under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act.

The president of the zilla panchayat, Ravi Kushalappa, said caution would the exercised to see that no grant of the Government lapsed this year.

He instructed the officials to expedite all road works by the end of this fiscal. Beena Bollamma, zilla panchayat member, said people should come forward to make use of the Government programmes.

The Hindu (http://www.hindu.com/2011/02/20/stories/2011022057870500.htm)

Association opposes science centre on FMKMCC campus in Madikeri (http://www.hindu.com/2011/02/20/stories/2011022057810500.htm)

Staff Correspondent
The college owns 33.36 acres of land

‘The centre can come up on the outskirts of Madikeri'

Applications have been submitted to convert more than 144 farm land

11 tourist resorts likely to come up in Madikeri

Madikeri, February 21, DHNS:

Even when several resorts have come up in and around Madikeri, as many as 11 applicants have submitted a proposal to Madikeri Urban Development Authority (MUDA) to convert farm land for commercial use and to construct 11 tourist resorts in Madikeri town.

The application on farm land conversion at Karnangeri, Katakeri, K Badaga, K Nidugane and Kadagadalu have been submitted. Most of those who submitted applications were from outside the Kodagu district.

The applications sought conversion of 39.43 acre land for commercial purpose, 15.78 acre land for residential purpose, 3.66 acre for setting up of educational institution and 0.34 acre for setting up commercial complex.

The authorities have already declared 12 km radius from Madikeri as green zone. Hence, farm land can not be converted for commercial purpose. However, few resorts have already come up within 12 km radius, thus violating the rules and regulation of the green zone. As preparation of revised master plan for the Madikeri local planning area is under progress, it has been decided to maintain farm land, hillocks and water bodies as it is. However instead of rejecting the applications, the MUDA has decided to inspect the land and take a decision on land conversion. For the construction of resorts, only survey number have been shown.

It has not mentioned how much acre land will needed for each resort. The applications have sought two acre land in Karnageri, 3.30 acre land at Mekeri, 3.51 acre at K Nidugane, 21.81 acre at Kadagadalu for commercial purpose.

For the construction of commercial complex, a proposal of 0.34 acre land at block number 24 in Madikeri CMC, 9.86 acre for commercial purpose at K Nidugane have been submitted to the MUDA.

A proposal to convert 1.20 acre and 2.40 acre land in two separate survey number at Karnangeri has been submitted for educational purpose. One certain Reddy in K Badaga has submitted an application to convert 15.78 acre farm land for residential complex.
The MUDA meeting was held on February 10. The decision on the conversion of farm land for commercial purpose remained inconclusive.

DHNS (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/139831/11-tourist-resorts-likely-come.html)

Kodagu district yet to be connected (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/Kodagu-district-yet-to-be-connected/articleshow/7550697.cms)
TNN, Feb 23, 2011, 04.21am IST
Even as the Metro coaches roll out in Bangalore, at the other end of the spectrum is Kodagu, the only district without rail connectivity. It also appears that fixing this problem is not a top priority for the state government.

This is evident from the fact that the memorandum submitted by the Karnataka government prioritizing its projects to the railway ministry does not include a demand to conduct a route survey to provide Kodagu with rail connectivity. Oddly enough, Manifestos of the Congress and BJP during the assembly and parliamentary elections have harped on rail connectivity for this district.

When the decision was taken to conduct a survey for the Mysore- Kushalnagar -Madikeri route a few years ago, it met with a mixed response. While some groups welcomed the decision, some environmentalists opposed it, claiming that laying the tracks would destroy the forest and coffee estates. Things returned to normal after authorities decided to extend the railway tracks only till the plains of Kushalnagar. :banana2:

Interestingly, Cheppudira M Poonacha from Kodagu was a railway minister during 1967-69 and presented three budgets under the leadership of Indira Gandhi.
very much agree.. railway line only till kushalngar :banana:

'Disguised' Rahul has quiet holiday (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Disguised-Rahul-has-quiet-holiday/articleshow/7559399.cms)
G RAJENDRA, TNN, Feb 24, 2011, 03.09am IST
MADIKERI (KARNATAKA): Even a political scion is entitled to his days of peace and quiet, away from the political din and media glare. Away from his party's troubles, Rahul Gandhi visited Kodagu with friends from February 16 to 20.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/thumb.cms?msid=7560426&resizemode=4
Rahul was accompanied by 31 friends while on a holiday in Kodagu, near Mysore.

Rahul flew into Calicut last Wednesday, and drove to the Now and Neverland resort around midnight at the nearby Chelavara.

With 31 friends from Kerala and New Delhi for company, he is said to have enjoyed a quiet time. Rahul spent the four days rock climbing and working out at the gym. He returned to Calicut on February 20.

While participating in adventure sports in Kodagu, Rahul injured his leg and was treated at a private hospital at Ammathi. Rahul was so well-disguised he succeeded in making the doctors mistake him for a foreign tourist. Gautham, manager of Now and Neverland, said Rahul seemed to enjoy himself during his stay.

Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa announced Rs. 50 crore for Kodagu road development in his Budget 2011-12

post graduate centre at Kushalanagar under Mangalore University would be set up during 2011-12, for which Rs.5 crore will be spent

An amount of Rs.5 crore will be provided for construction of a well-equipped indoor stadium at Virajpet in Kodagu District

Source: State Budget

Update on Madikeri to Sampaje Road Work

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/141895/work-madikeri-sampaje-road-progress.html

CC: Deccan Herald.

Update on Madikeri to Sampaje Road Work

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/141895/work-madikeri-sampaje-road-progress.html

CC: Deccan Herald.

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/5360/workonmadekerisampaje.jpg (http://img263.imageshack.us/i/workonmadekerisampaje.jpg/)

The work on road from Bhagamandala curve to Sampaje undertaken by the Karnataka State Road Development Corporation is under progress and the road is likely to be open for traffic from May 1.

The work on the road from Bhagamandala curve to Madenadu, covering nine km has been completed. By April end, the work will be completed, said Karnataka State Development Corporation Technical advisor Mukunda Reddy.

The work on road from Kushalnagar to Sampaje covering 60.2 km is being undertaken at an estimated cost of Rs 101.88 crore. Kushalnagar to Madikeri road was developed last year. After the monsoon, the work on road from Madikeri-Sampaje was undertaken.

“About 350 labourers are engaged in the road work. About 14 hitachi, 64 dumpers, four concrete mixers are being used for the upgradation of the road,” said Reddy.

He said the road from Madikeri-Sampaje is 25 km. The road is asphalted in three stages. There are 133 minor bridges between Madikeri to Sampaje, which needs to be built. The work on 80 minior bridges was under progress. Retaining walls are being constructed at three places between Jodupala and Sampaje, he informed.

He said the road will be maintained by the corporation for three years after its completion.

“If one layer of asphaltation is done on the road once in five years, then the road can last for 15 years,” he added.

“As Madikeri-Sampaje road is not seven metre wide at many places, we have to construct retaining walls and widen the road while laying the road. There are huge boulders at several places, which needs to be removed. A few places are very congested and have narrow curves. The road is being widened where there are narrow curves
CC: Deccan Herald

some pics of Madikeri – Sampaje road works
shakthidaily (http://www.shakthidaily.com/2011/Mar/01.html)

http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/2695/01bpw.jpg (http://img52.imageshack.us/i/01bpw.jpg/)

Madikeri – Sampaje road work

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/9646/01ce.jpg (http://img402.imageshack.us/i/01ce.jpg/)

Madikeri – Sampaje road work

http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/5885/01dvs.jpg (http://img130.imageshack.us/i/01dvs.jpg/)

Madikeri – Sampaje road work

http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/9503/01ek.jpg (http://img59.imageshack.us/i/01ek.jpg/)

Madikeri – Sampaje road work

http://img545.imageshack.us/img545/5842/galleryimg5.jpg (http://img545.imageshack.us/i/galleryimg5.jpg/)

Makutta road is neat and ‘deadly’
Kishor Cariappa writes (http://www.kodagucommunity.com/search/label/Infrastructure):



http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/1669/21899755.jpg (http://img819.imageshack.us/i/21899755.jpg/)

http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/5040/44506490.jpg (http://img130.imageshack.us/i/44506490.jpg/)

http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/5800/91247253.jpg (http://img831.imageshack.us/i/91247253.jpg/)

The Makutta road which was thrown open to public in the first week of June this year is neat and ‘deadly’ at the same time. It is a pleasure to travel though the newly laid road cutting through thick foliage of Western Ghats. The quality of road looks good though they are in operation just over a month now. Nonetheless, it is a magical transformation from the earlier crater-filled road.

But, sadly there have been no steps taken to increase the width of the road. At some places, the road is so narrow that two heavy vehicles might have a tough time in crossing over side-by-side. And to make the matters worse, the asphalted road have steep edges at many places. In case of a driver miscalculation, the vehicle might end up in a gorge. Pretty scary to think of it. Due to some minor accidents in the initial few days, the authorities have made arrangements to place sand bags in dangerous spots along the stretch. It is a wonder that no safety precautions were planned before the roads were opened to the public. It was either a case of tight deadline to open the road in June or throwing away safety precautions to thin air by contractors who were in charge of the project.

A stretch near the Kerala border is yet to get finishing touches, and post-monsoon the work might be taken up.

Mandala Patti is one of the trekking points in Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Kodagu

http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/3941/ganu210909keri1.jpg (http://img11.imageshack.us/i/ganu210909keri1.jpg/)

Mandala Patti is one of the trekking points in Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Kodagu

http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/4228/ganu210909keri2.jpg (http://img232.imageshack.us/i/ganu210909keri2.jpg/)

Mandala Patti is one of the trekking points in Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Kodagu

http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/385/ganu210909keri3.jpg (http://img691.imageshack.us/i/ganu210909keri3.jpg/)

Mandala Patti is one of the trekking points in Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Kodagu

http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/8296/ganu210909keri4.jpg (http://img849.imageshack.us/i/ganu210909keri4.jpg/)

Mandala Patti is one of the trekking points in Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Kodagu

http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/9171/ganu210909keri5.jpg (http://img715.imageshack.us/i/ganu210909keri5.jpg/)

Mandala Patti is one of the trekking points in Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Kodagu

http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/5505/ganu210909keri6.jpg (http://img220.imageshack.us/i/ganu210909keri6.jpg/)

Mandala Patti is one of the trekking points in Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Kodagu

http://img846.imageshack.us/img846/9921/ganu210909keri7.jpg (http://img846.imageshack.us/i/ganu210909keri7.jpg/)

Mandala Patti is one of the trekking points in Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Kodagu

http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/3765/ganu210909keri8.jpg (http://img35.imageshack.us/i/ganu210909keri8.jpg/)

Mandala Patti is one of the trekking points in Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Kodagu

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/7987/ganu210909keri9.jpg (http://img21.imageshack.us/i/ganu210909keri9.jpg/)

Mandala Patti is one of the trekking points in Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Kodagu

http://img840.imageshack.us/img840/5186/ganu210909keri10.jpg (http://img840.imageshack.us/i/ganu210909keri10.jpg/)

Mandala Patti is one of the trekking points in Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Kodagu

http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/1763/ganu210909keri11.jpg (http://img820.imageshack.us/i/ganu210909keri11.jpg/)

Mandala Patti is one of the trekking points in Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Kodagu

http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/9076/ganu210909keri12.jpg (http://img30.imageshack.us/i/ganu210909keri12.jpg/)

Mandala Patti is one of the trekking points in Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Kodagu

http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/4949/ganu210909keri13.jpg (http://img691.imageshack.us/i/ganu210909keri13.jpg/)

Mandala Patti is one of the trekking points in Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Kodagu

http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/1092/ganu210909keri14.jpg (http://img824.imageshack.us/i/ganu210909keri14.jpg/)

Mandala Patti is one of the trekking points in Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Kodagu

http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/3270/ganu210909keri15.jpg (http://img46.imageshack.us/i/ganu210909keri15.jpg/)

Mandala Patti is one of the trekking points in Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Kodagu

http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/2359/ganu210909keri16.jpg (http://img703.imageshack.us/i/ganu210909keri16.jpg/)

Mandala Patti is one of the trekking points in Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary or Pushpagiri Forest Range. Pushpagiri Forest Range spreads from Subrahmanya in Dakshina Kannada district to Somwarpet in Coorg district covering an area of 102.6 sq km. Kumara Parvata Peak stands the tallest amongst the peaks in Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary.

As the roads leading to Mandala Patti are narrow, ones who have decided to make it to the beautiful spot need to be a bit adventurous too. But the adventure is worth for the way to the spot is dotted with nature’s bounty as one passes through viewing lush green coffee estates, paddy fields and mountains.

The right time to reach the spot is 12.00 noon and it is better to be back by 4.00 pm

Source:- daijiworld (http://www.daijiworld.com/chan/exclusive_arch.asp?ex_id=1158)

Forest corpn to take care of 6,300 tonnes of bamboo
Madikeri, March 4, DHNS :

The department of Forest, Environment and Ecology has passed an order to hand over 6,300 tonne bamboo which have flowered and dried in the Kodagu forest to the Karnataka State Forest Industries Corporation Limited as a precautionary measure to avoid forest fire and also to increase the income of the Corporation.

The under secretary of the Forest, Environment and Ecology department S Raju has passed an order to hand over the dried bamboo to the corporation after collecting price of Rs 325 per metric tonne and the tax.

About 5,000 tonne bamboo is dried in Thithimathi zone in Virajpet taluk. About 200 tonne in Shanivarasanthe, 500 tonne in Kushalnagar and 600 tonne in Somwarpet zone have become dry.

In the backdrop of forest fire caused by dry bamboo in summer, and to fetch income, Additional Conservator of Forest has been directed to hand over the bamboo to the
Corporation.

Bamboos have become dry in about 10,000 hectare land in Kodagu.

As per the nature’s rule, bamboo flowers once in 40 years. Once the bamboo flowers, the plant becomes dry. With the drying of the bamboo, there are all possibility of forest fire and shortage of food for wild animals.

Hence, the farmers fear that the wild elephants will enter villages and destroy plantations next year.

Kodagu Circle DCF Anand said “there is no use if the dry bamboos are left alone in the forest. The dry bamboos can be used for preparing artifacts.”

He said “it will take another two to three years for the bamboo to grow to provide food
for the wild elephants. The man-wild elephants conflict will increase in the next year. With the elephants facing shortage of food, there are all possibilities of elephants destroying plantations and paddy.”

The Karnataka State Forest Industrial Corporation Ltd will start the process of removing dried bamboo from the forest. The purchased bamboo will be sold to Bhadravathi Mysore Papermills, Dandeli paper factory, J K Paper mills, he added.

BEAUTIFUL GARDENS FOR SOMWARPET RESIDENTS
shakthidaily (http://www.shakthidaily.com/2011/Mar/03.html)

A view of the developing Nethaji park

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Two beautiful gardens are coming up at Somwarpet at the cost of Rs. 30 lakh under the town area development project. Both gardens are in finishing stage. Nethaji garden at Anekere in Somwarpet will be inaugurated shortly. There was a park since long years; but had lost its identity due to negligence. Now, the park is completely rejuvenated and attracts the environment lovers to spend their leisure time. The muddy pond was cleaned by d- silting and the fountains are being installed. Walking track, sitting benches, Children Park are being established. Dust bins are arranged .In another corner of the town at Mahadeswara extension one more park is being developed in the reserve land for sacred forest area.Anganavadi children will use this park for playing. The contractor is entrusted to maintain these parks for future one year

CONCRETE ROAD WORK WILL START SOON: CMC PRESIDENT
shakthidaily (http://www.shakthidaily.com)

Madikeri March 9: In continuation of the fast development works in Madikeri the city municipal new president H.M.Nandakumar today disclosed that Rs. 2 crores will be spent to build concrete road from Madikeri SBI junction to convent junction. This will link the already constructed other concrete roads in the town. He was talking to this correspondent in his office. He told one contractor from Mysore and another contractor from Kushalngar will start the works as the tenders are accepted. He told that the contractors urged to enhance the S.R. rates(Seinerage rates) .But he could go up to enhancing the S.R.rate to 4% and the tenderers agreed for that.The roads will also be widened from the present width.Today including other works total Rs. 3.20 crore worth tenders are approved for the development works in Madikeri-Nandakumar explained. The works include formation of a new park at Guddemane Appaiah memorial centre, construction of retaining walls and also slum area development in Chamundeshwari nagar and Indiranangar.In addition to this all the ongoing works in the town including construction of drainages and road formation will continue and will be completed before rainy season- he assured.

When asked about the worst condition of webs road from Raja seat to hockey stadium Nandakumar explained that the road has not been handed over by PWD to CMC. However, in the interest of the town, he will see that the work will be done from other funds- he assured.

KRDCL (Karnataka road development corporation Ltd) has undertaken the high way work from Madikeri to Samapaje. In the town portion the CMC has cooperated to KRDCL by resetting the pipe lines electricity polls to widen the road- he told.

MUDA TO FORM LAYOUT
shakthidaily.com


The Madikeri Urban development Authority will form a layout with 500 house sites, according to its chairman Shajil Krishna.

Shajil Krishna took the scribes round the proposed land at Karnangeri. He informed that the Deputy Commissioner is requested to provide about 37 acres of land for the layout and the survey will be held on Wednesday.

The chairman disclosed that the MUDA has about rupees fifty lakhs to begin the work and other rupees 1.5 crores is expected to be collected.

MUDA commissioner Ashad rehaman Sheriff, assistant director of rural planning department, Govindraju was also present.

ಕ್ರೀಡಾಂಗಣ: ಸ್ಪೀಕರ್ ಸ್ಥಳ ಪರಿಶೀಲನೆ
ಪ್ರಜಾವಾಣಿ (http://beta.prajavani.net)

ವಿರಾಜಪೇಟೆ: ವಿರಾಜಪೇಟೆಯಲ್ಲಿ 5 ಕೋಟಿ ರೂಪಾಯಿ ವೆಚ್ಚದಲ್ಲಿ ಆಧುನಿಕ ಒಳಾಂಗಣ ಕ್ರೀಡಾಂಗಣದ ನಿರ್ಮಾಣಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ಗುರುವಾರ ವಿಧಾನಸಭಾ ಅಧ್ಯಕ್ಷ ಕೆ.ಜಿ.ಬೋಪಯ್ಯ ಅವರು ಸ್ಥಳ ಪರಿಶೀಲನೆ ನಡೆಸಿದರು. ವಿರಾಜಪೇಟೆಯ ಜೂನಿಯರ್ ಕಾಲೇಜಿನ ಮೈದಾನದ ಒತ್ತಾಗಿರುವ ಒಂದು ಎಕರೆ ಜಾಗದಲ್ಲಿ ಕ್ರೀಡಾಂಗಣ ನಿರ್ಮಿಸಲು ಉದ್ದೇಶಿಸಲಾಗಿದೆ. ಜೂನಿಯರ್ ಕಾಲೇಜು ಮೈದಾನ ಕ್ರೀಡಾಂಗಣಕ್ಕೆ ಉತ್ತಮವಾದ ಜಾಗ. ವಿರಾಜಪೇಟೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಒಳಂಗಾಣ ಕ್ರೀಡಾಂಗಣವಾದರೆ ವಿವಿಧ ಪಂದ್ಯಗಳನ್ನು ಆಯೋಜಿಸಲು ಅವಕಾಶವಾಗುವುದು ಎಂದು ಕೆ.ಜಿ.ಬೋಪಯ್ಯ ಹೇಳಿದರು.

ವಿರಾಜಪೇಟೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಕ್ರೀಡಾಂಗಣ ನಿರ್ಮಾಣಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ಜೂನಿಯರ್ ಕಾಲೇಜಿನ ಪ್ರಾಂಶುಪಾಲ ಕೃಷ್ಣೇಗೌಡ, ಕಾಲೇಜು ಅಭಿವೃದ್ಧಿ ಸಮಿತಿಯ ಉಪಾಧ್ಯಕ್ಷ ಪಟ್ರಪಂಡ ರಘು ನಾಣಯ್ಯ, ತಾಲ್ಲೂಕು ಅಕ್ರಮ ಸಕ್ರಮ ಸಮಿತಿ ಅಧ್ಯಕ್ಷ ಸುಜಾ ಕುಶಾಲಪ್ಪ ಅವರೊಂದಿಗೆ ಕೆ.ಜಿ.ಬೋಪಯ್ಯ ಅವರು ಮಾತುಕತೆ ನಡೆಸಿದರು.

ಆಧುನಿಕ ಬಸ್ ನಿಲ್ದಾಣ: ಬೋಪಯ್ಯ ಭರವಸೆ

ವಿರಾಜಪೇಟೆ: ವಿರಾಜಪೇಟೆಯ ಈಗಿನ ಇಕ್ಕಾಟ್ಟಾದ ಬಸ್ಸು ನಿಲ್ದಾಣವನ್ನು ಅಗಲೀಕರಣಗೊಳಿಸಿ, ವಿಸ್ತರಣೆ ಗೊಳಿಸುವುದರೊಂದಿಗೆ ಸೌಲಭ್ಯಗಳಿಂದ ಕೂಡಿದ ಆಧುನಿಕ ಬಸ್ಸು ನಿಲ್ದಾಣವನ್ನು ನಿರ್ಮಿಸಲಾಗುವುದು ಎಂದು ವಿಧಾನಸಭಾ ಅಧ್ಯಕ್ಷ ಕೆ.ಜಿ.ಬೋಪಯ್ಯ ತಿಳಿಸಿದರು.ವಿರಾಜಪೇಟೆ ಖಾಸಗಿ ಬಸ್ಸು ನಿಲ್ದಾಣದ ವಿಸ್ತರಣೆಗೆ ಭಾನುವಾರ ಗುದ್ದಲಿ ಪೂಜೆ ನೆರವೇರಿಸಿದ ಅವರು, ವಿರಾಜಪೇಟೆ ತಾಲ್ಲೂಕು ಕೇಂದ್ರದ ಮುಖ್ಯ ಪಟ್ಟಣ ಆಗಿದ್ದು, ಜನಸಂಖ್ಯೆ ಹಾಗೂ ಪ್ರಯಾಣಿಕರ ಸಂಖ್ಯೆಯ ಆಧಾರದ ಮೇಲೆ ಇಂದಿನ ಪರಿಸ್ಥಿತಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ವಿಶಾಲವಾದ ಬಸ್ಸು ನಿಲ್ದಾಣದ ಅವಶ್ಯಕತೆ ಇದೆ. ಬಸ್ಸು ನಿಲ್ದಾಣದೊಂದಿಗೆ ಆಧುನಿಕ ಶೌಚಾಲಯ ಹಾಗೂ ತಂಗುದಾಣ ನಿರ್ಮಾಣ, ಜೊತೆಯಲ್ಲಿಯೇ ನಿಲ್ದಾಣಕ್ಕೆ ಒತ್ತಾಗಿರುವ ಮಾರುಕಟ್ಟೆ ಸಂಕೀರ್ಣವನ್ನು ಅಭಿವೃದ್ಧಿ ಪಡಿಸಲಾಗುವುದು ಎಂದರು.

