A district-wide cleanliness drive under the banner “Swachha Kodagu – Sundara Kodagu” was conducted on Monday across prominent religious sites, tourist destinations, and key locations in district and taluk headquarters.
The campaign was organised in collaboration with the district administration, Zilla Panchayat, Forest Department, Tourism Department, and various stakeholders from the hospitality and tourism sectors.
The initiative was formally launched at Rajaseat Park in Madikeri by Municipal Council President P. Kalavathi, Deputy Divisional Officer and Deputy Director of Tourism Nitin Chakki, Coorg Hotel and Resort Association President Dinesh Cariappa, Home Stay Association President Monti Ganesh, and other dignitaries.
Participants included representatives from various organisations such as the Chamber of Commerce, River Rafting Association, and Home Stay Associations across Kushalnagar, Somwarpet, and other taluks.
Addressing the gathering, P. Kalavathi highlighted that the ban on half-litre and one-litre bottled water in Madikeri city has helped curb plastic usage, and stressed the need for continued efforts to reduce plastic consumption.
Nitin Chakkiemphasised the importance of maintaining cleanliness for better environmental and public health outcomes, urging citizens to minimise plastic use.
Dinesh Cariappa noted that the campaign saw active participation from both government and non-government organisations, adding that collective efforts are essential to preserve Kodagu’s natural beauty. Monti Ganesh remarked that a clean environment would significantly enhance tourism prospects in the district.
The cleanliness drive covered major locations including Talacauvery, Bhagamandala, Omkareshwara Temple, Abbey Falls, Chelavara Falls, Dubare, Cauvery Nisargadham, Harangi Reservoir, Mallalli Falls, and Irpu Falls, among several others.
In Madikeri city, the drive extended along key roads including Virajpet Road, Bhagamandala-Talacauvery Road, Siddapur Road, and Mysuru Road. Similar drives were conducted in Kushalnagar and other towns covering major public stretches.
As part of the initiative, around 50 volunteers undertook cleaning activities along Guddehosur Road near Cauvery Nisargadhama. Concerns were raised regarding garbage accumulation in the area, with suggestions for installing designated garbage bins and increased government intervention to manage waste effectively.
