The Akhila Kodava Samaja (AKS) has unanimously resolved to purchase both private properties located at the foothills of Malma Hill, following widespread concern over the environmental and cultural significance of the area.
An emergency meeting of the AKS was convened at the Virajpet Kodava Samaja Hall to deliberate on the issue. The meeting was presided over by AKS President Paradanda Subramani Kaverappa.
Among those present were members of the Executive Committee; Virajpet Kodava Samaja President Ammanichanda Ravi Uthappa; Virajpet MLA Ajjikuttira S. Ponnanna; representatives of the Nelaji Malma Hitarakshana Samiti comprising residents of Nelaji, Perur, Ballamavati and Machur villages; Ravindra, Changetira Kushalappa, Nelaji Igguthappa Malma Hitarakshana Samiti President Manavattira Harish Kushalappa, Vice-President Kaibulira Sabu Ganapathy, Secretary Mandira Sachin Ganapathy, Joint Secretary Kaibulira Dinu Kawerappa, MaleyandaJagada Eerappa, Maleyada Viju Appachha, Manavattira Arun Palangappa, Chiyakapuvada Sunil, Mandira Rippan, Baleada Lava Belyappa, Baleda Lasa, Appumanianda Kishu Medappa, Mundanda Ranjan, Jaabhoomi Charitable Trust President Chottekmada Rajiv Bopaiah, UCO Organisation President Kokkalemada Manju Chinnappa, office-bearers of various organizations, and presidents of several Kodava Samajas.
The road widening work and the construction of artificial lakes and ponds on private land in Nelaji village, presently owned by Spiritual Guru Shri M., had triggered widespread protests. Following the protests, all developmental activities on the property were halted. Subsequently, on June 29, Shri M visited the office of the AKS at Virajpet, where he held discussions with the management committee. During the meeting, he agreed in principle to sell both properties to the Akhila Kodava Samaja and assured the organization sufficient time to mobilize the required funds.
The office-bearers of the Akhila Kodava Samaja later held further discussions with MLA Ajjikuttira S. Ponnanna in Bengaluru before returning to Kodagu. During the meeting, residents of Nelaji and Perur villages, along with office-bearers of the Malma Hitarakshana Samiti, strongly opposed any proposal to transfer the disputed private land to the Forest Department.
Addressing the gathering, Jabhoomi Charitable Trust President Chottekamada Rajiv Bopaiah once again highlighted the environmental damage allegedly caused by the destruction of valuable bamboo groves during the construction of lakes on the disputed land. He also criticized the Forest Department for remaining silent despite the ecological damage.
Rajiv Bopaiah assured the gathering that his organization would extend financial assistance towards the purchase of the property for the benefit of the entire Kodava community.
Expressing concern over the growing sale of traditional Jammalands to outsiders by financially well-off members of the community, he said such transactions were posing a serious threat to Kodagu’s unique heritage and culture. He observed that this trend had now reached areas surrounding sacred Kodava pilgrimage centres such as Talakaveri and the Igguthappa Temple. He urged MLA Ponnanna to introduce appropriate legislation to regulate such land transactions if he is inducted into the State Cabinet in future.
Speaking on the occasion, Kokkalemada Manju Chinnappa, President of the UCO Organisation, said the Nelaji-Ballamavati region is one of the oldest surviving settlements reflecting the rich heritage of Kodava culture. He expressed concern that the increasing sale of private properties for commercial purposes was posing a serious threat to Kodagu’s fragile environment and traditional way of life.
Following detailed deliberations, the meeting unanimously accepted the suggestions made by MLA Ajjikuttira S. Ponnanna and adopted three important resolutions.
Three Resolutions Passed
- The Akhila Kodava Samaja will initiate the necessary agreement with Shri M, at the earliest for the purchase of the 71.92-acre property situated at Nelaji.
- The meeting accepted the proposal to seek the cooperation of Mukkatira M. Jaya, who maintains cordial relations with the present owner, to facilitate the purchase of the properties.
- Until income tax exemption under the relevant provisions becomes available, the required funds for purchasing the property will be mobilized through loans and financial contributions from community leaders.
During the meeting, Murnad Kodava Samaja President Telapanda Subbaiah, Akhila Kodava Samaja Central Committee members, Napoklu Kodava Samaja President and Nelaji Igguthappa Temple President Mundanda Nanaiah, and several others addressed the gathering and extended their support to the initiative.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Akhila Kodava Samaja Vice-President Porera Bidappa.