ಮುಖ್ಯಮಂತ್ರಿಯವರ ಪಟ್ಟಣ ಅಭಿವೃದ್ಧಿ ಯೋಜನೆಯಡಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ರೂ. ಒಂದು ಕೋಟಿ ಹಣ ಬಿಡುಗಡೆ ಮಾಡಲಾಗಿದೆ. ಬಸ್ಸು ನಿಲ್ದಾಣ ಹಾಗೂ ಮಾರುಕಟ್ಟೆ ಸಂಕೀರ್ಣದ ಪೂರ್ಣ ಅಭಿವೃದ್ಧಿಗಾಗಿ ನೀಲಿ ನಕಾಶೆ ತಯಾರಿಸಿದ್ದು, ಯೋಜನೆಗೆ ರೂ. 8 ಕೋಟಿ ವೆಚ್ಚವಾಗಲಿದೆ. ಉಳಿದ ರೂ. 7 ಕೋಟಿಯನ್ನು ಸರ್ಕಾರ ಹಂತ ಹಂತವಾಗಿ ಬಿಡುಗಡೆ ಮಾಡಲಿದೆ. ಈಗ ಬಿಡುಗಡೆಯಾದ ಹಣದಲ್ಲಿ ವ್ಯವಸ್ಥಿತ ಆಧುನಿಕ ನಿಲ್ದಾಣ ನಿರ್ಮಾಣವಾಗಲಿದೆ. ಪಟ್ಟಣ ಪಂಚಾಯಿತಿ ವ್ಯಾಪ್ತಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ವಿವಿಧ ಅಭಿವೃದ್ಧಿ ಕಾಮಗಾರಿಗಳನ್ನು ಕೈಗೊಳ್ಳಲು ಈ ಹಿಂದೆಯೇ ರೂ. 5 ಕೋಟಿ ಅನುದಾನದ ಹಣ ಬಿಡುಗಡೆಯಾಗಿದೆ. ಈ ಪೈಕಿ ಪಂಚಾಯಿತಿ ರೂ. 3.75 ಕೋಟಿಗೆ ಕ್ರಿಯಾ ಯೋಜನೆ ಸಿದ್ಧಪಡಿಸಿ ಕಾಮಗಾರಿಗೆ ಚಾಲನೆ ನೀಡಿದೆ.

ಇದರಲ್ಲಿ ರಸ್ತೆ ಹಾಗೂ ಕುಡಿಯುವ ನೀರಿಗೆ ಆದ್ಯತೆ ನೀಡಲಾಗಿದೆ. ಪಟ್ಟಣದ ಅಭಿವೃದ್ಧಿಗೆ ವಿವಿಧ ಯೋಜನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಅನುದಾನ ಬರುತ್ತಿದ್ದು ಪಟ್ಟಣ ಪಂಚಾಯಿತಿ, ನಿವಾಸಿಗಳಿಗೆ ಮೂಲ ಸೌಲಭ್ಯಗಳನ್ನು ಕಲ್ಪಿಸುವಂತಾಗಬೇಕು ಎಂದರು.

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SITE ALLOTTED TO SCIENCE PARK
shakthidaily (http://www.shakthidaily.com/2011/Mar/16.html)

A four acre site will be allotted to start a Sub Science Centre, an ambitious project of the center, according to the Deputy commissioner Ashwathnarayana Gowda.

The DC announced this in a meeting held in his office and said that the proposal will be sent to government for approval.

Rupees 1.3 crores is released by the center for the Science center long back and the project is kept pending due to lack of availability of land. Science centre will have a science park and other educational aspects benefiting the students.

RAILWAYS HOLIDAY HOME IN MADIKERI
shakthidaily (http://www.shakthidaily.com/2011/Mar/19.html)


The Railways department performed puja here yesterday to build a holiday home at a cost of rupees sixty five lakhs.

Holiday home is being built in the sight being used by the department as a ‘microwave station’ since decades. With the development in technology, the department dismantled the microwave tower and is using the site for construction. The site is situated near ‘Stewarts Hill’ here with an all round beauty of nature. B.B.Varma, manager from Mysore division and team of officers took part in the ‘Bhoomi puja’ held here. They expressed their regret and said that the forest department is throwing hurdles in regularizing the property records.

Answering a query, the officer said that there is a proposal to erect railway line between Mysore, Kushalnagar and Madikeri. Again, the forest department is not co operating with the department to finalize the land evaluation

BEWARE…INTERCEPTOR ON THE PROWL
shakthidaily (http://www.shakthidaily.com/2011/Mar/19.html)

http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/6776/19bak.jpg (http://img190.imageshack.us/i/19bak.jpg/)

The Kodagu police have a priced inclusion to its band of vehicles protecting law and order. A vehicle christened as ‘Interceptor’ has reached the district to tackle speed drive and drink and drive menace.

The vehicle which is yet to commission duty is worth rupees 23.5 lakhs. It is fully equipped with cameras, videos, computers and other sensitive gadgets.

The camera fixed to the vehicle can take picture of the approaching vehicle from a distance of three hundred meters. The imported camera will accurately capture the registration number and the picture of the driver too.

The department officer who wished to maintain secrecy disclosed that the computers equipped in the ‘Interceptor’ will print the report with details of fine. The Alcohol identifier will immediately judge the amount of liquor the driver has consumed and produce a receipt accordingly as fine.

Apart from this, whatever prints and transactions go through the ‘Interceptor’ will get recorded at the office of the Inspector general of police in Bangalore.

So, the speed and alchohal driving will be checked in Kodagu soon after launching the vehicle which is awaiting programming to be done by experts from outside.

MGNREGS: Kodagu gets ` 4.21 crore
DHNS (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/147986/mgnregs-kodagu-gets-421-crore.html)

The State government has released Rs 4.21 crore under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), though the Kodagu Zilla Panchayat had sought Rs 10 crore from the State government. The Zilla Panchayat is expecting that the State government will release a sum of Rs 5 crore at the earliest.

It is said that if the Zilla Panchayat utilises atleast 60 per cent of the released amount, then the district may get additional Rs 4 crore to 5 crore.

At the same time, the State government has released a sum of Rs 1.20 crore under Suvarna Gramodaya Scheme. The released amount has already been released to the Zilla Panchayat engineering division to utilise for the development of selected roads and drains and other rural development programmes, said sources in Zilla Panchayat.

Under MGNREGS, a sum of Rs 2281.91 lakh was released during 2010-11 in the district. Of which, about 1942.83 lakh was utilised so far (March 17). According to the available data, as many as 1,453 works have been undertaken in Madikeri taluk, 1,067 in Somwarpet taluk and 1,486 in Virajpet taluk. About 4,006 works are under progress in the district. About 2,778 works have been completed in the district. Of which, 859 in Madikeri, 768 in Somwarpet and 1,151 in Virajpet taluk. In 2010-11, under MGNREGS, a work list of Rs 10790.17 lakh was prepared. The government had okayed the labour budget for Rs 53.41 crore. By February end, 1942.83 lakh was utilised. All the implementation officers have been asked to utilise the funds fully, said an officer.

Last year a sum of Rs 12 crore was utilised during the period.

Mani-Sampaje road works at snail’s pace
DHNS (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/149103/mani-sampaje-road-works-snails.html)

A massive road development project taken up by the Karnataka State Road Development Corporation Ltd (KRDCL) to develop the Mani -Sampaje road at an estimated cost of Rs 176.17 crore, is moving in turtle’s speed.

http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/6130/manisampije.jpg (http://img22.imageshack.us/i/manisampije.jpg/)

With number of obstacles hindering the work’s progress, the half completed road is more likely to create chaos during the rainy season.

The KRDCL took up the task of uplifting Kushalnagar-Mani State Highway in three phases. The road work between Mysore-Kushalnagar was completed years back and the road is hassle-free now. The second phase of the project was the development of Kushalnagar-Madikeri road (60.20 km) at an estimated cost of Rs 101 crore. The contract has been given to RNN Constructions of Hubli who have completed the work between Kushalnagar-Madikeri and the repair of Madikeri-Sampaje road is under progress.

Though the Madikeri-Sampaje road work was supposed to complete by April 30, the work would not be completed within the stipulated time as the work of only 12 km road out of 28 km has been completed now. According to the RNN Construction Company Engineer Shiv Prakash, the company will complete 16 km road by April 30 and the rest of the work will be started only after December.

But the road construction work between Mani-Sampaje under phase III is actually the matter of concern as the unsystematic construction work has created a whole lot of mess everywhere. KRDCL has given the contract of this road repair to a Hyderabad based KMC Constructions. The work order was issued to the company in April 2010 and the contractor was asked to complete the work by June 2012. With the contractor completing only 10.5 km (only one side of the road) work till date, there are hardly any chances of the work being completed on time.

When asked the KMC Constructions Chief Project Manager Riyaz Ahmed about the reason for the delay, he said there are handful problems faced by the Company. “The KRDCL delayed in depositing Rs 1.4 crore to the Forest Department for gaining permission to cut the trees on the roadside. The KRDCL paid the amount only three months back and now we have to fell as many as 2,000 trees for forest clearance,” he said.

Attributing another reason for the slow progress of work, on the land acquisition problem, he said the public have approached the court with regard to the land acquisition and so we are not in a position to touch the road stretching for about 35 km, until the case is solved in the court.

He also said that the Supreme Court’s ban order on gravel crushing has led to the shortage of gravels required for the road construction.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, KRDCL Assistant Executive Engineer Manjunath informed that the initial hiccups will be solved in the days to come. “We have asked the contractors to complete the work on time,” he said.

However, the general public in Sullia are worried over the mess that has been created in their region. “Didn’t the KRDCL know about the problems when they called for tender three years back? Why did they order the contractors to start the work without acquiring the land and receiving permission from the Forest Department?” questions Sullia Chamber of Commerce President M B Sadashiva.

Spices processing unit may come up in Kodagu
DHNS (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/149113/spices-processing-unit-may-come.html)

The government will make an effort to set up spices processing unit at Kodagu this year and will provide all the financial assistance for it, said Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa.

Speaking at an interaction with the organic farmers at Kambibane on Saturday, he directed the Deputy Commissioner to submit a report on the same.

Somwarpet organic farmer Muddaiah said “the title deed says that children are the heir to the property after the death of the owner. However, as it does not mention the division of the property among children, they find it difficult to get financial assistance from the banks.”

Replying to it, Chief Minister said: “I have proposed the same question in the budget. The government will find a solution at the earliest.”

He assured to recommend the Ponnampet Agriculture Research Centre to conserve varieties of paddy seeds and added that the State government will urge the Centre to include agriculture under MGNREGS.

Madikeri taluk’s Shivakmar said that the state has banned endosulfan. However, it was available in the market. To which, Yeddyurappa said that the Deputy Commissioners should initiate measure to check the sale of endosulfan. Strict action must be initiated against the culprits. Even the Prime Minister has been urged to take measure against endosulfan.

He said measures will be taken to set up ‘Yuva krishi balaga’ in high schools and colleges at the earliest. “I will write to the education department to provide training in agriculture to high school and college students during the harvesting period. Diploma in agriculture will be started and the government aims at training 4,000 persons in a year. The government is planning to provide the trainers with a stipend of Rs 1,000.”

Suvarna Bhoomi

A woman in the interaction urged the CM to extend Suvarna Bhoomi scheme to all the farmers. The CM said in alighter tone that the Union government has not given the permission to print currency. He said “the project will benefit 10 lakh small and marginal farmers. The decision to extend the scheme to all the farmers will be decided by looking into the financial status of the government.”

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DHNS

FOUNDATION FOR APPAIAH GOWDA MONUMENT LAID
shakthidaily (http://www.shakthidaily.com/2011/Mar/26.html)

Speaker K.G.Bopaiah laid foundation stone for freedom fighter Appaiah Gowda’s monument here yesterday.

Addressing the gathering, Bopaiah said that the monument with a statue at a cost of rupees fifteen lakhs will come up shortly.

MLA Appachu Ranjan told that a park will also be designed in the area.

Superintendent of police Manjunath Annigeri, Deputy Commissioner Ashwathnarayana Gowda and others were present.

Road Repair Works in Napoklu / ರಸ್ತೆ ಕಾಮಗಾರಿಗೆ ಚಾಲನೆ
Prajavani (http://www.prajavani.net/web/include/story.php?news=11202&section=121&menuid=10)

ನಾಪೋಕ್ಲು: ಕುಂದೇರಿರ ಕುಟುಂಬದ ರಸ್ತೆ ಡಾಂಬರೀಕರ ಣಕ್ಕೆ ಗುರುವಾರ ವಿಧಾನಸಭಾಧ್ಯಕ್ಷ ಕೆ.ಜಿ.ಬೋಪಯ್ಯ ಭೂಮಿ ಪೂಜೆ ನೆರವೇರಿಸುವುದರ ಮೂಲಕ ಚಾಲನೆ ನೀಡಿದರು. ನಂತರ ಮಾತನಾಡಿದ ಅವರು, ರಾಜ್ಯ ಸರ್ಕಾರವು ರಸ್ತೆ ಅಭಿವೃದ್ದಿಗೆ ತಕ್ಕಷ್ಟು ಕ್ರಮ ಕೈಗೊಂಡಿದ್ದು, ಗ್ರಾಮೀಣ ರಸ್ತೆ ನಿರ್ಮಿಸುವ ಸಂದರ್ಭದಲ್ಲಿ ರಸ್ತೆ ಅಗಲೀಕರಣಕ್ಕೆ ಜನರ ಸಹಕಾರ ಅಗತ್ಯವಿದೆ ಎಂದರು.

ಚರಂಡಿಗಳ ನಿರ್ಮಾಣ ಸೇರಿದಂತೆ ವಿವಿಧ ಕಾಮಗಾರಿ ಕೈಗೊಳ್ಳುವ ಸಂದರ್ಭ ಸಾರ್ವಜನಿಕರು ತಡೆಯೊಡ್ಡದೆ ಅಭಿವೃದ್ದಿಗೆ ಸಹಕರಿಸುವಂತೆ ಮನವಿ ಮಾಡಿದರು.
ಜಿ.ಪಂ ಮಾಜಿ ಸದಸ್ಯ ಮನುಮುತ್ತಪ್ಪ ಮಾತನಾಡಿ, ಸರ್ಕಾರವು ಕೈಗೊಂಡಿರುವ ಯೋಜನೆಗಳನ್ನು ಸಕಾಲದಲ್ಲಿ ಕಾರ್ಯಗತಗೊಳಿಸುತ್ತಿದೆ ಎಂದರು. ಜಿ.ಪಂ ಅಧ್ಯಕ್ಷ ಶಾಂತೆಯಂಡ ರವಿಕುಶಾಲಪ್ಪ, ಜಿ.ಪಂ ಸದಸ್ಯರಾದ ಬೊಳ್ಳಮ್ಮನಾಣಯ್ಯ, ಅಲ್ಲಾರಂಡ ಬೀನಾ ಬೊಳ್ಳಮ್ಮ, ಗ್ರಾ.ಪಂ ಸದಸ್ಯ ಅರುಣ್ ಬೇಬ, ಮತ್ತಿತರರು ಉಪಸ್ಥಿತರಿದ್ದರು. ಹಿರಿಯರಾದ ಕುಂದೇರಿರ ರಾಜು ದೇವಯ್ಯ ಸ್ವಾಗತಿಸಿ ವಂದಿಸಿದರು.

ANOTHER ISLAND TO BE DEVELOPED
shakthidaily (http://www.shakthidaily.com/2011/Mar/27.html)

The district in charge minister Vijayashankar has said that an island adjacent to Cauvery Nisargadama would be developed through tourism department and the extension of Nisargadama would be enlarged.

Talking to scribes here, Vijayashankar said that rupees four crore would be allotted to Cauvery nisargadama within a fortnight to develop it further.

The minister said that a high level meeting would be held at Bangalore next week to discuss various projects to kodagu. Rupees five crore drinking project to kodagu will also be tabled in the meeting and implemented to end drinking water problem, he said. Zilla Panchayath president ravi Kushalappa, who was present with the minister said that the proposal is ready to be tabled.

The minister said that the government has given green signal to capture two rogue elephants in the district. But, they have entered nagarahole national Park, he informed. A proposal of rupees 140 crores to solve elephant menace in the district is before the government, he said.

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Madikeri, March 28, DHNS :

The Mangalore University Syndicate has agreed to provide financial assistance of Rs 70 lakh to develop Field Marshal K M Cariappa College building, hostel and other development works, said Mangalore University Vice-Chancellor Prof T C Shivashankaramurthy.

Speaking at the 62nd annual day celebrations of FMC College here on Monday, he said Rs 25 lakh has been given to purchase computers in the college.

The state government has earmarked Rs 5 crore for the PG centre at Chikkaluvara near Kushalnagar. Few Post Graduation courses will be started in the coming academic year, he added.

Assembly Speaker K G Bopaiah said “students have a greater responsibility in today’s world. The students should make use of the available facilities.”
He called upon the students not to waste time and give emphasis to studies.

“Getting degree is not enough. The students should go for higher studies for a brighter future,” he added. Stating that the government has been giving emphasis to primary and higher education, Bopaiah said students should discontinue from their studies. The government is giving free education for girl children till she completes degree.

Mangalore University Registrar Dr K Chinnappa Gowda said “annual day is not for just celebration. It is also a day for introspection on whether we have discharged our duties efficiently.

Kodava Sahithya Academy handed over a cheque of Rs 5 lakh towards Kodava Cultural Study Centre of Mangalore University to the Vice-Chancellor.
Alia Firdosh who had secured 11th rank in BBM examination was felicitated on the occasion.

‘Kodagu pranthyadalli kandu baruva jathigalu haagu budakattu janangagala vrithantha samhithe’ brought out by the Kodava Cultural Study Centre was released on the occasion.

FMC College Principal Dr Pushpa Kuttanna welcomed the gathering.

DHNS (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/149595/fmc-college-get-rs-70.html)

VIRAJPT TP COMPLETES WORKS WORTH RUPEES 5.61 CRORE
shakthidaily (http://www.shakthidaily.com/2011/Mar/31.html)

The Virajpet Town Panchayath has completed various development works ata cost of rupees 5.61 crores, according to the chief officer nagaratna.

Addressing a press conference at Virajpet, Nagaratna told that the works were completed at a stretch of three years. Rupees 1.94 crore was spent during 2008 – 09 on roads, lake four community halls and drainage.

Rupees 145.89 lakhs was spent during 2009 – 10 drinking water project, development of a cremation ground and retaining wall for dumping garbage.

Rupees 126 lakh was spent on community halls, roads and retaining walls during 2010 – 11. She said that the government funding was also taken for the purpose.

The junior engineer Puttuswamy, present in the press conference told that a water tank at a cost of rupees fifty lakhs is being built in the town and it is nearing completion.

60 lakh for hanging bridge at Kanive near Kushalnagar
DHNS (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/150958/60-lakh-hanging-bridge-kanive.html)

Malnad Area Development Board has sanctioned Rs 60 lakh for the construction of hanging bridge across river Cauvery at Ramaswamy Kanive near Kushalnagar.

The hanging bridge will provide connectivity to Doddakamaravalli, Mantikoppalu, Shyanubhoganahalli and surrounding areas. The residents of Doddakamaravalli, Mantikoppalu, Shyanubhoganahalli find it difficult to cross the river in traditional boat during the monsoon.

During monsoon, they have to travel via Kushalanagar-Avarthi route to reach their villages.
The hanging bridge is being designed by Bharadwaj of Sullia.

The work on the construction of hanging bridge will be flagged off on April 10 at 11 am, Kanive Ramalingeshwara temple committee President E S Ganesh told Deccan Herald.

Secretary T N Sheshachal said that with the construction of hanging bridge, Kanive Ramalingeshwara Kshethra will attract a large number of visitors. The residents of the region had been submitting memorandum to the government demanding a hanging bridge for the last several years.

Kodagu gets Rs` 30 lakh for drinking water
DHNS (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/151124/kodagu-gets-rs-30-lakh.html)

The State government has released a sum of Rs 30 lakh for solving drinking water problem in Kodagu district. The two assembly constituencies will get Rs 15 lakh each.

The State government has given the direction to take measure to solve drinking water woes in the district and dig borewells only in case of emergency. There is scope for rejuvenating borewells which have become defunct, said Zill Panchayat officer to Deccan Herald. The work will be undertaken on priority basis after discussing in the Taluk Task Force.

The shortage of drinking water is not aggravated in several places. Hence, the works will be undertaken on priority basis during summer, said the official.

