The Jabhoomi Charitable Trust has warned that it will launch a massive protest and lay siege to the offices of the Forest Department and the Department of Mines and Geology if appropriate legal action is not taken against those responsible for the alleged destruction of trees and environmental damage near Malma Betta.
Addressing a press conference in Madikeri, Trust President Rajiv Bopaiah said that the abode of Sri Igguttappa Deva is a sacred place intrinsically linked to the identity, faith and cultural heritage of the Kodava community and the indigenous people of Kodagu.
He expressed concern that the ongoing developments in the Malma Betta area could have serious long-term consequences for the region’s ecological balance as well as the cultural and religious heritage of the Kodava people.
Rajiv Bopaiah alleged that a large number of trees, cane and other vegetation had already been cleared from the area. He questioned whether the necessary permissions had been obtained from the Forest Department for such activities. “The Forest Department promptly registers cases against ordinary people for cutting even a few trees for personal use. However, it has remained silent in this case despite the large-scale destruction of vegetation. The reasons for this selective inaction must be explained,” he said.
He pointed out that cutting, destroying or transporting trees, cane or any other forest produce from forest or protected areas without prior permission is illegal. Rajiv Bopaiah further alleged that rocks had been blasted and the natural terrain of the area had been altered. He questioned whether the required approvals had been obtained from the Department of Mines and Geology for such activities.
He demanded that the department clarify whether the work was being carried out without permission. If the activities had been authorised, he sought details of the legal provisions under which such permission had been granted.
According to him, local residents have repeatedly brought their concerns and objections regarding the alleged illegal activities to the attention of the district administration. However, he alleged that the District Administration had failed to respond adequately to the sentiments of the local people.
“We expected the Deputy Commissioner to clearly inform the public through the media whether legal permission had been granted for tree felling, hill cutting or any other commercial activity in this ecologically sensitive region of the Western Ghats. Unfortunately, no such clarification has been provided so far,” he said. Rajiv Bopaiah also appealed to the elected representatives of Kodagu, including Members of Parliament, Members of the Legislative Assembly and Members of the Legislative Council, to intervene and address the environmental damage allegedly taking place near Malma Betta. He warned that if the Government fails to initiate appropriate legal action, the Trust will organise a large-scale protest and lay siege to the offices of the Forest Department and the Department of Mines and Geology.
Trust Vice-President Acchandira Kushalappa, Secretary Annira Harish Madappa, Treasurer Jammada Ganesh Ayyanna and prominent member Appanderada Yashwanth were present at the press conference.
