Let me come to the core issues right away:
- The sale of land at the Igguthappa Malma is detrimental to the sensitive environment and the significant damage caused by cutting of trees, protected species of Cane Palm, irresponsible excavation of the hillside with heavy duty earth moving equipment, substantial widening of the road are serious violations of existing protocols with land use.
- There are “land conversion” rules for civil construction – in this instance meditation halls, “goshalas”, accommodation, etc, which have not been followed. The land conversion charges are steep and more importantly should not be undertaken in landslide prone slopes. For starters the local Panchayat should have cleared the plans after paying the necessary fees.
This is the story of MALMA KUNDH IN NELGI VILLAGE, KODAGU DISTRICT which has been making headlines since about a week. Approximately 500 villagers gathered at Balamavatti Village Panchayat office, to express their opposition on the transgression or infringement on the sacred precincts of the MALMA KUNDH revered by Kodavas and Kodava Bashikas.
This begs the question – WHY ARE THE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION INSTITUTIONS – KARNATAKA FOREST and MINES & GEOLOGY DEPARTMENTS, KODAGU ADMINISTRATION SELECTIVE IN IMPOSING PENALTIES AND ENFORCING LAW?
As local public pressure started building up, the purchaser of the approximately 60 acres land Mumtaz Ali, has now gone on record stating that he is ready to return the entire parcel of land. The pre-conditions keep varying but given his spiritual awareness, erudition and bestowed national award (Padma Bhushan – which is repeated at every opportunity) and the substantial violations of environment damage and land usage protocols, the properties should be restored to its previous condition.
On June 20th, a few of us from JABHOOMI CHARITABLE TRUST attended the meeting held at Balamavatti GP. The meeting was highly charged with everyone present there in unanimity against the SALE OF 2 PRIVATE PROPERTIES IN THE SACRED MALMA KUNDH. After the meeting a few of us with the local villagers went up the hills along with the TV and media crew to see the ground reality.
What we saw there was rampant destruction of native trees especially the CANE PALM, more than 25 of which were cut. This CANE is a highly protected species of tree as per the Karnataka Forest Act and any destruction or illegal cutting of this CANE PALM ENTAILS A 10 YEAR NON-BAILABLE ARREST ALONG WITH a penalty of rupees 1 Lakh. Most of us who are planters know the harassment meted out by Forest Department if we cut a normal tree inside our estates. This being the situation in all our estates, the question now being asked is, who gave Mumtaz Ali permission. Not only CANE there are plenty of native forest trees which have been cut indiscriminately, over an extended period of time.
Who will take the onus for all the destruction which has happened so far in MALMA HILLS? Shouldn’t there be an immediate enquiry by the concerned MLA, MP, Community Leaders and institutions like Coorg Wildlife Society. In this instance, the Akhila Kodava Samaja and respective Baktha Sanghas could have taken preemptive measures and prevented the sale.
In summary, the following suggestions must be considered:
- Revert the management of the Padi Igguthappa Temple and Talekaveri Temple to Kodavas from Muzrai. The funds and offerings collected needs transparent accountability and usage with STRICT COMMUNITY OVERSIGHT – read checks and balances.
- Sale of Jamma Land for non-agricultural use should not be allowed.
- Review the compliance by all resorts to environment standards and that they do not threaten the fragile landscape. Why were these permissions given in the first place?
- The transaction under discussion at the Malma should be negated. The Panchayat alongwith the local villagers can collectively decide whether it should be part of Nelgi Temple or Reserve Forest.
- Review urgent measures to improve the environment. This should include all encroachments into Devarkadus to be restored to previous status.
- Wetland Cultivation to be encouraged and incentivised keeping in mind the need to raise the water table of the district.
- Written boldly at the entrance of Vidhana Soudha is “GOVERNMENT WORK IS GODS WORK”. Starting from being “elected” to the Panchayat, or as a Revenue Officer/PDO/Forest Department Official/District Administration – you’ve chosen to be a “public servant” – it’s a privilege. Perhaps a quarterly meeting starting with the Panchayat that discusses matters regarding development programs/spend, land sale etc with local residents is a way forward.
We Kodavas should also actively deliberate the implications of sale of Jamma lands altogether. Our Real Estate Agents need to search their conscience and not be branded as the prime cause of selling our heritage. To make matters worse when the land is sold to people who have no long term stake in the land, it leads to dilution of environmental concerns and loss of Kodava identity. Furthermore, the unrestricted migrants flowing in from neighbouring States has caused lasting damage on the demand for precious natural resources and a serious threat to the cultural identity of the district. This needs to be addressed swiftly and responsibly.
Jammada Ganesh Ayanna, Jabhoomi Charitable Trust. 01.07.2026