MGNREGS

Works worth Rs 28.50 crore has been undertaken in Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee scheme during 2010-11. Last year, a sum of Rs 14 crore has been utilised. In the meantime, the Zilla Panchayat has sent a proposal to the State government to release Rs 6 crore.

The 3 Gram Panchayats have been asked to include the ongoing works during 2010-11 to the action plan of 2011-12. The Kodagu Zilla Panchayat has already given its nod for 20 crore labour budget for 2011-12.

RAJASEAT ROAD WILL GET A FACE LIFT
Source (http://www.shakthidaily.com/2011/Apr/04.html)

Madikeri April 3: The Raja seat road joining the old race course road will ultimately get a face lift from 5th onwards. This is the road joining college road, convent junction, the famous resorts including Mahindra, golf grounds,, the Galibeedu village and other places. The vehicle could not move in the main road due to dilapidated conditions. The pot holes are every where and could not be avoided. The tourists also travel in this road to reach the famous garden Raja seat.

When this correspondent met the City municipal council president H.M.Nanadakumar to know about the status of the plan for repairs as already the auto drivers association had warned protest if the road is not repaired immediately, the president clarified that the road work will be taken from 5th of April and will be completed within a week’s time. He told that the road is belong to PWD and they have still not handed over to CMC irrespective of mutual discussions, However in the interest of the citizens, the CMC has taken a decision to repair the road using some other funds. The repair requires Rs. 75 lakh and the president told that the CMC will spend this amount considering the development of Madikeri town.

Meanwhile Rs. 2 crore tender has been finalized for the construction of concrete road from Madikeri “Pete Ramamandira’ to convent junction which has become worst now for traffic. Immediately after the raja seat road is repaired this concrete road work will be commenced to enable the alternate traffic system through raja seat road-Nandakumar revealed.

The dryness in all the water sources for the supply of drinking water to Madikeri town people is already visible. The main Kootuhole source is also drying up. If the worst condition arises, the drinking water will be supplied through tankers-president

Nandakumar assured.

CMC commissioner Shashikumar, state BJP executive member Sunil Subramani were present during interview with the president.

Kodagu Railway & Mini Vidhana Soudha Developments
Shakthidaily (http://www.shakthidaily.com/2011/Apr/06.html)

Bopaiah referred to the opposition found in Kodagu for railway line and said that they should not oppose the idea as it is going to benefit the people.

Addressing the gathering, MP Vishwanath informed that a high level meeting to discuss about the railway line to Kodagu would be held after 9th in the presence of central railway minister in new delhi. He appealed to people not to oppose the proposal. he regretted that Kodagu was not earmarked in the railway sketch between 1966 – 81 survey..

Meanwhile Vishwanath urged the government to give a ministry to the three times MLA Appachu ranjan. He said that he is supporting him even though Appachu ranjan belongs to BJP, his interest is to develop the district.

MLC T.John spoke on the occasion and said that a ‘mini vidhana soudha’ is a must for Madikeri. He regretted that many developmental works in the district are pending.

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Raja Seat garden to be more attractive
TOI (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mysore/Raja-Seat-garden-to-be-more-attractive/articleshow/7965491.cms)

MADIKERI: Raja Seat, the popular tourist spot here, is set for expansion with the Raja Seat maintenance committee sending a proposal to the government to acquire five more acres for this purpose.

The Raja Seat, which encompasses a beautiful garden, last year fetched Rs 17 lakh through entrance fee from visitors. The entrance fee is Rs 5 per head.

Raja Seat maintenance committee officer in charge and the horticulture centre headquarter's assistant, Ravi said, the tourism department has sanctioned Rs 138 lakh for the area's overall development and the work will begin as soon as land is acquired. At present, the committee maintains the children's train and musical fountain in the garden. However, the tourist spot is facing water scarcity and the management is unable to maintain the garden well. There is a proposal to dig a borewell to augment the water, said Ravi.

The development plan includes erecting attractive gates and providing a retaining wall surrounding the toy-train track, construction of a poly house and providing watch towers for visitors.

Ravi said a flower show will be arranged in May and about 6,000 flower pots are being prepared for the exhibition in the garden.

Rs. 1,527 cr credit plan launched in Kodagu
Madikeri, Apr 11, DHNS:

The district credit plan of Kodagu district with an outlay of Rs 1,527 crore for the year 2011-12 was launched by the Deputy Commissioner K H Ashwathanarayana Gowda here on Monday. Compared to last year, there has been 16 per cent increase in the outlay.

Speaking on the occasion, he said the state and the central governments have been giving emphasis to agriculture. The district lead bank too has given priority to the agriculture. He said “there is not much scope for huge industries in the district. However, small industries based on coffee can be set up in the region. In this background, the public can make use of the funds for the setting up of small industries.”

The priority sector credit with an outlay of Rs 1,327 crore constitutes 90 per cent of the plan.

Out of total priority sector, agriculture sector gets a share of Rs 827 crore, horticulture crops will get a sum of Rs 114 crore, 43 crore for irrigation and 74 crore for land development and mechanisation. The amount of allocation for small industries is Rs 21 crore.

In the credit plan, Madikeri taluk will get Rs 533 crore, Virajpet taluk—596 crore and Somwarpet taluk—398 crore.

Lead Bank Manager R Vasudevan said about 90 per cent progress has been achieved in 2010-11 credit plan by March end. The programme was presided by Zilla Panchayat CEO N Krishnappa.

MEGA DRINKING WATER PROJECT TAKES SHAPE
Madikeri April 13, 2011 shakthidaily (http://www.shakthidaily.com/2011/Apr/13.html)

Mega ‘Kunda Maistry’ drinking water project at Madikeri has begun.

Initiated by the speaker K.G.Bopaiah, the rupees thirty crores project has taken shape and is bringing hope in the thirsty hearts of the town.

Kunda Maistry is a river situated about 12.7 kilometers from Madikeri. The government has released rupees ten crores supply drinking from the river to Madikeri which faces acute water problem during summer.

The project is undertaken by the urban water supply and drainage board. Sai Sudhir infrastructure development organization has taken the contract to erect underground pipes for the water supply and the huge pipes have already arrived. Assistant director of the board, S.S.Rajgopal has said that a dam will be built near the Kunda Maistry River and survey work is going on.

Citizens of Madikeri have already begun to experience drinking water shortage. Water is being supplied once in two days and even if it goes in this phase, the existing water in the storage will last only for another twenty days. Things will be all right only if it rains in between. However the City Municipal Council is also gearing up for supplying water at interval in tankers to certain areas.

ROAD WORK THUDDING TO HALT
Source (http://www.shakthidaily.com/2011/Apr/22.html)

Much against the promises and statements, The Madikeri Mangalore high way work would be halted with the contractors taking monsoon as an excuse.

The highway work begun by blocking Mangalore Madikeri road causing high nuisance and inconvenience to people and travelers. The contractors and peoples representatives had repeatedly promised to complete the road work by the end of May to ease the badly hit traffic. Heavy vehicles and private vehicles are taking long routes to reach Madikeri and Mangalore due to the repair work.

The divisional engineer of KRDCL, Manjunath told this correspondent due to rainfall.Earlier when the work begun during December 2010, he had promised to complete the 28 KM long road by April end. To the shock and dismay of public, only about 18 kilometers of road is complete with no finishing touches. The remaining nine kilometers from Devarakolli area is terribly slushy and dangerous. Vehicles trying to pass through would skid and face danger. Even the busses and Lorries pose life threat as the dug road is full of dust, slush and stones.

The KRDCL has become lethargic that it did not finish the repair work, bus shelter and painting the road much against the promise between Kushalnagar – Madikeri also. This road, upto the entrance of madikeri was complete long ago and the roads developed cracks and pot holes immediately. The officials and the peoples representatives are not bothered to question the company and make them work according to the contract they had signed. Though the contract was signed for rupees 101 crores, the company had demanded rupees 28 crore more during last month. People tried to gather information through RTA and they were told that it is not possible to give details.

It is high time that the people’s representatives interfere and get the work immediately done.

Mild tremors in Madikeri
DHNS (http://www.deccanherald.com/contents/71/state.html)

People in some localities here today experienced mild tremors measuring 1.9 on the Richter scale, official sources said here.

The tremors felt around 10.55 am lasted about ten seconds forcing people to rush out of their houses and offices, but no damage has been reported, sources said.

The Deputy commissioner Ashwath Narayan Gowda told PTI that he and his staff experienced tremors.

Flower show in Raja Seat on May 6
DHNS
(http://www.deccanherald.com/content/156888/flower-show-raja-seat-may.html)
The horticulture department will organise flower show at Raja Seat on May 6, 7 and 8. District-in-Charge Minister C H Vijayashankar will inaugurate the flower show.

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Assembly Speaker K G Bopaiah, MLA M P Appachu Ranjan, MLCs M C Nanaiah, T John, Zilla Panchayat President Ravi Kushalappa will be invited as guest.

The flowers grown in more than 6,000 to 7,000 pots will be exhibited during the flower show. About eight varieties flowering plants were brought from Pune, said Horticulture department Deputy Director J Shivamurthy.

As many as 50 stalls will be set up at Gandhi Maidan. Fruits, flowers and vegetables grown by the farmers will be exhibited.

Flower rangoli competition will be organised. The winners of the competition will be given prizes during the valedictory of the flower show.

POWER GENERATION FROM MALLALLI WATER FALLS
Shakthidaily (http://www.shakthidaily.com/2011/Apr/27.html)

MLA Appachu Ranjan has announced that there is a proposal to geberate power from mallalli waterfalls at Somwarpet taluk.

Ranjan was addressing the gathering after inaugurating electrification to villages yesterday at Bettadalli Gram Panchayath. He called upon the people to teach a lesson to fake environmentalists who are opposing power projects in the district.

Ranjan inaugurated power connection to cluster of backward villages like Bettadalli, Heggademane, Bidalli, Kottanalli, Kutagana, nadnalli. About 350 houses were lit yesterday as a result of the new project.

Traffic curbs on Madikeri-Sampaje road extended till May 31
Hindu (http://www.hindu.com/2011/04/29/stories/2011042960780300.htm)

Mysore: Restrictions on the movement of vehicles on the Madikeri-Sampaje road (part of the Mysore-Madikeri-Mani project), which is being widened, have been extended till May 31, according to a press release. The work began in December last and was scheduled to be completed by April 30.

A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting held in Madikeri on Thursday. The meeting was chaired by Kodagu Deputy Commissioner K.H. Ashwatha Narayana Gowda. Mr. Gowda asked the officials of Karnataka Road Development Corporation Limited (KRDCL), which is executing the work, to complete the project on time with emphasis on quality.

The work is on from Bhagamandala I Cross on Madikeri road to Sampaje, bordering Dakshina Kannada district. Mr. Gowda asked the KRDCL officials to expedite the work on the road in Madikeri from near Aranya Bhavan to Bhagamandala I Cross.

Executive Engineer of KRDCL K.M. Shiva Kumar said that the instructions of the Deputy Commissioner would be followed and steps taken to complete the project on time. Electricity, telephone, and drinking water supply lines would be restored along the road during the period, he said. The work got affected owing to rain for 16 days from March 25, Mr. Kumar said. He sought the cooperation of the elected representatives, district administration and the general public to complete the work.

Members of the Sampaje gram panchayat urged the official to complete the culvert work along the stretch and restore drinking water supply at the earliest.

Agreeing to the extension of work by a month, they said the KSRTC should plan well to run good buses on the route now and also after the completion of the project.

KSRTC Depot Manager Lachme Gowda said that eight buses were being run on the route now and engaging more buses could hinder the speedy completion of the project.

Superintendent of Police Manjunath Annigeri suggested certain points to the official to improve the bus service on the route.

Additional Deputy Commissioner K.M. Chandre Gowda asked the KSRTC official to ply good buses.

Executive Engineer of the Public Works Department Ravi Kumar, Executive Engineer of the Panchayat Raj wing Keshavamurthy and RTO Habibulla Khan were present.

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RUPEES 2.79 CRORES FOR TEMPLES
Shakthidaily (Shakthidaily.com)

A communiqué from Speaker K.G.Bopaiah’s office said that rupees 2.79 crores was released to develop temples in Kodagu.

Personel secretaries to Boapaih, Mallanda Madhu devaiah and T.S.Rajgopal have said in the communiqué that about 134 temples in the district will get the fund. Beautifying and repair works of the temples will be carried out by utilizing the amount. The list of temples will be released shortly, they have said.

Madikeri

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cc Vikas B K (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vikasbk/)

CONDITIOJN OF NEW CONCRETE ROAD!
Shakthidaily (http://www.shakthidaily.com/2011/May/15.html)


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Madikeri May 15: Recently Concrete road is built using Chief Ministers special grant at private bus stand, Somwarpet. The work is unscientific and one or the other vehicle here will twirl down in huge trench like gap found in the surrounding place. .Private vehicles also move in the bus stand area and due to the parking of private buses, the other light vehicles have to move to sides to give way to opposite vehicles. Every day, the vehicles move in congestion and fear of skidding to sides.

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Omkareshwara Temple, Coorg

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copyrights:- Saurabh C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/krsaurabh/)

Madikeri Fort, Coorg

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copyrights:- Saurabh C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/krsaurabh/)

Museum (Church), Madikeri

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copyrights:- Saurabh C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/krsaurabh/)

Bhagamandala Temple, Coorg

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copyrights:- Saurabh C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/krsaurabh/)

Birth Place of Cauvery River, Talacauvery, Coorg

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copyrights:- Saurabh C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/krsaurabh/)

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MADIKERI SAMPAJE TRAFFIC TO RESUME FROM JUNE 1
shakthidaily
(http://www.shakthidaily.com/2011/May/27.html)
The high way traffic between Madikeri and Sampaje, connecting Mangalore will resume from June first according to officials.

The KRDCL Executive Engineer Shivakumar told this correspondent that the road widening work is almost over, except 200 meters near Sampaje.

He said that while the 138. 5 kilometer road work from Mysore to Sampaje is over, another 72 kilometers till Mani will be taken up in the next stage.

http://www.deccanheraldepaper.com/pdf/2011/05/29/20110529q_002100003.jpg

Kodagu RTO earns ` 20.5 cr revenue
DHNS: (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/165471/kodagu-rto-earns-205-cr.html)

As many as 89,130 vehicles have been registered in district till March

The Kodagu district RTO has earned a revenue of Rs 20.50 crore during 2010-11. The target was to raise Rs 17.50 crore. However, the RTO surpassed the target and achieved 118 per cent success in the revenue collection. The target for 2011-12 is Rs 21 crore.

In 2009-10, the target was to collet Rs 15.83 crore, and the RTO had collected Rs 15.72 crore, thus achieving 99 per cent success in revenue collection.

The population of Kodagu is 5.50 lakh and as many as 89,130 vehicles have been registered in the district till March. As many as 6,243 vehicles have been registered last year alone. Of which, the registration of cars and two-wheelers is more. In 2009-10, as many as 5,436 vehicles were registered. Of which, 2,846 are motor cycles, 1,538 are cars, 32 are autorickshaws, 56 mobile cabs, 205 omni bus, 36 maxi babs. seven buses, 395 transport vehicles and 381 other vehicles.

Similarly, in 2010-11, as many as 2507 two-wheelers, 1959 cars, 449 autorickshaws, 113 mobile cabs, 219 omni bus, 34 maxi cabs, 4 buses, 531 transport vehicles, 427 other vehicles. A total of 6,243 vehicles have been registered.

By March end, a total of 38,955 two-wheelers, 20,164 cars, 5,387 autorickshaws, 627 mobile cabs, 3,429 mini buses, 362 maxi cabs, 213 buses, 3,658 transport vehicles and 16,290 other vehicles have been registered in the district.

Shortage of staff

The sanctioned posts to Kodagu RTO is 36. Of which, 6 posts are lying vacant. Vehicle inspectors posts are also lying vacant.

The total sanctioned post is 4. Of which, the district has only one inspector. The shortage of staff is delaying the work like issue of licenses, vehicle inspection, accident vehicle inspection, etc.

Smart cards

The Transport department is issuing smart cards which includes driving license and RC since November 2009. A total of 23,375 driving licenses and 5,828 RCs have been distributed through smart cards, said RTO M Habibulla Khan.

As many as 658 cases have been registered in the district for violating Motor Vehicle Act last year. As many as 199 vehicles have been seized. A sum of Rs 48.20 lakh has been collected as fine from the offenders.

Help desk

To avoid middlemen and to help public, a help desk has been started at RTO office. A PRO too has been appointed.

Madikeri - Sampaje road opens for traffic
Sullia,June1,DHNS: (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/165746/madikeri-sampaje-road-opens-traffic.html)

Amidst incomplete works, the Madikeri-Sampaje road has been opened for traffic on Wednesday.

http://www.deccanherald.com/images/editor_images1/2011/06/01/road-250.jpg

Kodagu Deputy Commissioner had banned the movement on 28 kms of road to facilitate the development works from January 1 to April 30.

However, the road works were stopped between April 11 and 20 owing to untimely rains in the region. Hence, movement of vehicles were banned till May 31 and was directed to complete the work. However, owing to the shortage of gravels (jalli), the work on the road could not be carried out in an expected speed. Of the 28 kms, only 18 km road work has been completed from Madikeri to Devarakolli. The reamining 10 kms stretch is yet to be completed. As the remaining 10 kms road does not come under ghat section, there is no need to ban the movement of road, said Karnataka Road Development Corporation Ltd (KRDCL) engineer. With the ban on the movement of vehicles, the people from coastal districts were finding it diffiult to reach Kodagu or Mysore.

To go to Mysore, one had to go to Sampaje in one bus, then take another mini-bus to Madikeri and then yet another bus to reach Mysore, which was posing severe inconvenience to the commuters.

KSRTC KODAGU UNDER PUTTUR DEPOT
Shakthidaily (http://www.shakthidaily.com/2011/Jun/02.html)

The Karnataka state Road Transport Corporation, Kodagu division is merged to Puttur division and the administration will be controlled from there.

According to sources, the Depot which was under the control of Mysore Rural division office so far is shifted to Puttur. Over 130 busses from Madikeri depot ply in 113 routes daily and the depot was not making any progress so far and the change is affected for this reason.

http://img801.imageshack.us/img801/7972/unleddp.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/801/unleddp.jpg/)

Source:- DHNS

Road that leads to Talakaveri from Madikeri

http://madikeri.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/on-the-way-to-talakaveri.jpg


Talakaveri Shrine

http://madikeri.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/talakaveri-shrine.jpg

Source (http://madikeri.org/category/more-on-coorg)

View Point near Bhagamandala on the way to Talakaveri

http://madikeri.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/view-point-near-bhagamandala.jpg


View from Bhagamantala, near Talakaveri

http://madikeri.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/valley-view-bagamandala.jpg

Source (http://madikeri.org/bhagamandala)

Omkareshwar Temple, located in Madikeri Town

http://madikeri.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/omkareshwar-temple.jpg


The temple tank in front of the Omkareshwara temple, Madikeri

http://madikeri.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/omkareshwar-temple-pond.jpg

Source (http://madikeri.org/omkareshwara-temple)

Raja's Seat at Madikeri, Coorg

http://madikeri.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/madikeri-raja-seat.jpg


Part at Rajs's Seat

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Source (http://madikeri.org/rajas-seat)

Road map of Kodagu (Coorg)

http://madikeri.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/coorg-map.png

Source (http://madikeri.org/valnoor)

Road that connects Mysore with Kodagu (Coorg)

http://madikeri.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Mysore-Hunsur-Road.jpg


http://madikeri.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Mysore-to-Hunsur.jpg

Source (http://madikeri.org/bangalore-to-coorg)

Bangalore to Kodagu (Coorg) Road map

http://madikeri.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/bangalore-coorg-roadmap.png

Source (http://madikeri.org/bangalore-to-coorg)

http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/3796/unled1vb.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/151/unled1vb.jpg/)

Inaugural of Raja Seat to Field Marshal Cariappa Collage Road


Source:- Andolana Daily

http://www.deccanheraldepaper.com/pdf/2011/06/12/20110612q_002100003.jpg

http://www.deccanheraldepaper.com/pdf/2011/06/12/20110612q_002100008.jpg

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/3608/60791555.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/10/60791555.jpg/)

Poly Clinic for ex-service men in Virajpet


© Andolana

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/5950/62480592.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/8/62480592.jpg/)

Government to develop 137 temples @ 2.79 cores in the district


© Andolana

It would be constructed at an estimated cost of `17.85 cr

Madikeri pvt bus stand work to begin in October
Madikeri, June 17, DHNS
http://www.deccanherald.com/images/editor_images1/2011/06/17/bus.jpg
The much hyped construction work of hi-tech private bus stand of Madikeri is expected to start in the month of October or November. The construction work is estimated at Rs 17.85 crore.

There was a big demand for the expansion of private bus stand in Madikeri owing to the inconveniences caused in the present congest bus stand. The CMC had decided to construct the private bus stand in three acres of area belonging to Agricultural University in Race Course Road. The talks were on to build the bus stand based on Kannur bus stand model in Kerala. In fact, the land transferring process too had started. But with a private individual filing a writ petition in the High Court questioning the land handing over process and the High Court ordering against the CMC, the attempt failed.

With it, the district administration took action to acquire land for the purpose and the process has reached the final stage now. The blue print for the construction of bus stand too has been already prepared. Basanth Consultancy from Bangalore has prepared the blue print. As per the blue print, the bus stand will have enough space to shelter 23 buses at a time. A sum of Rs 2 crore will be spent on it. On the other side, shopping complex with about 10-15 shops will be built at a cost of Rs 1.65 crore. There is also a plan to build Community Centre in Madikeri at a cost of Rs 2.50 crore.

