Bengaluru: Environment activists from Kodagu have fervently appealed to the Karnataka Government to halt the extensive commercialization of land within the Cauvery river catchment area, particularly focusing on Kodagu district. They underscored that the unchecked alteration of land use has significantly disrupted the natural flow of water into the river.
Col C.P. Muthanna (Retd), coordinator of Save Kodagu and Cauvery Campaign, addressed a press conference in Bengaluru Press Club on March 25, stating that Kodagu serves as the primary catchment area of the Cauvery, supplying 70% of the water consumed by 13 million residents of Bengaluru.
"Gram panchayats must refrain from granting NOCs for land conversions intended for commercial purposes. It's imperative that our lawmakers advocate for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to issue stringent directives against such conversions. Subsequently, there should be a moratorium imposed on further expansion of Bengaluru city," said Col Muthanna.
He emphasized that the unchecked growth of Bengaluru coupled with the degradation of Kodagu's landscape would epitomize a situation akin to burning the candle at both ends. Col Muthanna further said, "The Cauvery serves as the lifeblood not just for Bengaluru but also for the farmers of Mandya and the residents of Mysuru. If the current trend of commercial conversions persists in Kodagu, it won't be long before Gonikoppal, Ponnampet, and Virajpet merge into one large city akin to Mysuru. Similarly, in North Kodagu, Madikeri, Kushalnagar, and Somwarpet are likely to undergo similar transformations.”
“If Kodagu ends up with two cities the size of Mysuru, the entire Cauvery water supply would be needed within Kodagu itself, resulting in a cessation of the 70% water supply to Bengaluru," he added.
Col Muthanna, while listing out the companies involved in constructing resorts, layouts, and other ventures in Kodagu, suggested that the proprietors of such establishments should allocate a portion of their wealth towards safeguarding Kodagu instead of exacerbating its destruction.
He also emphasized that if the population of Kodagu rises from its current six lakh to 10 lakh or beyond due to the proliferation of layouts and colonies, and if there is a drought resulting in water scarcity, then the government could enact the National Disaster Act.
"The government could implement the Act, allowing for the seizure of borewells and water tanks belonging to coffee growers throughout Kodagu. This would prohibit any irrigation activities in the district, leading to a significant reduction in coffee yields," he explained.
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This is a timely wake-up call that has often been repeated. Regrettably Govt in Bengaluru are either unconcerned or, unaware of the impending devastation of this beautiful Distt.