.png)
Madikeri: Amidst a profound water scarcity in Karnataka this year, the residents of Kodagu district, the birthplace of the River Cauvery, are enduring more hardships than their counterparts in other districts.
Residents of Kodagu district allege that authorities have neglected their region in addressing the water crisis, focusing primarily on the state capital, Bengaluru, and other districts. Now the residents of Kodagu are intensifying their efforts to preserve the district's ecology, recognizing its significant impact on the crucial river and the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats.
Through the online campaign initiatives 'Save Coorg' and 'Save Cauvery,' residents and individuals from Kodagu are aiming to capture the government's attention regarding the longstanding issues related to water and environment in the district. Nanaiah Bottolanda, the administrator of the 'Kodava Naad' Instagram page, initiated the campaign to raise awareness about the preservation of the district and the River Cauvery.
“This year, the specter of water scarcity looms large over Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Tamil Nadu, highlighting the critical need to protect Coorg's precious ecosystems. The Cauvery River, originating from Coorg, is the lifeblood of these regions, providing essential water for drinking, agriculture, and industry. However, rampant development and exploitation of Coorg's natural resources, including wetland conversions, illegal tree felling, mass tourism, commercialization, and infrastructure projects, are threatening the flow and quality of the river Cauvery,” Mr Nanaiah said.
According to Mr Nanaiah with its lush landscapes and pristine wetlands, Kodagu is facing a silent onslaught. “Adding to this plight is the illegal felling of trees, a practice driven by greed and ignorance. Trees, the silent guardians of the soil and water, are being ruthlessly cut down, leading to soil erosion and a reduction in water retention capacity,” he added.
“If we fail to protect Coorg's ecosystems today, the consequences will be severe for Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Tamil Nadu. Therefore, it is imperative for the people of these regions to prioritize saving Coorg. By protecting Coorg's wetlands, forests, and rivers, we can ensure sustainable water management for our cities,” Mr Nanaiah opined.
The Cauvery River, originating in Karnataka and passing through Tamil Nadu before reaching the Bay of Bengal, is facing declining water levels due to inadequate rainfall. This has worsened the agricultural crisis in both states.
The Kodagu Express Campaign: ‘Kodagu's Silent Cry for Cauvery Water’
This article is part of The Kodagu Express special series on water crises faced in Kodagu. In this series, The Kodagu Express will delve deep into the ongoing water crisis in Kodagu, shedding light on the impact of insufficient rainfall on the region. The articles will explore the struggles faced by farmers and residents as the water levels in the Cauvery decline, despite its origin in this very district. The series aims to bring attention to the urgent need for government intervention and highlight the neglect faced by Kodagu in water resource management.
Please Join The Kodagu Express WhatsApp Channel: CLICK HERE
Follow us on Instagram and X(Twitter) to get latest news updates and special stories from Kodagu.
Share your feedback on our website via email at thekodaguexpress@gmail.com
Comments