A sum of Rs 4.25 crore has been fixed for constructing star hotel and restaurants in the bus stand. An auto rickshaw stand too will be built near the bus stand.

The district administration has decided to implement the project on public-private partnership model. CMC President Nandakumar informed that the bus stand will be given to the private hands to look after it for next 30 years and then it will be handed over to the CMC. The land acquisition work will be completed within few days. Tender will be called in October or November and the work will be started soon after, he explained.

DHNS (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/169634/madikeri-pvt-bus-stand-work.html)

http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/9861/20110619ad005100011.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/18/20110619ad005100011.jpg/)

© DHNS

http://www.deccanheraldepaper.com/pdf/2011/06/19/20110619q_002100004.jpg

In 40 yrs, Kodagu stripped of forests (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/BJP-MLAs-to-be-disciplined-in-class/articleshow/8898248.cms)
Manu Aiyappa, TNN Jun 18, 2011, 08.39am IST

BRAHMAGIRI (Kodagu): From 86 to 16 -- that's the percentage of green cover Kodagu lost over the past four decades due to unabated illegal timber smuggling and development initiatives by the government and locals.

"Kodagu, which had about 86% of its land under forest cover in the late 1970s, now has a mere 16%. This includes about 40% which has been converted into coffee estates. If things continue in this way, we may end up with no forest in Kodagu by 2025,'' said K M Chinnappa, chairman of Wildlife First, a state-level NGO fighting for environment and wildlife.

He maintained that Unesco's World Heritage tag is needed to save Kodagu's precious forests. ``I am not saying the district will get back its 86% green cover the moment it is bestowed with the heritage tag. But at least it will put a stop to further destruction,'' said Chinnappa, who was with the state forest department for 26 years, before taking voluntary retirement.

Data from various sources collected by NGOs states that dense forests extend to more than 4,102 sqkm and reserved forests to 830 sqkm. The trend shows a net loss of more than 20-26 sqkm every year in greenery.

Environmentalists point out that illegal timber lobbies are active in the region - both from Karnataka and Kerala. They said that despite continuous media reports about the illegal timber trade in nexus with forest officials, there has been little impact. ``It is time the authorities wake up and make their stand clear. The depleting forest cover has led to the extinction of many rare animal species and destroyed the habitats of wild animals,'' said environmentalist Ravi Chengappa, principal convener of Cauvery Sene.

It's not that the locals here are not conscious about conservation and environment, but illegal felling of forests continues. Coffee planter C K Ganapathy, residing near Srimanagala forest range close to Brahamagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, said trucks loaded with illegal timber ply frequently from forests in Kodagu but are rarely seized by forest authorities. He pointed out that the issue of Transit Permits (TP), flouting the laws of the district, is one of the reasons for the high rate of timber smuggling.

Going Bald

In 1970s, 86% of Kodagu was forest cover

40% of this land was converted into coffee estates

Development, projects shaved off green cover to 16%

Trend shows annual net loss of 20-26 sqkm

http://www.deccanheraldepaper.com/pdf/2011/06/20/20110620q_002100004.jpg

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RS. 25 LAKH FOR KODAVA HOCKEY

Madikeri June 19: The state Govt. has released Rs. 25 lakh as per the assurance given to the recently conducted Kodava hockey in Ponnampet by Machamada family. Chief minister B.S.Yediyurappa had earlier assured the amount for the games to a delegation led by M.L.A Appachu Ranjan.The promised amount was handed over by the Virajpet M.L.A and the speaker K.G.Bopaiah to Kanda Bheemaiah,M.B.Jagan Nanaiah and M.B.Ravikumar of the hockey organizing committee through a cheque at Bangalore recently.

© Shakthidaily

shifting of the Kodagu district administration offices to the proposed new building

Madikeri June 19: The pending file was cleared by Chief Minister B.S.yediyurappa enabling the shifting of the Kodagu district administration offices to the proposed new building from the present Madikeri historical fort premises. The file pending was the proposal to close the Govt. workshop which has become defunct and all the revenue offices including the deputy commissioner’s office will be shifted to the proposed new building to be constructed at the workshop site. The Govt. has ordered for auctioning the lying

Machineries in the workshop site and also to depute 7 staff of workshop to district industries centre. The amount of Rs. 9 crore sanctioned by the Govt. for the construction of new building is kept by the housing board since 2 years which will be utilized now. The Madikeri historical fort will be protected as monument by the archaeological department after construction of the new building and the shifting of offices.

Photo: WORKSHOP SITE

http://www.shakthidaily.com/2011/Jun/19c.jpg

© Shakthidaily

http://www.deccanheraldepaper.com/pdf/2011/06/22/20110622a_006100006.jpg

© DHNS

http://img847.imageshack.us/img847/7641/yo134.jpg (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=419068)

‘ANNACHATRA’ AT TALACAUVERY

The in charge deputy commissioner chandregowda yesterday told that an ‘annachatra’ would be built at Bhagamandala for permanent distribution of ‘prasadam’ in the form of afternoon meals to pilgrims.
Chandregowda yesterday visited Bhagamandala and identified the lands for the purpose and said that a building will be constructed by utilizing the existing fund and raising from other sources.
Even though ‘annadan’ is going on at Bhagamandala at present, there is no proper building for serving. Temple manger Sampathkumar and Swamy Ananda Teertha were present.


© Shakthidaily (http://www.shakthidaily.com/2011/Jun/23.html)

http://img847.imageshack.us/img847/7641/yo134.jpg (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=419068)

Kerala pushes for power line through Kodagu (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/Kerala-pushes-for-power-line-through-Kodagu/articleshow/8969367.cms)
TNN | Jun 24, 2011, 04.37am IST
BANGALORE: Kerala has stepped up pressure on Karnataka to expedite a 400KV power transmission line from Kozhikode to Mysore through private land and forests in Kodagu.

Union minister of state for power K C Venugopal from Kerala met chief minister B S Yeddyurappa on Thursday to apprise him about the transmission line being set up by Power Grid Corporation of India. "The power line is one of the most important projects not only for Kerala and Karnatala but for the entire South, and needs to be implemented at the earliest," Venugopal said after the meeting.

The CM reciprocated saying he will try to make way for the project by holding meetings with locals, Venugopal said.

People of Kodagu had protested against the proposed high-tension power line claiming it would have an adverse impact on people and the environment. The Bandipur-Nagarahole-Kerala line planned earlier was re-routed via Kodagu to avoid extra distance. The proposed lines would pass through several villages in Kodagu and Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary.
:bash:

http://www.deccanheraldepaper.com/pdf/2011/06/28/20110628aE006100009.jpg

©DHNS

http://img847.imageshack.us/img847/7641/yo134.jpg (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=419068)

HOUSES COLLAPSE, ZP CHIEF VISITS


The incessant rainfall at Madikeri and other places in Kodagu is causing more damage. Few houses around Madikeri suffered partial collapse and Shandy at Somwarpet was disrupted yesterday.

A landslide occurred at the back yard of one Raja and the back portion of his house got collapsed. Zilla Panchayath president Ravi Kushalappa and ZP member Bollamma visited the spot and assured to release rupees ten thousand out of the flood relief fund.

Roof and walls of the house belonging to one Roufal had collapsed at K.Nidugane and the president and tem visited the spot. They also went to the house of Areyanda Dechamma whose bath room and a main wall had collapsed. Reports of many more house collapse was being reported from all over Kodagu.

Shandy at Somwarpet was disrupted due to the rainfall and number of buyers was reduced due to heavy rainfall. Added to the inconvenience of the sellers, the market yard was filled with water, turning it into a lake. The sellers blamed Town Pachayath which was supposed to build Hi Tech market building. The TP had passed a resolution to complete the construction of Hi Tech market with in three months. But the works are pending even after six months, resulting in blocked drainages causing water stagnation.

The rainfall so far in the district was 35.47 inches. Last year till this day, it had rained 29.93 inches. Madikeri has received 46.29 inches and last year it was 28.81 inches. Somwarpet has received 21.76 inches so far and last year it was 14 inches. Virajpet received 38.37 inches of rainfall and it was 19.88 inches last year.

The Harangi reservoir recorded 2849.17 feet water against the maximum level of 2859 feet. The inflow is 4004 cusecs.

Meanwhile the Deputy Commissioner Chandregowda has instructed the DDPI to allow school heads to declare holiday as and when they feel it is proper during heavy rainfall.

http://www.shakthidaily.com/2011/Jun/28c.jpg

©Shakthidaily (http://www.shakthidaily.com/2011/Jun/28.html)

http://img847.imageshack.us/img847/7641/yo134.jpg (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=419068)

‘City of mist’ choked by dense traffic
Madikeri, July 3, DHNS: (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/173467/city-mist-choked-dense-traffic.html)

With the density of vehicles swelling, the roads are virtually seeming to shrink. Traffic blocks, vehicles blowing horns, impatient people trying to get out of the mess have now become common scenes in Madikeri city.

Junior College road and Senior College roads are the worst victims of traffic snarls. It is not only the drivers and riders even the pedestrians are feeling the pinch of traffic congestion.
Traffic block near Kaveri Mahal theatre junction to Daswala road junction is creating lot of problem to people. It takes about an hour to cross this stretch because of the block and because of vehicles parked on either sides of the road. People who have urgent work to complete have now stopped taking the Pooja Arcade road completely.

The local residents complain that despite the traffic jams becoming frequent the district administration has not opened its eyes to the situation. There are no traffic cops deputed on busy circles. Due to this the situation has gone from bad to worse.

Drivers say that it is advisable to divert traffic from Mans compound to Dasavala circle and lead to Chauk and prohibit parking of vehicles on Junior college road.

This should solve the traffic problem to a very large extent. Many of the drivers have already started following this route.

They say that though parking near Senior College road might seem inevitable from an outset, it is creating more problems than good. “Due to shortage of parking slot, people have to slow down their vehicles and search for areas to park.

Owing to this, vehicles which have to move ahead simply get blocked,” says a pedestrian adding that people who come in cars should abandon the habit of parking vehicle right before the place where they want to go.

Further district administration should bring in strict rules with regard to parking. Many are of the opinion that a traffic police must be deputed at every circle to solve the traffic problems at large.

VIRAJPET HOSPITAL UPGRADED

http://www.shakthidaily.com/2011/Jul/07a.jpg

Madikeri July 7: Virajpet Govt. civil hospital was upgraded with the installation of advanced high tech lab, useful for diagnosis of various diseases. This machine has the capacity to complete various tests of about 65 persons in an hour.

The computers will give results within 20 minutes. The maintenance was given for one year under contract to the expert person. This is the first of its kind in Kodagu district. An automatic washing machine is also provided to hospital by the state health department. The speaker and local M.L.A K.G. Bopaiah inaugurated the new technology and told that this type of high tech lab is also being commenced in 12 thaluk head quarters in Karnataka,.. The Virajpet hospital was facelifted with the facility 240 beds and other equipments recently in a project cost of Rs. 5 crores and the project is now completed with the installation of high tech lab.

Musical Fountain @ Raja Seat, Coorg

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©Vamsikrishna Ch@Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/60833852@N05/5652527621/in/photostream)

View from Raja's seat, Madikeri

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Thalakauvery, Coorg

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©bosebijit@Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bosebijit2/)

SQUADRON LEADER AJJAMADA DEVAYYA’S STATUE TO COME UP

A statue of Squadron leader Ajjamada devayya will come up at madikeri.

http://www.shakthidaily.com/2011/Jul/30a.jpg

Ajjamada Devayya exhibited exemplary bravery during Indo – Pak war during 1965 and breathed his last. Accepting a felicitation at Ajjamad Ain house at Kurchi village, speaker K.G.Bopaiah assured that he will lend his support to install the statue at Madikeri.Deavaiah memorial Trust president ganesh karumbaiah spoke on the occasion and said that they need rupees fifteen lakhs to install the statue.

Air force officer (Rtd.) Chetrumada kashi spoke on the occasion and said that Deavayya volunteered to attack the pak air base as the assigned pilot was hesitant to accept the task. He destroyed the air base and was returning . ywo high speed war planes of Pakistan attacked him and he destroyed both the planes by going against them and got himself killed in the great cause.

http://www.shakthidaily.com/2011/Jul/30.html

Kodagu dist gets Rs1 crore for rain damages

MADIKERI: The government has released Rs 1 crore for rain damages in Kodagu. The district administration had submitted a report pegging damage to the tune of Rs 20.43 crore.

A person was killed in the rain havoc. The zilla panchayat incurred losses to the tune of Rs 15.68 crore, PWD of Rs 4.47 crore, Chescom of Rs 25 lakh and properties of city municipal Council here at Rs 3.5 lakh.

The government has released Rs 10 crore to about 12 districts of the state through Calamity Relief Fund. The amount shall be utilized to pay compensation for life loss, house loss, crop loss, drinking water and other emergency necessities.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mysore/Kodagu-dist-gets-Rs1-crore-for-rain-damages/articleshow/9430558.cms

Panchayat to fine plastic bag users

MADIKERI: The Pollibetta panchayat has decided to impose fine on merchants and public who use plastic bags from August 1.

The panchayath had banned plastic in August, 2010.

"If a person is found using plastic bags, he\she will have to pay Rs 300 as fine for the first time. Second time offenders will be fined Rs 500," said panchayat president Kuttanda Nanda. "The panchayat has no place to dump plastic wastes. It is because of that we had taken the decision to ban plastic bags," the president added.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mysore/Panchayat-to-fine-plastic-bag-users/articleshow/9442391.cms

DISTRICT GRANTED RUPEES 4 CRORE


The president of the Zilla Panchayath Ravi Kushalappa told this correspondent that the government has released a special grant of rupees four crores to Kodagu.

The special grant comes as a part of government’s decision to release it each year to all the Zilla panchayaths. According to ravi Kushalappa, the grant includes rupees one crore to the Zilla panchayath and rupees one crore each to three taluk panchayaths. Rupees one crore shall be spent on the discretion of the ZP president and the taluk Panchayaths have to spend the amount following certain procedures. The amount should be spent on specific schemes and projects through the government’s guidelines.

On the directions of the undersecretary to the State Rural and Panchayathraj, Swarnalatha M.Bhandare the state Secretary M.S.Ravishankar has released a circular to this effect. According to the government circular, all the presidents in the state Zilla Panchayaths are released rupees one crore each and the Taluk Panchayaths rupees one crore each.

http://www.shakthidaily.com/2011/Aug/03.html

http://www.deccanheraldepaper.com/pdf/2011/08/09/20110809a_005100009.jpg

View from Raja's seat, Madikeri

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5201/5345512007_48f16caa2a_z.jpg

Thalakauvery, Coorg

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©bosebijit@Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bosebijit2/)

bjp invested good money in kodagu tourism places talakavery, and raja seat :applause: That deck in raja seat is new i guess

bjp invested good money in kodagu tourism places talakavery, and raja seat :applause: That deck in raja seat is new i guess

Yes thanks to speaker KG Boppiah :)

SQUADRON LEADER AJJAMADA DEVAYYA’S STATUE TO COME UP



http://www.shakthidaily.com/2011/Jul/30.html

Madikeri Sipahi always daring

Coorg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4065/4664089306_c0fd927f84_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fn-goa/4664089306/)
Coorg, the "Scotland of India" (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fn-goa/4664089306/) by fredericknoronha (http://www.flickr.com/people/fn-goa/), on Flickr

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4663458709_269f88298e_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fn-goa/4663458709/)
Coorg, the "Scotland of India" (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fn-goa/4663458709/) by fredericknoronha (http://www.flickr.com/people/fn-goa/), on Flickr

Coorg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4065/4664089306_c0fd927f84_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fn-goa/4664089306/)


^^That is where I stay when I travel to madikeri during weekends,top right where light is on was where I once stayed :)

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/284763_10150273977202207_191709017206_7556905_6437065_n.jpg

Monsoon in Coorg

It is hard to digest the fact that with every passing day acres of forests are being converted into farmlands. People are encroaching into the protected forest and turning them into Coffee plantations...

This is one view of Coorg which may not be the same in the next 5 years... :-(

Source: Coorg - Kodagu@facebook

Madikeri, Coorg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4006/4664136068_d0ec32b9ff_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fn-goa/4664136068/)
Coorg, the "Scotland of India" (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fn-goa/4664136068/) by fredericknoronha (http://www.flickr.com/people/fn-goa/), on Flickr

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/4663485327_913c72b90a_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fn-goa/4663485327/)
Coorg, the "Scotland of India" (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fn-goa/4663485327/) by fredericknoronha (http://www.flickr.com/people/fn-goa/), on Flickr

Mahindra Holidays

Mahindra Holidays and Resorts India Ltd (MHRIL) on Monday posted a 27.08 per cent increase in its net profit for the first quarter ended June 30, 2011 at Rs 16.89 crore.

During the quarter MHRIL commenced construction of 200 rooms resort at Virajpet near Coorg in Karnataka

http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-07-25/news/29812520_1_net-profit-first-quarter-net-sales

Madikeri, Coorg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4042/4664371688_2af164c0b5_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fn-goa/4664371688/)
Coorg, the "Scotland of India" (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fn-goa/4664371688/) by fredericknoronha (http://www.flickr.com/people/fn-goa/), on Flickr

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4066/4663744229_c85b1eb580_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fn-goa/4663744229/)
Coorg, the "Scotland of India" (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fn-goa/4663744229/) by fredericknoronha (http://www.flickr.com/people/fn-goa/), on Flickr

Madikeri, Coorg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4664486092_2784c44710_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fn-goa/4664486092/)
Coorg, the "Scotland of India" (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fn-goa/4664486092/) by fredericknoronha (http://www.flickr.com/people/fn-goa/), on Flickr

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1293/4664517270_9ef46a8480_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fn-goa/4664517270/)
Coorg, the "Scotland of India" (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fn-goa/4664517270/) by fredericknoronha (http://www.flickr.com/people/fn-goa/), on Flickr

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4663734465_4d5d9ee4d5_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fn-goa/4663734465/)
Coorg, the "Scotland of India" (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fn-goa/4663734465/) by fredericknoronha (http://www.flickr.com/people/fn-goa/), on Flickr

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4059/4664599994_620e62991c_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fn-goa/4664599994/)
Coorg, the "Scotland of India" (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fn-goa/4664599994/) by fredericknoronha (http://www.flickr.com/people/fn-goa/), on Flickr

TOURISTS THRONG MADIKERI

Tourists throng Madikeri since yesterday. Three continuos holiday allowed them to spend leisure time enjoying the nature’s beaty.Parking of vehicles is a big task. The home stays and hotels have no rooms for late comers. Some tourists have occupied the marriage halls to spend three days.Tourist buses are wandering in the town searching for rooms.

tourists near rajaseat
http://www.shakthidaily.com/2011/Aug/14a.jpg

Vehicles parked near Raja seat
http://www.shakthidaily.com/2011/Aug/14b.jpg


http://www.shakthidaily.com/2011/Aug/14.html

Raja Seat

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6131/5921800793_c94086ff7b_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/31114553@N05/5921800793/)
Raja Seat (The King's Seat) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/31114553@N05/5921800793/) by nix85 (http://www.flickr.com/people/31114553@N05/), on Flickr

Coffee exports at 3.26 lakh tonne, exceed current year’s production

25 Aug 2011

Coffee exports from India have touched 3.26 lakh tonne so far in the current crop year compared to 2.37 lakh tonne shipped in the same period a year ago. With this, the country achieved exports higher than the production in the current crop year.

In India, the crop year runs from September through October. The board estimated that the production for 2010-11 stood at 3.02 lakh tonne including 2.07 lakh tonne of Robusta and 94,140 tonne of Arabica.

The country fetched $955 million till-date in the current crop year, up from $509 million recorded in the same period a year ago while the average price for the commodity increased to R1,33,858 per tonne compared to R1,02,532. In rupee terms, the foreign exchange through coffee exports stood at R4,368 crore compared to R2,437 crore in the same period.

Talking to FE, All India Coffee Exporters Association (AICEA) president Ramesh Rajah saidthe Coffee Board’s estimation was, however, not precise. According to AICEA estimates, he said coffee output stood at 3.25 lakh tonne for the last season. The major increase came from Robusta. He added that Arabica production could be in the range of 90,000 while the remaining output was of Robusta.

Rajah said the carry forward stock for the current year stood at 20,000 tonne. So far in the current calender year, the country exported around 2.30 lakh tonne of coffee. Another 30,000 tonne will be exported by the end of December while the domestic consumption will be in the range of 80,000 tonne this year.

The exporters remain upbeat following the higher projection by the board for the next crop season. According to Post-Blossom projection by the board, the country is expected to produce 3.22 lakh tonne of coffee including 1.04 lakh tonne of Arabica and 2.17 lakh tonne of Robusta forthe next crop year 2011-12.

The coffee output in Karnataka is expected to increase to 2.28 lakh tonne from 2.13 lakh tonne recorded in the previous year. Production in Kerala is expected to rise to 69,000 tonne from 66,000 tonne and Tamil Nadu’s output is likely to touch 18,500 tonne compared to 16,600 tonne a year ago.

Source: The Financial Express

'NREGS implementation in Virajpet is zero'

MADIKERI: The National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) has not been implemented in Virajpet taluk and the achievement is a big zero, said zilla panchayat member Kodandera Ganapathi at the Karnataka Development Programme (KDP) meeting held at Ponnampet on Wednesday under the chairmanship of K G Bopaiah, the taluk MLA and speaker. He took panchayat development officers (PDOs) to task for being lethargic in implementing the scheme. Although Rs 10.35 crore was sanctioned for the purpose, only Rs 28 lakh has been utilized so far.

Complaints poured in about the misuse of some school development monitoring committee (SDMCs) funds in Virajpet taluk. The government had sanctioned the funds for the repairs of the school building. Bopaiah ordered stringent action against headmasters and principals of such institutions. He also instructed taluk health officer Yathiraj to recommence the mobile health services immediately which was stopped recently. He assured that the mobile health vehicle will be provided free of cost for service organizations who conducted free health camps.

Bopaiah criticized the involvement of NGOs who obstructed the sanction of land for tribal families in the Rajiv Gandhi National Park (Nagarhole) belt. He requested the tribes not to demand for more land, saying the government will sanction land as per norms only.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mysore/NREGS-implementation-in-Virajpet-is-zero/articleshow/9731445.cms

Kodagu ZP resolves to oppose ESZ proposal

The Kodagu zilla panchayat members opposed the Union Government’s proposal to declare 10 km radius area in and around reserve forest in Kodagu as eco sensitive zone (ESZ).

At a special Zilla Panchayat meeting held on Friday, Zilla Panchayat President Shantheyanda Ravi Kushalappa said “the ESZ is harmful to Kodagu. It should not be implemented at any cost. We do not want to harm wild animals. However, the humanbeings should be allowed to live. If ESZ is announced, then people in Kodagu can not live peacefully. The centre and the state governments should not come forward to implement the project.” The zilla panchayat decided to send the resolution passed in the Zilla Panchayat against the proposal to the government.

Forest officers K S Anand and Motappa spoke on the ESZ proposal. “The rules does not clearly say within 10 km radius of reserve forest will be declared as eco sensitive zone. The ESZ will be implemented only if the elected representatives and the people are in favour of it.”
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/186541/kodagu-zp-resolves-oppose-esz.html

GOVT SANCTIONS RUPEES FIFTY LAKHS FOR DASARA


The government has sanctioned rupees fifty thousand for the celebration Madikeri Dasara.

The assurance came from the CM as a delegation led by the City Municipal Council president Nandakumar along with MLA Appachu Ranjan met the Sadananda Gowda at Bangalore yesterday.

Working President Robin Devaiah and other committee members were also present. The delegation also urged the Chief Minister to take MLA Appachu Ranjan to the ministry. The CM told that he will talk to the high command and try to include him.

http://www.shakthidaily.com

http://www.deccanheraldepaper.com/pdf/2011/08/28/20110828q_002100002.jpg

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ZP DECIDES AGAINST ‘ECO SENSITIVE ZONE’ TAG


The members of the Zilla Panchayath vehemently opposed the move to consider Kodagu as Eco Sensitive Zone’.

In a meeting held with the ZP president Ravi Kushalappa in chair, the members including opposition party demanded a resolution to be passed against the central Governments move to give ESZ tag to kodagu.

The meeting passed a resolution accordingly.

http://www.shakthidaily.com/2011/Aug/27.html

Kanive bridge inaugurated

It is a dream-come-true for people of villages on either side


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The nearly 80-metre hanging bridge across the Cauvery, facilitating movement of the people from Kodagu and Mysore district from Kanive village in Kodagu and vice-versa, was inaugurated at Kanive on Monday, culminating in the fulfilment of a long-cherished dream of the people of both the districts.

Chairman of the Malnad Area Development Board (MADB) Padmanabha Bhat. The bridge connects people of Kanive and surrounding villages in Somwarpet taluk of Kodagu with Chikkakamaravalli, Doddakamaravalli, Dindugadu, Mantikoplu, Sulekote and other areas in Periyapatna taluk of Mysore district.

The work of connecting villages to foster camaraderie should continue to happen, Mr. Bhat said in his address after the inauguration. Lauding the efforts of Madikeri MLA, M.P. Appachu Ranjan, for his role in the construction of the bridge, Mr. Bhat hoped people of both districts would be immensely benefit from the bridge in future. The bridge is constructed involving a cost of Rs. 49 lakh from the MADB funds.

Mr. Bhat later visited the Teppadakandi at Guddehosur near Kushalnagar to lay the foundation stone for the construction of a similar bridge, again connecting villages in Kodagu and Periyapatna districts.

Presiding over the function, Mr. Ranjan said that responding to the needs of the people should be the aim of the elected representatives. The responsibility to guard the bridge and maintain it lay in the hands of the people who used it, Mr. Ranjan said.

Girish Bharadwaj, engineer from Sullia, who designed the bridge was felicitated by residents of Kanive on the occasion. This is the 101st hanging bridge built by Mr. Bharadwaj in a span of three months.

Expressing happiness at the inauguration of the bridge, Bharadwaj Kanive, a resident of the village, told The Hindu that the demand for the hanging bridge had been there for 14 years. At last, people from Kanive would stop using the aqueduct to walk to and from, he said. Even motorcyclists were taking the aqueduct route to reach Periyapatna villages and come back. Kanive, which was famous for the Sri Ramlingeshwara temple and its jatra, would now easily be on the tourist map of the district, he said.


It forms a key link between Somwarpet taluk and Periyapatna taluk

The people had to wait for 14 years for the bridge to materialise

The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/article2410797.ece)

Rs. 3 crore for roads in Virajpet taluk

The State Government will release Rs. 3 crore to take up works relating to roads, including national highway, State highway, and major district roads in Virajpet taluk of Kodagu.

Minister for Public Works C.M. Udasi has agreed to release the funds based on a request by Speaker K.G. Bopaiah, who represents the Virajpet Assembly constituency, an official information received here said on Tuesday.

Mr. Bopaiah had written to Mr. Udasi on August 9 seeking Rs. 3 crore for doing up the poorly maintained roads in Virajpet taluk for some years now.

A communication to the effect of releasing the funds was made to Mr. Bopaiah by the Special Secretary to the Department of Public Works Department and Inland Water Transport and Senior Director (Finance) R. Govindaraju.

The communication said the roadworks should be picked on priority.

The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/article2414001.ece)

Production of coffee in the country is expected to grow at 6.7 per cent

MADIKERI: Total coffee production in India during 2011-12 is estimated at 3,22,250 tonnes. This is a 6.7% growth as compared to the 2010-11 figure of 3,02,000 tonnes. According to a report by the Indian Coffee Board, Kodagu district contributes 1,23,955 tonnes. Coffee Board deputy directors M C Ratageri and U Gopalkrihshna told The Times of India that this year's production is expected to increase by 8,190 tonnes. Madikeri and Somwarpet taluks have an estimated production of 52,900 tonnes and Virajpet taluk has the highest production estimation of 71,055 tonnes. The production of Arabica from Kodugu district, is expected to reach 23,280 tonnes this year. The Arabica variety fetches the highest rates in the coffee market.

The production of Robusta coffee bean is estimated at 1,00,675 tonnes this year. Robusta is mainly used for the production of instant coffees and blended coffees. The market rates for coffee is high this season. According to Kabir, a leading spice dealer, Robusta cherry is priced at Rs. 2,850 per 50kg bag and Robusta parchment is at Rs. 5,300 per bag. Arabica costs Rs. 4,700 per 50 kg bag and Arabica parchment, Rs. 10,700 per bag. Parchment fetch higher rates as the fruit coffee is washed and pulped through a machine and its entire outer husk is removed and the remaining main seed is dried. However, heavy rain may result in loss of coffee production. Continuous downpour may lead to the rotting of many coffee plantations. Deupty director Ratageri told The Times of India that a report estimating the losses in the fields is being prepared and the farmers can claim loss through Coffee Board.

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-09-05/mangalore/30115095_1_coffee-production-robusta-arabica

CM TO VISIT KODAGU: will inaugurate the newly built APMC Community hall

The APMC Kushalnagar president and BJP leader Kumarappa told this correspondent that the Chief minister D.V.Sadananda Gowda would be visiting Kodagu on this 30th.

he said that the CM will inaugurate the newly built APMC Community hall For farmers at a cost of rupees 35 lakhs at kushalnagar and take part in many other programmes.

http://www.shakthidaily.com/2011/Sep/10.html

SET BACK FOR ECO SENSITIVE ZONE PROPOSAL


The proposal for the eco sensitive zone tag to Kodagu has received a second set back with people and officials from Kodagu and Mysore zones passing a resolution against it.

The Assistant Commissioner Dr.Ravi disclosed to this correspondent that a high level meeting at Hunsur, involving forest, revenue, geology and representatives was held at Hunsur yesterday. Wildlife DFO Vijay Ranjan Singh, who chaired the meeting listened to the views of officials and elected representatives and passed a resolution stating that declaring areas around Nagarahole national park as Eco Sensitive Zone is not required. While the meeting said it has no objection to consider Nagarahole national Park as ESZ and not across its border. The meeting was called as the National Wildlife board has sought the opinion of the local people.

Dr.Ravi told that the ESZ status is required only if a mega Power project, mining activity or any such project endangering the environment is present in the district. Kodagu does not have any such activities.

Last week, DFO Motappa had called a meeting involving representatives and officials from Kodagu zone. A resolution was passed against the proposal in this meeting also as everyone had opposed the move.

ACFO Belliappa, probationary ACFO Malathi, presidents of Gram panchayaths from Nalkeri, Nittur, Balele and Thithimathi were also present.

http://www.shakthidaily.com/2011/Sep/13.html

CAUVERY THIRTHODBHAVA ON 17TH NIGHT

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Madikeri Sept. 20: The holy Cauvery “Thirhtodbhava” (water emerging) in Shri Kundike in Thalacuavery, the birth place of river cauvery occurs on 17th night. Cauvery emerges from ‘Kundike’ (the holy water source)at 11.43 P.M.on October 17th in ‘Mithuna lagna’ during thula sankramana. This was announced in the district officer’s meeting held by Kodagu deputy commissioner N.V.prasad in the old assembly hall today. Sampathkumar, the Thalacuavery-Bhagamandala temple manager gave the details in the meeting.

The religious performances will commence from September 28th in Bhagamandala.All the district officers were present in the meeting and D.C.has entrusted the works to be done during kavery jathra .The Thalacauveri-Bhagamandala executive officer Jagadishkumar was present.

http://www.shakthidaily.com/2011/Sep/21.html

PREPARATIONS FOR HISTORICAL DASARA

Madikeri Sept. 22:

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Preparations are in full swing for the celebration of historical Dasara in Madikeri. The 10 mantaps will go round the town during night hours on October 6th Vijayadashami day.

Pete Sri Rama Mandir , Dandina Mariamma , Dechur ram mandir, Chowdeshwari temple, Kanchi Kamakshi temple,Kote Ganapathy ,Karavale Bhagavathy temple , Chauti mariamma and Kodanda Rama temples will prepare various figures of Gods and Goddesses with fervor movement with legendary stories. This year the Chief Minister has released Rs. 50 lakh for the Dasara told the president H.M.Nandakumar.

Madikeri Dasara festival will begin here on 28th evening at 5 P.M. with the taking out of the four Karagas, representing the four temples of ‘shakti devatas’ in the town told the dasara working president Robin devaiah to this correspondent. The Karaga procession would start from the Pampinakere here after the traditional puja. The persons who will carry the Karagas will visit the Ram Mandir and later visit households seeking blessings from citizens.The Karagas from kanchi kamakshi, Dandina Mariayamma, kote Mariamma and Kundurumotte temples has the traditional and historical background. The priests who carry karagas will follow “vratha” before a month of the dasaraa festival.

Multi-lingual Dasara kavigoshti will e conducted on Oct.2nd said the committee president Shridhar Hoovalli.. Sports competitions will also be held on Oct. !st and 2nd as a part of the festivities explained the committee president Chummi Devaiah.

Police are making elaborate arrangements to ensure smooth conduct of the festivities, particularly on oct.6th the last day said DYSP J.D.Prakash to this correspondent.

Movement of vehicles will be restricted. No vehicle will be allowed to enter the city after 4 p.m. on October 6th check-posts would be set up at all entry points and check of vehicles would be carried out, the police said. There will be no sale of liquor as bars, clubs would remain closed on October 6th

The various cultural programmes will commence on28th sept at 6.30 P.M and the programmes will be continued every day till oct 2nd in town hall and the programmes will be shifted to Gandhi maidan platform from october 3rd and the final enertianment will end on Oct. 6th, the dasara day-explained the cultural committee president H.T.Anil.This year state level artists C.N.Madhava bhat, Richard lois.Y.R.Nagendra rao are invited to perform their programmes-explained Anil.

http://www.shakthidaily.com/2011/Sep/22.html

GOVT. TO TAKE OVER 'JAMMA MALAI' LANDS AND NOT JAMMA BAANE

Bangalore, Sept. 23 (KMS& KMC)- The State government will take over the Jamma Malai lands in Kodagu district by paying a compensation of Rs. 50,000 per acre to the land-holders, announced Forest Minister C.P. Yogeshwar.

Speaking to media persons here yesterday, Yogeshwar said the total land area in the district denoted as Jamma Malai extended over 18,750 acres and the total compensation would amount to Rs. 60 crore. The proposal would be placed before the State Cabinet for approval soon, he said.

To a query about the agitation by Jamma land-holders demanding tree rights, the Minister said that land will be retrieved only from those who volunteer to surrender their holdings.

"A group of planters from Madikeri approached me recently and offered to surrender their land if given suitable compensation," he said.

The Jamma Malai (hill region), mostly created by clearing forest areas, were granted to Kodava families for growing cardamom and coffee by the erstwhile rulers of Kodagu in the last century.

The government decided to reclaim the land in view of the shrinking forest cover in the State, said the minister, adding that he had held a meeting regarding the issue with Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda, Legislative Assembly Speaker K.G. Bopaiah and officials of the Revenue and Forest departments recently.

About 8,450 acres of Jamma lands are located in Virajpet forest range, nearly 8,000 acres are in Madikeri and 2,300 acres in Talacauvery forest ranges.

Jamma Baane

The Jamma Baane (plains), another land tenure existing in Kodagu, was formerly instituted during the pre-colonial Paleri dynasty of the Lingayat Rajas. Jamma lands — meant only for cultivation — were held almost exclusively by Kodavas as a hereditary right. They are indivisible and inalienable.

A unique feature of Jamma tenure is that tree rights remained with the Rajas, and were subsequently transferred to the colonial and post-independence governments and remains an import determinant of land use practices in the district. Total land area under Jamma Baane is more than 10 lakh acres.

http://www.starofmysore.com

RS.60 CRORE POWER STATION

The new station with a capacity to receive 220 kv power will stabilize power crunch in Kodagu. The power line is drawn from Bastipur to Kushalnagar with a distance of 76 KMs.

The 220 KV power station project was started by the then chief minister R.Gundu Rao when S.M.Yahya was holding Petroleum ministry. Kodagu shall receive uninterrupted power supply through this project, according to officials. A line was also drawn from Kushalnagar to Madikeri at a cost of rupees sixteen crores to supply power to Madikeri station. Kodagu’s requirement being 35 KV, power can also be supplied to the neighboring districts from Kushalnagar center according to officials.

http://www.shakthidaily.com/2011/Sep/28.html

MERCEDIC BENZ TO KODAGU

Madikeri Oct.9:Kodagu will soon get mercedic benz bus facility-said the state transport minister R.Ashok. He was speaking to scribes at Gonikoppal. He assured that new modernised busstand will be sanctioned to Gonikoppal. Replying to a question he said that the Madikeri KSRTC depot is transferred to Puthur and is merged with that depot and if necessity arrives, separate depot will be established in Madikeri he said. Total 23 thousand KSRTC buses are plying in the state including the rural areas- he said.All the depots and bustands will be upgraded with modern technology. 50 more city buses are provided to Mysore city and 40 buses to Tumkur.All the district centres including Kodagu will get city buses soon he said.The special concession to senior citizens, students will continue- minister told.

http://www.shakthidaily.com/2011/Oct/09.html

Greater Talacauvery project may displace 2.20 lakh people

The Mangalore Centre of Malenadu Joint Action Committee has opposed the proposed project of Greater Talacauvery National Park by combining the three wildlife sanctuaries — Brahmagiri, Talacauvery, and Pushpagiri — as one contiguous area.

Its founder-president Pradeep Kumar said about 2.20 lakh people in 120 villages in Karnataka and northern Kerala would be displaced if the project was implemented. The promises of rehabilitation could not be trusted as the people did not enjoy land rights on their present holdings. The tribal people who were displaced from the Kudremukh forests had not been rehabilitated properly even today, he said.

Displacement

People in the villages on the periphery of forests in Puttur and Belthangady would be badly hit. Several villages in Kodagu, Chikmagalur, Hassan, Shimoga, Uttara Kannada, and Udupi districts would be displaced in large numbers.

It said the people would lose their constitutional rights over their lands, right to possess firearms, and tribal people would lose their cultural heritage and traditional habitat. It said the proposal was aimed at combining Bharhmagiri (181.5 sq km), Talacauvery (105 sq km), Pushpagiri (102 sq km), and other protected forests (800 sq km). In Dakshina Kannada, over 50,000 people would be displaced and about 68,000 people in Kodagu, Mr. Kumar said.

Mr. Kumar said it was a “billion-dollar scheme” conceived at the behest of capitalists and supported by UNESCO. In the name of protection of forests and development, big resorts, and animal safaris would be set up, the committee said in a release.

The release said hundreds of acres of forests had been sacrificed by the government by allowing power projects in places such as Kempuhole and Addahole. The projects had resulted in large-scale felling of trees.

Elephant corridor

Mr. Kumar said the proposal to have an elephant corridor was ill-conceived. There were dams built in the forest area which were in the elephant corridor and obstructing the movement of pachyderms, he said.

The committee member Ashok Subbaiah said people who had been protecting the forests all these years would be sent out of the forests if the project was implemented.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Mangalore/article2530535.ece

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VIRAJPET TO GET AYURVEDIC HOSPITAL


Speaker K.G.Bopaiah performed ‘Bhomipooja’ for the rupees 83 lakh Ayurveda hospital to come up at virajpet.

Performing the ‘puja’, Bopaiah said that the fully equipped Ayurvedic hospital will be built for the benefit of the public.

Addressing the gathering, the nodal officer Dr.Thimmaiah Shetty stated that the building will be constructed at a cost of rupees 55 lakhs and the sophisticated equipments would be installed at a cost of rupees 27 lakhs. He informed that the Ayurvedic hospitals are sanctioned to all the three talukas of the district and the Virajpet scheme is taken up at the beginning.

Zilla Panchayath vice president cauvery, ZP members Mani Nanjappa, kanthi belliappa and others were present.

http://www.shakthidaily.com/2011/Oct/14.html

ROAD TO BE CONCRETISED


The City Municipal Council president Nandakumar inspected the 630 meter road which will be converted into concrete.

Concreting from Indira Gandhi circle to Convent junction will begin shortly at a cost of rupees two crore. Nandakumar instructed the officials concerned and the contractors to see that the roads sustain at least for 25 years. Infrastructure development Foundation, Mangalore will do overall supervision.

http://www.shakthidaily.com/2011/Oct/15.html

PREPARATIONS FOR THALACAUVERY FESTIVAL

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http://www.shakthidaily.com/2011/Oct/16.html

Madikeri: Hardly any takers for housing scheme


The Central Government’s much hyped Vajapeyi Housing Scheme which aims at providing houses for the economically weaker section in the society, has suffered a set back in Madikeri due to difficulty in finding suitable beneficiaries.

Part of Rajiv Gandhi Rural Housing Board, Vajpeyi Housing Scheme was introduced to provide housing facilities to the poverty stricken families in urban areas.

Though the scheme is progressing well in several cities, and at a good pace too, it has been a failure in Madikeri. Reason: inability to find beneficiaries for the scheme in the city.

The eligibility criteria to benefit from the scheme is the beneficiary should have an annual income less than Rs 87,000 and the beneficiary (should be a woman) has to own a site in her name.

Most of the citizens of Madikeri own coffee plantations in and around Madikeri and are in financially stable position. In such a situation, it is quite impossible to find as many eligible candidates whose annual income is less than Rs 87,000 and owns a site.

If authorities are to be beleived, not too many persons in Madikeri own a site in the city and are unable to build a house of their own.

But there are several people whose annual income is less than Rs 87,000 and are site less. The list of people demanding for a site and a house is quite long.

There are several citizens in the city who do not own sites and if the City Municipal Corporation provides them site then it would be possible to build houses under Vajapeyi Housing Scheme.

CMC has taken steps in this regard. Speaking to Deccan Herald, H M Nanda Kumar informed that the CMC has contemplated on carving sites out of 50 acres of vacant land in Rajarajeshwari Nagara which will distributed to the poor site less families.
Later they can be the beneficiaries under the Housing Scheme.

He said that there are plans to make 100 sites on the land. “A blue print will be prepared after consulting the Revenue Inspector and the plan will be sent to the Deputy Commissioner for approval.

Title deeds will be distributed after receiving approval from the district administration,” he informed.

63 selected

Under Vajapeyi Housing Scheme, 63 beneficiaries have been short listed for this year. The CMC had received as many as 120 applications which were sent to Ashraya Samiti for approval.

The government has placed an objective to construct 540 houses in Madikeri CMC limits this year.

As there is an opportunity to accept a good number of applications further, Rajiv Gandhi Rural Housing Board Taluk Nodal Officer Narasimha has asked more beneficiaries to apply to avail the scheme.

Eligibility criterion

The eligibility criterion to benefit from the scheme is, the applicant must be a woman and all the site records should be in her name.

The annual income should not exceed Rs 87,000. She should not be the beneficiary under any other schemes.

In case of additional clarity, or information one can contact, Rajiv Gandhi Rural Housing Board Taluk Nodal Officer or CMC Commissioner.

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/198951/madikeri-hardly-any-takers-housing.html

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New train between Mysore-B''lore soon (http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/new-train-between-mysoreblore-soon/843540.html)
PTI | 06:10 PM,Oct 02,2011

Mysore (Karna), Oct 2 (PTI): Union Minister of State for Railways K H Muniyappa today said a new train would be introduced between Mysore and Bangalore within a month. Speaking at a function here, he said work on doubling Mysore-Bangalore railway track would be completed after shifting Tipu Sultan's armoury at Srirangapatna and acquisition of the required 45 acres of land. "Work on doubling of Mysore-Bangalore railway track before 2013," Muniyappa said. He also said a survey of the Mysore-Kushalnagar railway track would also be completed soon.

http://www.deccanheraldepaper.com/pdf/2011/10/27/20111027y_003100008.jpg

DUBARE CAMP TO HOST 'ELEPHANT UTSAV' ON OCT. 31

Kushalnagar, Oct. 29- Marking the 57th Wildlife Week an 'Elephant Utsav' has been organised by the District Forest Department and Wildlife Division on Oct. 31 at Dubare Elephant Camp.

Briefing about the Utsav here yesterday, Kushalnagar Range Forest Officer M.M. Achappa said "the programme to be held from 9 am to 12 noon that day will feature various games for the tamed elephants housed in the camp. The elegantly decorated elephants will also participate in an eating competition. On the lines of Dasara, the elephants will be bathed in river Cauvery and after feeding will be caparisoned and decorated."

Continuing Achappa said "the mahouts have been strenuously training the elephants in running race, football, eating sugarcane, obedience to masters, rescuing the injured mahouts and Kavadis from forest, group activities and a variety of other items which will surely enthral the tourists. The sprawling ground in front of the old Ins-pection Bungalow in Dubare has been readied for the Utsav which is aimed to subdue the elephant-human conflict and also bring in awareness on preservation of wildlife among the people."

As part of the Utsav competitions have been arranged in quiz, extempore speech, painting and singing with special relevance to environment, forest and wildlife for students of schools and colleges in Somwarpet.

Madikeri DCF K.S. Anand, Wildlife DFO Motappa and Somwarpet ACF Prasanna Kumar are also expected to participate in the Utsav, according to

http://www.starofmysore.com

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City buses in Madikeri soon
Madikeri, Nov 6, DHNS:

If everything goes as per the plan, then people of Madikeri will get city service buses soon.

With the commencement of the city service the common man and the poor will be benefited.

In the first phase, it has been decided to run one bus on a particular route. By looking at the response from the public, the transport department will increase the number of buses. The Madikeri officials have already submitted the proposal to Puttur KSRTC division and are expecting the approval. Once the approval is obtained, then the Transport and KSRTC officials will carry out joint survey of the bus routes.

It has been decided to ply buses in and around Madikeri. With the city service, the people of Sampigekatte, Thalathamane, Mekeri, Rajarajeshwari Nagara, Bhagavathi Nagara, Vidyanagara areas would be benefited.

“Madikeri town has developed and expanded by leaps and bounds. Those who are living in nook and corner of the city would like to pay visit to the market. Hence, the city buses are essential,” said public.

As the bylane roads are very narrow, it would be better, if the authorities introduce mini buses, said Junior College road resident Ramesh.

Almost all the district headquarters have city service buses. If it is introduced in Madikeri, it would be better, he added.


read more (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/202995/city-buses-madikeri-soon.html)

Heritage centre to preserve Kodava culture

The Kodavas don't want to leave any stone unturned when it comes to preserving their rich tradition. In a step towards it, the Federation of Kodava Samaj will establish a Kodava heritage centre at Balugodu village of Virajpet taluk in Kodagu district.

The Rs 10-crore project will have a cultural centre, sports training centre and a memorial for war heroes. "The government has funded Rs 1.5 crore for the project and we are expecting Rs 50 lakh more. Three-fourth of the work is complete," Monnanda Seetha Aiyanna, vice-president, Kodava Samaj Bangalore, said on Wednesday.

As part of weekend centenary celebrations, the Bangalore Samaj will hold a seminar on issues like agriculture, forest and Jamma (inherited) land on Saturday. The celebrations will include food festival, exhibition, fashion show, cultural programmes and sports.

Community experts will dwell on issues like the community's dwindling population, mass migration of Kodavas to urban centres, poor infrastructure in Kodagu and the recent controversy on bestowing Unesco heritage tag for Western Ghats, that includes the state. "Though we welcome the Unesco status, we want the Centre to allow movement of inhabitants in forest areas. Our only fear is that the status will restrict our movement and the right to cut trees in our coffee estates. We may need to sell them in the hour of crisis," Cheppudira M Subbaiah, president, Kodava Samaj Bangalore, said.

Highlighting the poor infrastructure in Kodagu, he claimed the district contributes nearly Rs 1,200 crore annually but gets back only one-third of it from the state for its development.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/Heritage-centre-to-preserve-Kodava-culture/articleshow/10674313.cms

Karnataka keen on central varsity in Kodagu

By DNA Correspondent | Place: Bangalore | Agency: DNA


Higher Education Minister VS Acharya has said that the state government is keen to set up a central university in the Kodagu region, similar to the one currently in Gulbarga.

At a press conference regarding agendas in higher education on Wednesday, the minister said the state would soon write to the Centre in this regard. Acharya said the Koduva National Council had made a proposal that a university to study ethnicities of the Koduvas be set up. He added that the proposed university should focus on culture, language and other aspects. He said it would be called Karnataka Koduva Central University.

Scholarships
He said the knowledge commission has suggested that the number of scholarships be increased. “The principal secretary will discuss it with the knowledge commission. Right now, only government colleges are providing scholarships, which we want to increase. We are looking for donors for this cause, who will be exempted from paying tax. We will write to the university of social justice and UGC regarding this. We are also looking at a public-private participation model for this,” he said.

The minister hoped this would encourage students to take up college education. The scholarship would come under the Karnataka scholarship scheme. Acharya said that at present, Rs12,000 crore is being spent on education, including on the university, infrastructure creation, expansion etc.

Grading system
Acharya said that a committee of vice-chancellors would decide on equalising international rules. “Coming out with a merit list is difficult since different colleges/ universities follow different grading systems. Hence, for equalising (converting grades into marks and vice-versa) the committee will help,” he added.

With regard to the opening of sectorial universities, Acharya said permission should be sought from ICAR before starting them.

This will be implemented in the coming days, he added. It was also mentioned that regulations must be standardised in the BT-finishing schools. Currently, there are 12 of them in the state.

DNA (http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report_karnataka-keen-on-central-varsity-in-kodagu_1613792)

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AC halts construction of resort
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Assistant Commissioner Dr M R Ravi has directed the concerned to stop the construction of a resort at B Shettigeri Gram Panchayat limits in Virajpet taluk

The resort is being constructed illegally in the region. The AC has also directed the owner to stop functioning another resort which has been serving the public for the last two years. The resort was built illegally.

In the backdrop of complaints from the locals, the AC and the revenue officials visited the spot on Thursday evening. After verifying the documents, it was found that the two resorts have come up on agriculture land without converting it for non agriculture activities. The AC has directed the resort owners to submit all the ocuments pertaining to the land to the AC’s office by next week.

The AC said “the resort which was under construction is coming up on the bank of Kongana river. There are all possibility of river getting polluted if the resort is allowed to function. The resort is being constructed by one Pushkarasingh of New Delhi.”

“The land where the resort is being constructed do not have khatha. At the same time, it has not been converted. Without obtaining permission from local bodies, the work on the resort was started. At the outset we have found violations by the resort owner. So we have asked the owner to stop the construction activities immediately,” said the AC.

The land document pertaining to another resort which has been functioning for the last two years is not correct. Land has not been converted for commercial purpose.
Hence, it has been asked to close down its service, the AC added.

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/205707/ac-halts-construction-resort.html

FACE LIFT TO CARIAPPA STATUE

Speaker K.G.Bopaiah told that the area around the statue of Field Marshal K.M.Cariappa here would be improved and protected.

Addressing scribes after visiting the area as the statue was desecrated recently, Bopaiah said that a wall would be built at the backside and the grills would be heightened to protect the statue from the miscreants. He instructed the ADCL Chandregowda and City Municipal Council president Nandakumar to provide focus lights, put up a lawn and lock the gates at night.

http://www.shakthidaily.com/2011/Nov/18.html

Madikeri

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Madikeri, Kodagu (Coorg), Karnataka (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70385959@N06/6390115427/) by mysore one (http://www.flickr.com/people/70385959@N06/), on Flickr

Madikeri

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Madikeri, Kodagu (Coorg), Karnataka (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70385959@N06/6390118395/) by mysore one (http://www.flickr.com/people/70385959@N06/), on Flickr

Madikeri

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Madikeri, Kodagu (Coorg), Karnataka (http://www.flickr.com/photos/70385959@N06/6390119379/) by mysore one (http://www.flickr.com/people/70385959@N06/), on Flickr

The work is likely to be completed within one and half month

Madikeri to get underpass

Madikeri, Nov 27, DHNS

The first underpass road in Madikeri is being constructed in front of District Hospital. The underpass will provide connectivity between the district hospital and the women and children’s ward.

The work on underpass has been taken up by the Karnataka State Road Development Corporation. The work is being implemented through private contractors. The work is likely to be completed within one and half months.

Hundreds of vehicles ply on Mysore road between district hospital and women and childrens’ ward. The patients and the public were finding it difficult in crossing the road between the hospital and the ward. With the completion of the underpass, the public can cross without any problem. The work has already commenced. With the work under progress, the traffic and the movement of vehicles were not affected. The vehicles have been allowed to ply on one side of the road to facilitate the work.

Hundreds of public and patients visit the hospital and the ward. The underpass is beneficial to us to reach the wards, said a patient.

“As rains have stopped, we can complete the work without any hindrance,” said KRDCL officials.

The underpass will be helpful to many, said Somaiah who had come from Somwarpet. Speaker K G Bopaiah had recently inspected the ongoing work. He had even directed the officials to complete the work on Sudarshan Circle to General Thimmaiah Circle.

DHNS (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/207731/madikeri-get-underpass.html)

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DHNS grassroots to galaxies

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CopyrightSyed Zohaibullah

Mangalore University's full-fledged post-graduate campus at Chikkalavara near Kushalnagar should be up and running by June 2013. Envisaged for this campus are arts, science teaching blocks, separate hostels for boys and girls, flats for teaching staff, and a commercial complex to make the campus self-sustaining unit. Deputation of one teaching faculty with PhD and guest lecturers for each of the PG department is on the cards.

TOI (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/Mangalore-Universitys-full-fledged-post-graduate-campus-at-Chikkalavara-near-Kushalnagar-should-be-up-and-running-by-June-2013-Envisaged-for-this-campus-are-arts-science-teaching-blocks-separate-hostels-for-boys-and-girls-flats-for-teaching-staff-and-a-commercial-complex-to-make-the-campus-self-sustaining-unit-Deputation-of-one-teaching-faculty-with-PhD-and-guest-lecturers-for-each-of-the-PG-department-is-on-the-cards-/articleshow/11020115.cms)

MLA starts road devt work

Kushalnagar, Dec 9, DHNS:

MLA M P Appacchu Ranjan laid foundation for the work on Kushalnagar-Shirangala road, covering 17 kms.

The road will be developed by KRDCL through IVRPL at the cost of Rs 42.35 crore. The work on the road was flagged off at Viraktha Mutt at Thorenoor.

Speaking on the occasion, he said the people of the region were demanding development of the road for the last several years. The road will be developed in 18 months.

He urged the contractors to take up quality work and directed the villagers to keep a watch on the quality of the work being executed.He said the PG centre will be set up at Chikkaluvar.

Sainik School will come up at Kudige. The government has released more than Rs 300 crore for the integrated development of the district.

The MLA said a sum of Rs 29 crore has been released for Harangi irrigation project, of which, Rs four crore will be utilised for laying a park, Rs 12 crore for the development of canals.

Taluk Panchayat President V K Lokesh, Thorenoor GP President T K Vasanth, and others were present.

DHNS (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/210600/mla-starts-road-devt-work.html)

Rs 1803.95 cr dist credit plan launched

Zilla panchayat CEO N Krishnappa released the district credit plan of Rs 1,803.95 crore for Kodagu for 2012-13.

In 2012-13, Rs 1,553.30 crore has been earmarked for agriculture sector. Along with agriculture, priority has been given to irrigation, horticulture, fisheries, animal husbandry, sheep and goat rearing, construction of shops, food processing and others. He said coffee, cardamom, ginger and banana were the main crops in the district.

Lead Bank manager G Arunachala Sharma said from April to September 2011, banks have disbursed Rs 50,322 lakh for agriculture sector. The target was Rs 1,13,576.06 lakh, thus registering 44 per cent achievement.

A sum of Rs 1,240 lakh has been disbursed among small and medium scale industries. A sum of Rs 8,184 lakh has been disbursed among priority sector. About 12,015 lakh has been disbursed among non-priority sector. He said 50 villages have been identified for financial inclusion, of which, banking facilities have been provided to 27 villages. The banking facility will be provided to all villages by March, 2012. With the total outlay of Rs 1,527 crore, Rs 718 crore has been disbursed as loans till September, thus registering 47 per cent success.

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/210744/rs-180395-cr-dist-credit.html

ROAD PROPOSAL OF RUPEES 93 CRORES

MLA Appachu ranjan told at Somwarpet that they have sent a proposal of rupees 93 crores to improve the high way in Kodagu.

Appachu ranjan inaugurated the work of bettadalli, Kundalli and other road works at Somwarpet taluk and said that the 93 crore roads will be all weather proof. He informed that the government is thinking of forming a double road between madikeri and Virajpet at a cost of rupees three crores per kilometer. Stating that the government is committed to improve rural areas, appachu said that works at a cost of 465 lakhs have begun to improve roads in Somwarpet taluk rural areas.

http://www.shakthidaily.com/2011/Dec/13.html

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SAMPAJE ROAD WILL BE COMPLETED IN A MONTH’S TIME

The Madikeri Sampaje road high way work, the remaining 20 K.Ms stretch will be completed within a month’s time-assured the state PWD minister C.M.Udasi.

He was replying to a question by this correspondent during his visit to Madikeri. The project cost is enhanced to Rs. 29 crore in addition to the already sanctioned amount of Rs.103 crores from Kushalnagar to Sampaje. The additional sanction will include a separate flyover construction in Madikeri town from Mysore road high way junction, deviating towards Mangalore road to facilitate easy and quick approach-minister said.”The KRDCL officials requested me to provide more time till March end for completion of the high way , but I have clearly instructed them to complete Madikeri-Sampaje road within 2012 January 31st” minister said.

Minister udasi also visited the new RTO office building site near Abbifalls being constructed at the project cost of Rs. 2 crore. The minister instructed the PWD officers to complete the work within 22 days. This will allow the shifting of the present office running in General Thimmaiahs house building and the construction of General Thimmaiah memorial in the place which has already been sanctioned and the amount is reserved under budgetary provisions.

Speaker and Virajpet M.L.A K.G.Bopaiah, the Madikeri M.L./A Appachu ranjan also accompanied the minister.

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KUSHALNAGAR TO GET DEPOT

Speaker K.G.Bopaiah told here that the Karnataka State Transport Corporation will open a bus depot at Kushalnagar shortly.

Inaugurating four new busses to ply between Madikeri and Kushalnagar here, Bopaiah said that the government has in principle agreed for the proposal. He said that a depot sanctioned for Virajpet is being delayed due to a land dispute.

Bopaiah disclosed that the government had released 28 busses to Puttur division and about 23 busses were given to Madikeri depot recently.

Talking to scribes on the occasion, MLA Appachu Ranjan told that Madikeri should become a separate division and a proposal to this effect was before the government. He also disclosed that a depot workshop is also sanctioned to kushalnagar. Presently the Madikeri depot is attached to the Puttur division. K.G.Bopaiah added that it is an irony that a depot situated in Kodagu district level is attached to Puttur Taluk.

http://www.shakthidaily.com/2011/Dec/26.html

RS.15 LAKHS PROMISE FOR KANNADA BHAVAN

Chairman of State Kannada Authority, Mukyamantri Chandru announced that the rupees five lakhs would be released from the kannada Authority for Kannada Bhavan to be built at Kodlipet. MLA Appachu Ranjan, who was also present on the stage, announced that he will urge the government to release rupees ten lakhs from the government for the building.

They were speaking at Kannada Sahitya Sammelan yesterday at Kodlipet.

http://www.shakthidaily.com/2011/Dec/26.html

Mercara Museum

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Omkareshwara Temple

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Madikeri

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RIGHT TO SERVICES ACT TO COME INTO FORCE

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Chief Minister Sadananda Gowda today told that the Right To services Act will come into force to improve efficiency.

Addressing the gathering here after unveiling the statue of the freedom fighter Guddemane Appaiah Gowda and inaugurating multiple projects at a cost of rupees 49 crores, CM told that the government is committed to provide transparent administration. Speaking about the RSA, he said that about 162 departments in the state will come into its ambit and officials who fail to clear files will be levied penalty on daily basis. The penalty amount would be reimbursed to the applicants.

Sadananda Gowda informed that people can directly file their grievances to Vidhana Soudha through mobile message or through e mail at any time and the government will act upon it.

He opined that the priority of politicians should be social service and regretted that now it is changing into self service. He said that his government will change any such scenario and bring transparency.

Accepting felicitation and attired in kodava traditional “Kuppechale”, sadananda Gowda announced that Kodagu will be sanctioned a Medical College and the government will try to allocate fund for it in the next budget. He also informed that rupees 115 crore is earmarked for the development of Kodagu in the 2011 – 12 Blue print of the state. He assured to solve the problems of the district in stages.

Chief Minister received rousing welcome at his in laws house at Guddemane and he had lunch with the family members.

http://www.shakthidaily.com/2012/Jan/02.html

Nescafe plan: Going beyond the Cup

Nestlé India has rolled out the India leg of its global Nescafe Plan by setting up a coffee demonstration farm and training centre in Kodagu district, Karnataka.

Nescafe Plan is the Swiss MNC's ambitious global initiative to bring under one umbrella coffee farming, production and consumption activities — one that it says will “help it optimise its coffee supply chain.” In 2010, when the world's biggest coffee buyer had unveiled the Plan, it had announced an investment of CHF 500 million (Rs 2,811 crore).

Mr Jawaid Akhtar, Chairman, Coffee Board of India, inaugurated the coffee demonstration farm at Bindhu Estate, Kodagu. Nestle will be training farmers in using technology and best practices for sustainable production of high quality coffee.

Mr Antonio Helio Waszyk, Chairman & Managing Director, Nestlé India, said, “In the Nescafe Plan, our team will work with coffee farmers as well as other experts and the Nestlé R&D Centre in France to combine the traditional wisdom amongst the coffee farmers in India with the benefits of modern science to make coffee farming more successful and sustainable.”

Nestlé, which purchases 10 per cent of the world's supply of green coffee every year, had launched the Nescafe Plan in 2010 in Mexico. Under the Plan, the Swiss MNC had said it would double the amount of coffee it sources from farmers directly to 180,000 tonnes in the next five years.

The idea in India, it says, is also to improve penetration of its instant coffee brand Nescafe amongst consumers and expand the market.

Mr Nandu Nandkishore, Nestlé Executive Vice-President and Zone Director for Asia, Oceania, Africa and West Asia , said, “By working with farmers in this way, we know where the coffee comes from, and they know they have a partner who will give them competitive prices for high quality produce.”

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/marketing/article2777980.ece

Nestlé India Rolls Out The NESCAFE PLAN

NESCAFE PLAN to support coffee farmers in the country

Madikeri January 5, 2012: Nestlé India today announced the implementation of the NESCAFE PLAN in India. NESCAFE PLAN is a global initiative by Nestle S.A., brings under one umbrella the company’s commitment on coffee farming, production and consumption and will help Nestlé to further optimize its coffee supply chain.

To start the roll out of the NESCAFE PLAN in India, the first NESCAFE coffee demo farm and training centre was inaugurated in Bindhu Estate, Kodagu District, Karnataka by Shri Jawaid Akhtar, I.A.S, Chairman, Coffee Board of India, Mr. Nandu Nandkishore, Nestlé Executive Vice President and Zone Director for Asia, Oceania, Africa and the Middle East, and Mr. Antonio Helio Waszyk, Chairman & Managing Director, Nestlé India.

This first coffee ‘demonstration’ farm in India will help farmers improve quality, productivity and sustainability. The company is assisting coffee farmers in the states of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu to develop their agricultural practices as demand for NESCAFE soluble coffee grows in the country. Furthermore, Nestlé research and developement teams aim to provide farmers with high-yielding, disease resistant plantlets suitable for Indian conditions. Through the initiative, the company seeks to source coffee sustainably by working closely with Indian coffee farmers and ensuring competitive prices, transparency and traceability.

Shri Jawaid Akhtar, I.A.S, Chairman of the Coffee Board of India, said: “I am happy that the NESCAFE PLAN is being launched in India. It will provide coffee farmers with technology and best practices for sustainable production of high quality coffee and also benefit them with improved access to markets.”

During the event the first group of 20 farmers who have been trained under the NESCAFE PLAN were felicitated. While formally releasing the training manual ‘NESCAFE Better Training Practices’, Nandu Nandkishore, Nestlé Executive Vice President and Zone Director for Asia, Oceania, Africa and the Middle East, said: “NESCAFE is the world’s leading coffee brand. As a leader we have the responsibility to continue to supply good quality coffee to consumers, while ensuring that coffee farming remains attractive for farmers and is sustainable across the value chain.

The NESCAFE PLAN demonstrates our commitment to working with thousands of farmers around the world, including in India, to provide training and technical assistance. By working with farmers in this way, we know where the coffee comes from, and they know they have a partner who will give them competitive prices for high quality produce.There is a mutual interest. if we want to be successful in the long term we need to create value for our shareholders at the same time as for the communities in which we operate”. In recent years Nestlé India has been doing extensive work to improve penetration of its high quality NESCAFE instant coffee amongst consumers and expand the market. The NESCAFE PLAN is important to ensure that the business is sustainable and that the coffee farmers also benefit. It reflects Nestlé’s business philosophy that it must create value for its shareholders as well as the communities where it operates.

Mr. A.Helio Waszyk, Chairman and Managing Director, Nestlé India said: “Indian coffee is very good and currently amongst the best in the world and we would like to use our own expertise in coffee to help it retain its excellence in the future as well. In the NESCAFE PLAN our team will work with coffee farmers as well as other experts and the Nestlé R&D Centre in France to combine the traditional wisdom amongst the coffee farmers in India with the benefits of modern science to make coffee farming more successful and sustainable.”

Currently The Coffee Board of India assists in research, development, extension, quality checks, market information and the domestic and external promotion of coffee from India. Nestlé India agronomists will also work with coffee farmers and train them on how they can further improve the productivity and quality of coffee in a sustainable and efficient manner.

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http://www.shakthidaily.com/2012/Jan/05.html

Kodagu pips Munnar as tourist destination

Yes, you have read the headline right. Kodagu , the picturesque sleepy hills surrounded by the forested slopes of the Western Ghats, has overtaken Munnar in Kerala as a must-see place.

The figures available with Karnataka and Kerala tourism departments say it all.

In 2010, Kodagu had 5,94,467 tourists (5,87,216 domestic and 7,251 foreign tourists ), double that of Munnar which saw 2,45,438 tourists (of them, 19,690 foreign tourists). Up to November 2011, Kodagu saw a quantitative leap with over 15 lakh visitors.

"It is a huge number considering Kodagu is yet to be exploited commercially. Tourists to Karnataka ensure they accommodate a trip to Kodagu," said K Viswanatha Reddy, director, department of tourism, Karnataka.

Its popularity is largely attributed to the quality homestays that have come up in recent times.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/Kodagu-pips-Munnar-as-tourist-destination/articleshow/11419721.cms

LANDSCAPE GARDEN AT MADIKERI GADDIGE

The Gaddige in the town here (mausoleums of the erstwhile rulers of Kodagu), which had been in the news for all the wrong reasons – vandals setting its main door on fire, encroachments, haven of illicit activities, etc – is finally being spruced up to attract tourists who are already making a beeline to Kodagu district.

The Madikeri Urban Development Authority (MUDA) has prepared a plan to develop four acres of land around the Gaddige into a landscape garden at a cost of Rs. 45 lakh, MUDA Chairman Shejil Krishnan told SOM yesterday. At present, 35 granite benches have been erected around the Gaddige area and a walkway has been created around the proposed garden, said Shejil, adding that after the famous Raja Seat, this will be the second botanical garden in the town. Ornamental plants have been planted, lawns have been laid and a lotus pond has also been created on the vacant land. The variety of ornamental plants have been brought from SNV Nursery in Rajamundry of Hyderabad. Landscaping for the garden is being done by Bangalore-based Green Stays Landscaping Company and the works are being supervised by the company’s Planning Officer M.S. Sudhir.

Plans are on the anvil to include a children’s play park too in the garden, said Shejil.

The land belonging to Gaddige has been fenced off and the main entrance has been renovated. Works are on to mount the stone statues of elephants on to concrete platforms.

Despite all these development works, it is an irony that the Department of Archaeology seems to be oblivious.

The Gaddige are protected monuments that come under the Karnataka Ancient & Historical Monuments & Archaeological Sites and Remains Act of 1961.

Gaddige has two identical square structures, which are the tombs of the kings and their queens. They are close to each other, built in Indo-sarcenic style. A small tomb by the side of these structures is of their Guru or royal priest Rudrappa. It was built in 1834.

http://www.starofmysore.com

Madikeri

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New facilities put sports on track in Kodagu

Synthetic athletic track at Kudige Sports School is of international standards

Kodagu's distinction as a hub of sports and the home of talented sportspersons is well known. However, the district does not have much to boast in terms of sports infrastructure. This is set to change, to an extent, thanks to a new synthetic athletic track laid in the district.

The track, which is on a par with international standards, has been laid at Kudige Sports School in Somwarpet taluk of Kodagu, run by the Department of Youth Services and Sports. It was inaugurated by Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda at a function earlier this month.

Many facilities

It is not just the synthetic track — facilities for shot put, javelin, hammer and discus throw, long jump, high jump and steeplechase too are in place, all at a cost of Rs. 2.85 crore.

The State Government granted funds for the project from the 12th Finance Commission.

A Delhi-based company laid the track with the help of experts from Australia, in about a year. Material came from the U.S., principal of the Kudige Sports School, Kunthi Bopaiah, told The Hindu .

Ms. Bopaiah admitted that maintaining the track was a challenge. The markers at the ground were doing a good job, she said, and would ensure that weeds did not grow and dust did not settle on the tracks and other facilities.

Besides, Rs. 1.2 crore was spent on doing up the indoor stadium at the sports school some time ago, she said. There are separate courts for gymnastics, volleyball and basketball at the indoor stadium.

According to the principal, construction of residential quarters for the staff and guest quarters has been completed. Land has been levelled to make a football ground.

Onus on sports

The school has 126 students participating in hockey, athletics and gymnastics, from 21 districts of the State, including 18 from Kodagu. There are also 27 students from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

The children have won accolades in various competitions.

P.S. Uma from Periyapatna in Mysore district recently came first in the under-16 shot put for girls at the nationals in Kolkata, while the boys hockey team was performing well. At the same time, good results in academics were also stressed, Ms. Bopaiah said.

Big events

There were suggestions on shifting the school from Kudige to outside Kodagu. But the new facilities seem to have put a stop to such talk. The onus was now on the department to organise the National Games or other major sporting events at the new facility, sources said.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/article2794391.ece

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Sites for middle class from CMC

Three acre land behind ITI can be converted into layouts: CMC
The Madikeri CMC meeting resolved to okay the proposal to provide sites for the middleclass residents, at the government rate for the sites.

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In the meeting, CMC President H M Nandakumar said that three acre land is situated behind ITI.

The land can be brought from the district administration and can be converted into layouts. The beneficiary will be given two and half to three cent land.

“The market rate for one cent land is Rs 9 lakh. However, the government rate is Rs one lakh. After the proposal takes a final shape, we will get to know the exact rate for the sites,” he said.

“At a time when the price for sites have skyrocketed in the town, the poor and the middleclass are not in a position to buy a piece of land. Hence, the CMC has come out with this proposal. However, here there is no income limit to avail the sites. The applicants should be the resident of Madikeri and those who do not own sites can take the benefit of the proposal,” he added.

Nandakumar said “I have already discussed the issue with the Assembly Speaker K G Bopaiah, who in turn has promised to hold talks at the government level to hand over three acre land behind the ITI to the CMC. The resolution of the CMC meeting will be sent to the government through the district administration.”

‘Hike income limit’
Member Muneer Ahammed said that the income limit to avail facility under Ashraya Yojana should be increased. Reacting to it, President said that the demand to hike the income will be sent to the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation. He promised to finalise the list of beneficiaries of Ashraya yojana by convening a special meeting.
As many as 6,000 applications have been received by the authorities under Ashraya scheme. Houses will be allotted to 600 beneficiaries under the scheme.

Home stay
The CMC Commissioner Shashikumar said that one should take permission from the CMC for starting a home stay in Madikeri. The CMC will issue NoC for the home stay with few condition.

Revision of fee
The CMC also decided to revise the license fee for commercial buildings. It was decided to collect Rs 10,000 as license fee from chicken and mutton shops, Rs 1,000, 3000 and Rs 5000 for hotelS, Rs 10,000 from lodges.

Standing committee
The CMC meeting also selected members to the standing committee. The members are Arun Kumar, K S Ramesh, Umesh Subramani, Rani Machaiah, Chummi Devaij, Abdul Razak, T M Ayyappa, Unnikrishna, K S Prakash, Khathija and Chitra Devaraj.

Source:http://www.deccanherald.com/content/220309/sites-middle-class-cmc.html

South shivers: 7 die in AP; Karnataka coldest in 100 yrs (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/South-shivers-7-die-in-AP-Karnataka-coldest-in-100-yrs/articleshow/11532318.cms)
TNN | Jan 18, 2012, 05.03AM IST

Hyderabad/Bangalore: The unprecedented cold wave sweeping across southern India has claimed seven lives so far in Andhra Pradesh and broken century-old temperature records at several places in neighbouring Karnataka.

Chilly winds blew across coastal and north Telangana districts, claiming the lives of four elderly persons at Gudipudi village near Sattenapalle in Guntur district on Monday. Two women each died in Bapatla and Visakhapatnam.

In interior Karnataka, the harsh weather has broken records. Madikeri registered its lowest temperature in 132 years on Monday, with the minimum dropping to 4.8 degrees Celsius.

At 7.7 degrees Celsius, Mysore recorded its coldest day in 120 years and Bangalore saw its coldest day of January in 19 years with minimum temperature touching 12 degrees Celsius. In the plains, Belgaum was the coldest at 7.2 degrees

B Puttanna, director, in-charge, Bangalore Met department blamed the cold wave in north India for temperatures dropping as much as 7-9 degrees, as compared to last week, in some places in Karnataka.

"The severe cold wave from the north and north-east combined with clear skies, has brought down minimum temperatures across the state," he said.

The weather department has forecast slightly warmer days ahead for Mysore and Bangalore.

In Andhra Pradesh, Adilabad shivered as mercury fell to 4 degrees Celsius. On Saturday, it had plummeted to 3.7 degrees, the lowest in 10 years in the region. Last week, the minimum temperature was as high as 15 degrees celsius.

Meanwhile, weather officials said the cold wave conditions in Andhra Pradesh would continue for the next 24 hours.

They attributed the phenomenon to easterly waves sweeping across central India. While Ramagundam and Medak recorded 7 degrees on Monday, Hyderabad was unusually cold at 10 degrees.

Children and the aged were worst hit while the cold winds were also causing serious problems among people suffering from asthma.

Madikeri

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/joelandsup/6476097027/
Superb,Madikeri looking awesome.
It looks like a coastal town:cheers:

MADIKERI COUNCIL TO ISSUE NOCS FOR NEW HOME STAYS

The Madikeri Town Municipal Council has passed a resolution to impose certain restrictions on the Home Stays to be newly-started within and outside the jurisdiction of the Council and to issue No Objection Certificates (NOC) to them.

The resolution was passed at the Council meeting held under Council President H.M. Nandakumar at the Council Hall here on Tuesday.

The matter was raised by Opposition Leader T.M. Aiyappa, who pointed out that the Regional Tourism Department had passed an order that those running Home Stays must obtain NOC.

Council Commissioner Shashikumar explained that as per the govt. order, NOCs can be issued after collecting a nominal amount as fees and lay down certain conditions too. It was also resolved to impose fines on those dumping garbage in public places.

Aiyappa pointed out that in certain Home Stays, they conducted bonfire camps in the nights and played loud music which disturbed the neighbourhood and demanded that such activities be curbed. He also suggested that such Home Stays be levied entertainment taxes.

Shashikumar said that there was no provision for the Council to levy entertainment taxes on the Home Stays but fees up to Rs. 2,000 could be collected for issuing NOCs.

http://www.starofmysore.com

Kodagu may get medical college this year: MLA

Hi-tech laboratory opened at Madikeri District Hospital

M.P. Appachu Ranjan, Madikeri MLA, said in Madikeri on Friday that the State Government would initiate steps to establish a medical college in Kodagu this year.

He was speaking at a function organised at the district hospital here to inaugurate a hi-tech laboratory established at a cost of Rs. 50 lakh, an official release said here.

Mr. Ranjan said the State Government had sought the permission of the Medical Council of India to open a medical college in Kodagu. The Kodagu district administration had identified two places for the medical college.

About the laboratory, he said it was expected to cater to a large number of people in Madikeri and surrounding areas. Mr. Ranjan asked the doctors to put up a board mentioning the cost of each test that would be carried out at the laboratory.

M.C. Nanaiah, MLC, said the laboratory would help the poor people in the district immensely. People should pay minimum prescribed fees to avail themselves of the facilities at the laboratory, Mr. Nanaiah said.

The State Government spent Rs. 200 crore every year for buying medicines, apart from maintenance of the hospitals, salaries of the doctors, and other expenditure, he said.

There was shortage of doctors in Kodagu district which needed to be addressed, Mr. Nanaiah said.

The assurance given by Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda to set up a medical college in Kodagu would be fulfilled in the coming budget, he said.

Madikeri City Municipal Council president H.M. Nanda Kumar was present. District Surgeon Muthappa, welcomed the gathering.

Two places identified for the college

Proposal already sent to MCI for the college

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/article2819672.ece

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Coorg Day Trip 108.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bunny/6734543903/) by Stephanie Booth (http://www.flickr.com/people/bunny/), on Flickr

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Coorg Day Trip 107.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bunny/6734541543/) by Stephanie Booth (http://www.flickr.com/people/bunny/), on Flickr

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Coorg Day Trip 109.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bunny/6734545939/) by Stephanie Booth (http://www.flickr.com/people/bunny/), on Flickr

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Coorg Day Trip 90.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bunny/6734478829/) by Stephanie Booth (http://www.flickr.com/people/bunny/), on Flickr

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Coorg Day Trip 145.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bunny/6734653549/) by Stephanie Booth (http://www.flickr.com/people/bunny/), on Flickr

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Coorg Day Trip 79.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bunny/6734450261/) by Stephanie Booth (http://www.flickr.com/people/bunny/), on Flickr

Virajpet

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Klokworks (http://www.flickr.com/photos/frnzi/4240265509/) by FrancisLobo (http://www.flickr.com/people/frnzi/), on Flickr

St Anne's Church in Virajpet

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Copyrights:- sudeip (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sudeip/4236681904/)

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At the summit of faith

Temple history
Kodagu’s Paadi Igguthappa temple became a prominent place of worship during King Lingarajendra’s reign. The temple, located atop a hill in a forested area in Kakkabe, has been in existence since 1153, writes C P Belliappa

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Goddess Cauvery and Lord Paadi Igguthappa are the two presiding deities of Kodagu. If legends are to be believed, Igguthappa temple located atop a hill in a forested area in Kakkabe, in the southern part of Kodagu, has been in existence since 1153 AD. Legend also has it that Igguthappa is one of the seven divine siblings who chose Kodagu as his abode.

The temple became a prominent place of worship during Lingarajendra’s reign. Legend has it that in 1811, Lingarajendra came to the densely forested area surrounding the temple to hunt for elephants. Lingarajendra’s main source of income, besides taxes collected from his subjects, used to be cardamom and ivory. Every pod of cardamom grown and every tusk extracted from an elephant had to be surrendered to the raja at a price fixed by him!

Lingarajendra was camping at the nearby Nalknad palace and had instructed his dewan Apparanda Bopu to organise the hunt. Dewan Bopu arranged for machaans to be built on trees and had hunting dogs and drum-beaters to herd the elephants. On the appointed day Lingarajendra and Bopu sat on a machaan armed with powerful guns especially designed to shoot elephants.
In spite of all the drum-beating and dogs barking, not a single elephant was to be seen. The raja started getting restless and directed his ire at Bopu. Lingarajendra’s nasty temper was well-known and Dewan Bopu who was a devotee of Igguthappa started silently praying for some divine intervention. Suddenly a huge pachyderm with mammoth tusks appeared silently from the nearby bushes.
The elephant looked up at the machaan where Lingarajendra and Bopu were seated and started scratching itself on the tree trunk. The raja and dewan froze and were too petrified to shoot the beast. The action of the elephant shook the large tree so violently that they were about to fall off from their perch. This time around, Dewan Bopu prayed loudly to Lord Igguthappa to save him and the raja. Lingarajendra too joined Bopu in prayer. Suddenly the behemoth stopped, once again looked up, and gently sauntered away into the forest.

Lingarajendra, a Lingayat, was a worshipper of Shiva and had not visited Igguthappa temple which was dedicated to Vishnu. He made an exception and asked Bopu to immediately take him to the temple. It was a modest shrine. The head-priest welcomed the raja and advised him to perform various poojas including tulabhara (donation of grains equivalent to the weight of the devotee), to thank Igguthappa for saving his life.

After all these rituals, Lingarajendra asked the priest if he could do anything for the temple. The priest was quick to request for a punarnirmana (renovation) of the temple.

Lingarajendra immediately agreed and the temple was renovated and the approach improved. He also made grants of wet-lands in the vicinity, the income from which continues to be used for the upkeep of the temple. When the reconstruction was completed, he visited the temple again. At the temple, he had a sack full of silver coins brought. Lingarajendra dipped both his hands and scooped out three heaps of silver coins. He then ordered Dewan Bopu, who was present, to get an idol of an elephant made out of the coins. The coins weighed about three kilograms.

Silver elephant

The best silver-smiths from Mangalore were commissioned to craft an idol of an elephant. On the back of the idol is inscribed in halagannada (old Kannada), the year in which it was dedicated to Igguthappa for favours granted to Lingarajendra. This exquisite silver elephant is used daily in the poojas performed at the temple.

In 1835, the year after Lingarajendra’s son Chikka Veerarajendra was deposed by the British, Dewan Apparanda Bopu took it on himself to renovate the temple. The structure was reconstructed and was fitted with tiles replacing the earlier thatched roof. The temple once again went through reconstruction in 2008. Descendants of Apparanda Bopu along with other devotees have provided silver cladding for the entrance door.

Paadi Igguthappa is an important deity for the people of Kodagu. He is considered a provider of bounty and one who fulfills his devotee’s wishes. Iggu means grain and thappa means give.

Puthari, the harvest festival in Kodagu, is normally celebrated 90 days after Onam. Every year, paddy is first harvested in fields belonging to Lord Igguthappa. People of Kodagu celebrate the festival the following day. On a daily basis, those who visit the temple are served a simple but scrumptious lunch.

source:http://www.deccanherald.com/content/225027/at-summit-faith.html

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God's Miracle ... (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kanishka_samrat/6908674899/) by Kanishka ** (http://www.flickr.com/people/kanishka_samrat/), on Flickr

Energy: Madikeri CMC chooses unconventional path

Windmill installed to tackle power crisis

The government has been supporting the production of electricity through unconventional sources of energy like solar and wind power.

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Madikeri CMC has found an unconventional way of overcoming erratic supply of power. A windmill has been installed on the CMC premises to generate electricity.

Madikeri town is 4,000 metre above the sea level. As a result the wind factor would be constant in Madikeri. With this, the CMC expects to slash down its electricity bills.

The idea of windmill originated two years ago and the 2.1 kv windmill started functioning from that time. It provided electricity to light up few bulbs in the CMC building.

As the demand for electricity increased, the CMC has decided to install three to four windmills at a cost of Rs 47.50 lakh under Chief Minister’s Small and Medium Town Development Scheme.

It has been planned to produce 5.1 kv electricity from each windmill. The CMC office requires 5 kv electricity daily. Two windmills have already been installed near the CMC office. The authorities have planned to install another windmill near water filter house at Stone Hill. The final decision has not been taken, said CMC commissioner N M Shashikumar.

CMC president H M Nandakumar said: “The CMC pays Rs 50 lakh as electricity bill annually. The windmill will help to reduce the electricity bill. At the same time, there is no question of disruption in power supply.”

The work on installing windmill will be taken up at the earliest, said the commissioner.http://www.deccanherald.com/content/234486/energy-madikeri-cmc-chooses-unconventional.html

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Kodagu to get another synthetic hockey surface (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/article3268461.ece)

Kodagu is poised to get the second synthetic hockey playing surface at Ammathi in Virajpet taluk, said A.B. Subbaiah, the former Olympian and Secretary of Hockey Karnataka, on Saturday.

Mr. Subbaiah told presspersons that Hockey India had promised Hockey Karnataka that it would provide another synthetic playing surface in Kodagu. The first synthetic turf is in Madikeri.

Mr. Subbaiah said that the State government had promised to provide financial assistance to lay a synthetic hockey playing surface at Ponnampet as well (it would be the third if it materialises).

The promise was made by Hockey India secretary Narendra Batra following a request by Iychetira K. Anil, whose family is conducting the 16th edition of the Kodava Hockey Festival in Kodagu from April 21, Mr. Subbaiah said. Mr. Batra would make a formal announcement in this regard after participating in the Iychetira Kodava Hockey Festival scheduled to take place at Ammathi, Mr. Subbaiah said. Hockey India was providing synthetic playing surfaces in 32 selected locations in the country, including Ammathi, with a view to giving a fillip to the national game in rural areas, he added.

Chief coach of Indian hockey team Michael Nobbs would attend the inaugural function of the Iychetira Hockey Festival. An exhibition match would be played between the Indian hockey team and Coorg 11 on the inaugural day. The foundation would give Rs. 50,000 to each of the selected player as scholarship to pursue the game, Mr. Anil said.

The State government had promised to provide Rs. 30 lakh to Iychetira Hockey Festival. More than 200 Kodava families had registered teams, Mr. Anil said.

Speaker inspects works

Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker K G Bopaiah paid a visit to the General Thimmaiah Circle and Sudarshan Circle in the city to inspect the on-going road construction work near the circles on Thursday.

Assembly Speaker K G Bopaiah pays a visit to brave soldier Guddemane Appaiah Gowda’s statue near Sudarshan Circle in Madikeri. City Municipal Council president H M Nanda Kumar, additional DC K M Chandre Gowda, CMC commissioner Shashikumar and others accompanied him. DH photoSpeaking to media persons during his visit, he said that Madikeri-Sampaje road construction work is in the final phase and it will be completed soon. Apart from it, Mysore-Mangalore by-pass road construction work too is going on in a full swing.

Once the by-pass road is completed it would be of great help for the passengers who travel from Mysore to Mangalore and vice-versa, said the speaker. He directed the officers to control increased traffic at G T Circle and Sudarshan Circle and insisted them to make way for the clear vehicle movement in both the circles.

Speaking to the speaker, the contractors assured of constructing a circle around brave soldier Guddemane Appaiah Gowda’s statue near Sudarshan Circle and they informed that the work will be taken up and completed at the earliest.

CMC president H M Nanda Kumar said that a park will be built near the statue. http://www.deccanherald.com/content/239930/speaker-inspects-works.html

Rs 40 crore sanctioned for rural roads: Ranjan

MLA M P Appacchu Ranjan said a sum of Rs 40 crore will be utilised for development of rural roads in Kodagu district. Chief minister D V Sadananda Gowda had announced Rs 75 crore for Kodagu in the budget, he said.

Speaking after inaugurating asphalted road at Hirikara village, he said a sum of Rs 35 crore will be utilised for the development of PWD roads. All the roads will be upgraded in Somwarpet taluk.http://www.deccanherald.com/content/240915/rs-40-crore-sanctioned-rural.html

Direct payment to curb illegal felling of rosewood

In an effort to prevent illegal and indiscriminate chopping of rosewood trees in Kodagu, the district administration here has issued a fresh circular to bring in some changes in the payment methods during auctions.

In tune with the Supreme Court's decision, Kodagu district commissioner has instructed all forest officials in the district to make direct payment to land owners after selling their rosewood in auctions.

The new rule prevents owners of private forests from felling these costly trees, second in value only to sandalwood, and minimizes the role of timber contractors, who promote indiscriminate felling for economic gains.

Madikeri division conservator of forests KS Anand told TOI that this will enable land owners or planters in the district to directly deal with the forest department rather than availing services of the middlemen to cut and sell rosewood trees.

Welcoming the decision, the Kodagu Grower's Federation president Katti Mandaiah and Udiayanda Pemmaiah, general secretary of Kodagu Jammamalai Association said the move will benefit small planters and prevent misuse of General power of Attorney (GPA) granted by land owners to timber contractors.

"Capricious timber contractors have already obtained GPAs from many owners and are attempting to cut thousands of trees," source said.

As per the Forest Act, land owners should avail the permission of forest department to cut and sell rosewood and teakwood trees only when it reaches the growth of more than 1.75 meter. The department will in turn auction such logs and 90% of the sale amount will be paid to the tree owners, keeping 10% for the forest department.

As of now, rosewood fetches between Rs 2,500 and Rs 3,000 per cubic feet in the local market while the export quality fetches up to Rs 8,000. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mangalore/Direct-payment-to-curb-illegal-felling-of-rosewood/articleshow/12605489.cms

Madikeri Museum

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Madikeri Museum (http://www.flickr.com/photos/iblinks/6826390772/) by Paro... (http://www.flickr.com/people/iblinks/), on Flickr

Bhagamandala

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Madikeri Town

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'Rajara Gaddige will be developed soon'

Speaking after visiting Rajara Gaddige on Friday, he said though Rajara Gaddige comes under archaeology department, Madikeri Urban Development Authority is developing a garden at an estimated cost of Rs 67 lakh.

MLA M P Appacchu Ranjan said the garden is developed in 18 acre land in and around the Gaddige. About four acre land belonging to the Gaddige has been encroached.

Deputy commissioner Dr N V Prasad said the garden can be entrusted to the department of tourism after completing the work.

Additional DC K M Chandre Gowda, Madikeri Urban Development Authority chairman Shabeel Krishnan, and others were present.http://www.deccanherald.com/content/242318/rajara-gaddige-developed-soon.html

there is very good book available about the history of Coorg from archive.org though it has a very British colonial colour to it - link

http://archive.org/details/GazetteerCoorg

‘Shivaji’s statue will be installed in Madikeri’


The Zilla Panchayat will take a decision to install Chatrapati Shivaji’s statue in Madikeri, said Zilla Panchayat President Ravi Kushalappa.

He was speaking at Shivaji Maharaja Jayanti-2012 programme jointly organised by the district administration, Zilla Panchayat and Kannada and Culture Department, at Kaveri Kalakshetra on Monday. Reiterating the contribution of Shivaji, he said that Shivaji does not belong to a community, rather he belongs to the people of India.

Speaking on the occasion, Karnataka Kshatriya Maratha Parishat Centre Advisor S N Raja Rao said that the government has released Rs 50,000 for Shivaji Utsav this year and the fund should be increased to Rs one lakh from next year.

Deputy Commissioner Dr N V Prasad lauded Shivaji and said that Shivaji fought against Mughals and the British. Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer N Krishnappa, Additional DC K M Chandre Gowda and others were present during the celebrations. http://www.deccanherald.com/content/244286/shivajis-statue-installed-madikeri.html

Rs. 65.98-crore Plan outlay released for Kodagu

The district plan outlay for Kodagu for 2012-13 has been put at Rs. 65.98 crore, which was Rs. 17.58 crore more than the outlay in the 2011-12 Plan.

The grant has gone up by 36 per cent, president of the zilla panchayat, Ravi Kushalappa, told a special meeting of the zilla panchayat in Madikieri.

According to a press release, K.G. Bopaiah, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly who represent Virajpet, and M.P. Appachu Ranjan, Madikeri MLA, were instrumental in getting additional grants from the Government for the panchayat bodies, Mr. Kushalappa said.

Of the total outlay, the State Government's contribution was Rs. 40.23 crore and that of the Centre was Rs. 25.75 crore.

The zilla panchayat would get Rs. 34.74 crore, three taluk panchayats Rs. 18.95 crore, and 98 gram panchayats Rs. 12.28 crore.

Non-Plan head

Under the non-Plan expenditure, Kodagu would get Rs. 121.64 crore, which was being given entirely by the State Government.

Of this, the zilla panchayat would get Rs. 47.44 crore while the taluk panchayats would get Rs. 74.20 crore.

The Department of Education would get a lion's share of Rs. 12.27 crore, which was an increase by 35.57 per cent.

Allocations were fixed for all departments, including health, horticulture, roads and bridges, drinking water, development of SC and ST groups. Mr. Kushalappa said that importance had been given for improving the sectors of education, health, agriculture, rural roads, and drinking water.The president of the Standing Committee on Health and Education, Kanti Belliappa, and S.N. Raja Rao, a zilla panchayat member, lauded the higher allocations for Kodagu. Indiramma, another member, wanted more funds to be earmarked for the welfare of the SC and ST group of people.http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/article3382971.ece

Madikeri: ZP chief tables ` 65.98 cr budget

Zilla Panchayat president Shantheyanda Ravi Kushalappa tabled a budget of Rs 65.98 crore, for Zilla Panchayat, Taluk Panchayats and the Gram Panchayats of the district, on Thursday.


The budget this year has made additional allocation of Rs 17.58 crore, which is 36 per cent more than last year’s budgetary allocation.

Speaker’s gift?

The president said that this was possible only because of Assembly Speaker K G Bopaiah and MLA Appachu Ranjan.

However, out of the entire allocation, Rs 40.23 crore will be contributed by the State and Rs 25.75 crore will be provided by the Centre.

Education, health, agriculture, rural roads, drinking water, horticulture, dairy farming and other priority sectors have been given greater emphasis in the budget.

A sum of Rs 34.75 crore will be provided for Zilla Panchayat programmes, Rs 18.95 crore for Taluk Panchayats and Rs 12.28 crore for Gram Panchayats.

Education Department has been given Rs 1227.38 lakh for 2012-13, which is 35.57 per cent more than last year. Health department too has been given adequate allocations.

Building maintenance

A sum of Rs 30 lakh has been earmarked for maintenance of buildings of the health department, Rs five lakh for repair of equipment in the hospitals, Rs five lakh for new ambulance facility, Rs 1.01 crore for providing subsidy to institutions functioning under Karuna Trust.

Horticulture has been given Rs 12.85 crore. Last year, the allocation was Rs 7.92 crore.
Since apiculture has great scope in the district Rs 15 lakh has been earmarked for the same.

Another Rs 11.40 lakh has been earmarked for development of palm cultivation.

As per the District Rural Road Development Project there is 4,764 km road, of which 1,898 km is surfaced road, 1,333 km is grit road and 1,533 km is mud road.

A sum of Rs 2.80 crore has been earmarked for the development of these roads under the CM’s Rural Road Development Project.

The funds will be utilised as per the guidelines.

With regard to drinking water, a sum of Rs 43 lakh has been earmarked.

A sum of Rs 1.07 crore has been earmarked for SC/ST educational and economic progress under Social Welfare Department. A sum of Rs 66 lakh has been earmarked under special unit project.

Caste slur case

Congress member Venkatesh said that Zilla Panchayat vice-president H M Cauvery is facing caste slur.

This evoked stiff opposition from ruling party members as they said that the issue should not be raised in a special meet held for tabling the budget.

Ruling party members said that since it is an internal issue of the party, it will be sorted out within the party.

ZP chief Ravi Kushalappa put an end to the issue by upholding the opinion of the ruling party members that the meet should discuss only about budget.

However, Cauvery who was present at the meet remained silent throughout the altercation.

Against greens

The Zilla Panchayat members condemned the environmentalists during the special budget meet held on Thursday.

They said that environmentalists in the district were making false allegations against the elected representatives of the district.

ZP chief said that though adequate funds are being released from Centre as well as State, the environmentalists are posing impediments for utilisation of the funds. http://www.deccanherald.com/content/247693/madikeri-zp-chief-tables-6598.html

Kodagu’s tourism potential to get a boost

The Kodagu district has a lot of potential for tourism development and the proposals submitted by Kodagu district administration for tourism activities will be allotted grants on priority basis, informed Tourism Department Director Vishwanath Reddy.

He was addressing the review meeting of the tourism related developmental work at the Deputy Commissioner’s office on Thursday. He insisted the district administration to utilise the grants released from the government for betterment of the district.

The tourism related developmental work should be completed within the deadline and good facilities should be provided to the tourists and locals, he said.

He directed the Public Works Department Executive Engineer to complete the construction of Kodava Heritage Centre which is being built near Golf Couse in K Nidugane Gram Panchayat at the earliest.

Reddy sought information about the progress of various developmental work including the construction of toilets and drinking water facilities near Nalkunadu Aramane, gardening, toilet construction in Fort Hall premises, park development, upgrading the basic facilities near Abbi falls, Thanthipal bridge construction, developmental work at five acres of vacant land in Raj Seat etc.

He instructed Zilla Panchayat CEO N Krishnappa to direct the Panchayat Development Officer concerned to build toilet near Abbi falls for the benefit of tourists.

Following the meet, the Director visited the Kodava Heritage Centre which is under construction near the Golf Court.http://www.deccanherald.com/content/243365/kodagus-tourism-potential-get-boost.html

No UNESCO tag for Madikeri

Madikeri Taluk Budakattu Krishikara Sangha president Kudiyara Muthappa said that the district will not receive the World Heritage Site tag in the near future.
He told reporters here on Wednesday that they received an official note from UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee which stated that they had received global objections to the issue, including from the district.
Hence, the highest deciding body on the tag has decided to drop the proposal.
The Ministry of Environment and Forest can submit a fresh proposal for nomination after three years in this regard, he added.
The Sangha had submitted a joint appeal to UNESCO opposing the tag in their respective areas quoting the reason as lack of implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People in the context of UNESCO’s World Heritage Convention.
The main objection raised by the Sangha was that the local people weren’t taken into confidence nor were they informed about the tag, he said.
Even after six years, the Recognition of Scheduled Tribes and Other Forest Dwellers Act-2006 had not been implemented and those who were living in the forest and adjoining areas were being evicted citing various Forest and Wildlife Acts, he alleged.
This was the main objection raised in the letter to UNESCO. Denying forest rights is a sheer violation of human rights of adivasis and other forest dwellers, he added.
Hence, the World Heritage Committee decided to defer on the nominations and called upon the Union Government to consult and collaborate with indigenous people.
He also released copies of the letter they had written and the replies too.
He also released the letter written by Union Minister for Tribal Affairs V Kishore Chandra Deo to all the Chief Ministers of the country quoting various problems in the implementation of the Recognition of Forest Act.
It may be recalled that the district was included in the list of World Heritage Sites as it is covered by the Western Ghats.http://ibnlive.in.com/news/no-unesco-tag-for-madikeri/263276-60-115.html

Harangi water project in limbo

Work on it began four-and-a-half years ago

The Harangi drinking water project to supply water to Somwarpet in Kodagu, work on which started four-and-a-half years ago, appears to be in limbo.

The initial project cost was estimated at Rs. 6.10 crore. There are allegations of irregularities in the implementation of the project by the Karnataka Urban Water Supply and Drainage Board (KUWS&DB).

M.P. Appachu Ranjan, Madikeri MLA, who visited the project site on Monday, expressed concern over the tardy progress as well as poor quality of work. According to information received here, Mr. Ranjan had stated that he would recommend to the State Government to order an inquiry into the implementation of the project.

read more:- http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/article3495772.ece

http://www.deccanheraldepaper.com/pdf/2012/06/30/20120630a_003106002.jpg

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/311523_10150986989492207_1787205_n.jpg

Source:- http://www.facebook.com/coorg.kodagu

Rs. 5-crore for development of Bhagamandala, Talacauvery




Imposition of dress code for those visiting the two temples sought

Cauvery Neeravari Nigama has released Rs. 5 crore for the development of Bhagamandala and Talacauvery pilgrim centres in Kodagu, according to information received here on Friday.

Speaker of the Legislative Assembly K.G. Bopaiah, who presided over a meeting to chalk-out programmes for the development of these pilgrim centres at Bhagamandala on Thursday, told the Bhagamandala-Talacauvery Temple Management Committee headed by Manu Muthappa to have a long-term plan and utilise funds effectively.

Work should not affect the originality or sanctity of the temples in both places, he said.

Mr. Bopaiah elicited views of members of the Bhagamandala gram panchayat, prominent citizens of the district, including president of the Kodagu Zilla Panchayat Ravi Kushalappa.

He asked chief architect of the Public Works Department Udaya to prepare a blueprint for the development of the two pilgrim centres in tune with the religious sentiments of the people.

Objection

There had been an objection by the auditors to the renovation of the temples using nigama funds earlier, he said. Funds should not be diverted for temple renovations any longer.

Instead, funds must be utilised for work such as construction of a yatri nivas, food distribution choultry, construction of retaining wall, and removing silt from Triveni Sangama at Bhagamandala, Mr. Bopaiah said.

Dress code for pilgrims could be introduced at the twin pilgrim centres henceforth to maintain the sanctity of the temples, Mr. Bopaiah said.

Demand

This followed a demand by some prominent citizens from Bhagamandala and other places of Kodagu.

According a source, people, including women, could not visit the temples scantily dressed.

Mr. Bopaiah said the Bhagamandala-Talacauvery Temple Management Committee would take a decision in this regard.

Mr. Kushalappa said that Bhagamandala and Talacauvery should remain as pilgrim centres and not as picnic spots.

New road

Mr. Bopaiah said NABARD had provided Rs. 1.4 crore to construct a one-way road from Bhagamandala to Talacauvery. Besides, the road from Karada to Bhagamandala would be developed for which tenders had been invited.

The height of the bridge across Napoklu-Bhagamandala road would be raised.

Mr. Muthappa said Rs. 80 lakh would be provided for the “anna santarpane kendra” (free food distribution centre) in Bhagamandala. The committee would identify a site for its construction soon.

Steps would be taken to video record the jewellery of Bhagamanadala and Talacauvery temples through the Department of Endowments (Muzrai).

Development plans at Bhagamandala, included protecting the sanctity of Triveni Sangama, quarters for priests and staff of the committee, development of the spot where devotees offered “pinda”, and entrance arch, among others.

Plan

There was a plan to relocate the meat stalls and non-vegetarian hotels to the periphery of Bhagamandala town for which the committee would seek people’s cooperation, Mr. Muthappa said.

In-charge Deputy Commissioner K.M. Chandre Gowda, Superintendent of Police Manjunath Annigeri, and Chief Executive Officer of the zilla panchayat Anjanappa attended the meeting.

PWD chief architect told to prepare a blueprint

Rs. 1.4 crore to construct a one-way road from Bhagamandala to Talacauveryhttp://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/article3587759.ece

District hospital gets ICU unit

Madikeri, July 1, 2012, DHNS: The long pending demands of the people of Kodagu district to have an ICU unit and dialysis centre at district government hospital will be realised within a month.

The people of Kodagu had to depend on district government hospitals in Mysore and Mangalore to avail the emergency services. There were several instances, where the patient had succumbed to the injuries, before reaching Mangalore or Mysore, owing to lack of ICU facility.

The work on ICU and dialysis centre has been completed and the work on central oxygen system is under progress. The unit will start functioning within a week. The dialysis centre is being set up at an estimated cost of Rs 80 lakh. More than one crore has been spent on the ICU and dialysis centre.

read more:- http://www.deccanherald.com/content/261080/district-hospital-gets-icu-unit.html

Lack of rain robs the glory off waterfalls in Kodagu

After showing initial promise, scanty rainfall in Kodagu has accounted for lean flow in most of its waterfalls in the district. Numerous waterfalls spring up beckoning visitors during monsoon. The waterfalls in the district are inspirational and awe-inspiring.Mallalli Falls in Somwarpet taluk presents a despairing sight as lean flow has taken away its glory. However, a good number of tourists still visit the spot to have a glimpse of the waterfall. This is the season when all the natural ‘beauty spots’ of Kodagu come alive and present themselves in full glory. When in full flow a view of the Mallalli Falls from the top is breathtakingly awesome.

Tourist spots

The Abbi Falls near Madikeri, Devaragundi Falls near Mukkodlu, Chelavara Falls near Cheyyandane, Irupu Falls in Virajpet taluk, Surlabbi or Medurapole Falls at Surlabbi village and a number of unnamed ones along the Karike road, come up as beautiful niches of nature, continuing for a couple of months more even after the monsoon was gone.

The Kuppehole Falls near Haleri, off the Madikeri-Sunticoppa-Kushalnagar road, is not noticed by many although its splendour does not match that of Abbi or Irpu or Mallalli.

The roar of the water that pierces the eerie silence of the surroundings is an exhilarating experience.

But tourists still visit the spot to have a glimpse

The falls in Kodagu retain their charm even after monsoonhttp://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/article3593504.ece

http://www.deccanheraldepaper.com/pdf/2012/07/03/20120703a_003106006.jpg

Mandalpatti, Madikeri

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Mandalpatti, Madikeri (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mysoreone/7522019876/) by mysoreone.com - One City Infinite Admirers...!!! (http://www.flickr.com/people/mysoreone/), on Flickr

Mandalpatti, Madikeri

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Mandalpatti, Madikeri

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Mandalpatti, Madikeri

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GIM-2012 MOUs/RoIs/EoIs for Kodagu

http://www.freeimagehosting.net/newuploads/cgegz.jpg

Taken from Karnataka Udyoga Mitra (http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=mou+roi+eoi&source=web&cd=6&ved=0CF0QFjAF&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kumbangalore.com%2Fdownload.aspx%3Ffile%3DUploads%2FFileUpload%2FGIM%2520MOU%2520EOI%2520%2520ROI%2520projects.xlsx&ei=iwr4T7u-AY_zrQeq14HEBg&usg=AFQjCNEWhkdB55oaSTmdtGL60AA-azGiRQ&cad=rja) & Advantage Karnataka (http://www.advantagekarnataka.com/).


Projects in Hospitality & Tourism secor.


GIM = Global Investors Meet
MOU = Memorandum Of Understanding
RoI = Registration of Interest
EoI = Expression of Interest

Mandalpatti, Madikeri



Mandalpatti is where film "Gaalipata" was shooted right??
Awesome place, Awesome pics Yogendra:cheers:

Mandalpatti, Madikeri

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Mandalpatti, Madikeri

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Mandalpatti is where film "Gaalipata" was shooted right??
Awesome place, Awesome pics Yogendra:cheers:

yes and thank u :)

A road to Mallalli Falls can boost flow of tourists

The bewitching Mallalli falls in the picturesque Pushpagiri wildlife sanctuary in Kodagu attracts a large number of visitors during monsoon and for a few months later every year. The milky water roaring down the rocky cliff is an awesome sight when in full flow.

Access to the top portion of the falls could be made through a private plantation and forest area, which is normally leech-infested during rainy days. But reaching the base of the falls by road is an arduous task. Mallalli is a small village coming under the Bettadalli Gram Panchayat in Somwarpet taluk.

The residents of Mallalli hoped that they would get good road and electricity to their village and to the spot leading to the falls area in view of the fame of the falls. That would have enabled them to buy smaller vehicles to commute the distance from their village to other nearby areas, including Somwapet, the nearest commercial centre, but to no avail.

Although some efforts were made to secure funds to boost infrastructure by the elected representatives in the past, a lot more remains to the done. One would have to park vehicles at Hanchinalli and walk for about 3 km to reach the base of the falls. Visitors are scared to park vehicles and walk the distance owing to fear of thefts. There have been instances of thefts in the past.

About Rs. 10 lakh had been spent in 2008-09 for the construction of a flight of steps from a certain area near Hanchinalli to climb down towards the base of the falls. Nearly 400 steps were constructed but it needs another identical number of steps to reach the base. The panchayat has constructed a gate to prevent entry of vehicles to the falls area. It collects parking fee from the visitors, but without providing any facility to the visitors.

Lack of safety measures in the area has resulted in the deaths of three persons, including a software engineer, in the recent times. The dead had actually reached the top of the falls from where the water cascades down in broad sheets much to the amazement of the visitors. There are signboards warning visitors about the dangerous spots.

The panchayat has not ensured cleanliness in the area. Empty liquor bottles and broken glass are strewn all around. Plastic and other wastes too abound the spot. There are promises from the powers that be of sanctioning funds for the development of the road from Hanchinalli to the base of the Falls and that of the facility of a cable car to boost the ambience of the spot.http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/article3644625.ece