There is a widespread belief amongst the people of Kodagu that Karnataka remembers this precious landscape only when the Cauvery (Kaveri) water-sharing dispute resurfaces. Governments, political parties, activists, organisations and the public speak about the Cauvery only during such times. However, the major concern remains as to how much attention is paid to Kodagu as a precious environment that serves as the catchment for much needed water – with the Mother Goddess taking her pre-eminent place as the custodian of the land and Her People since time immemorial. This is after all the birthplace of the Cauvery – not merely a district; it is the cradle of the Cauvery River. Kodagu’s dense forests, rolling hills, abundant rainfall, rivers and rich ecological wealth, has sustained the fortunes of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu providing drinking water, irrigation and livelihood benefiting lakhs of farmers, industries and urban centres.
However, Kodagu today is increasingly facing devastating environmental pressures. Deforestation, unregulated development, encroachment of hill slopes, destruction of water bodies and continued environmental degradation are steadily threatening the future of the Cauvery. Every voice raised in support of protecting the Cauvery should first advocate the protection of Kodagu.
Unfortunately, public concern for Kodagu generally emerges only during disputes relating to the Cauvery water sharing agreement. Very little attention is given to the hardships faced by the people of Kodagu, the mounting pressure on its fragile ecosystem, the conservation of its forests and water bodies, human animal conflict, or the preservation of Kodava culture – which is inextricably linked with Goddess Cauvery. Cauveramma is considered the “custodian of the lands” and there is no function nor festival that takes place without paying obeisance to the deity.
It is widely believed that The State Government should establish a permanent “Cauvery Headwaters Conservation Authority” comprising environmental experts, scientists, officials of the Forest Department, elected representatives, farmers and organisations from Kodagu. Such an authority should function throughout the year to safeguard Kodagu’s forests, rivers, water bodies, biodiversity and the ecological health of the Cauvery catchment, rather than becoming active only during interstate water disputes.
In addition, whichever government assumes office should seriously consider providing Kodagu district and its people with a permanent and dignified place within the State’s administrative framework. Only when the concerns of Kodagu receive continuous attention at the government level will the district’s environmental needs, ecological challenges and local issues be properly understood and addressed. Unfortunately, no government has so far taken such a long-term and far-sighted initiative.
Post the merger of Kodagu with then Mysore State, the former Part C State has always been meted out with step motherly treatment. At the very least, governments must introspect and formulate strong policies for the comprehensive development of Kodagu, conservation of its environment and the long-term protection of the Cauvery’s headwaters. This is not merely the demand of the people of Kodagu but a necessity for securing Karnataka’s future. Every drop of water is not merely a gift of nature but the result of Kodagu’s forests, abundant rainfall and the deep respect for nature that has long been upheld by its people.
Only if Kodagu survives will the Cauvery survive; and only if the Cauvery survives will Karnataka’s future remain secure.
This is not merely Kodagu’s struggle, it is the responsibility of every Kannadiga. It is not a political issue, but a question of our collective existence.
“If you want the Cauvery water, save Kodagu. Every drop of Cauvery depends upon every tree, every hill and every forest of Kodagu. The first step towards saving the Cauvery is to comprehensively preserve Kodagu.”
The facts, views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or editorial position of Coffeeland News.
We need to add that this has been edited, so that, the original author tomorrow does not mess around with CLN and go public stating that this is not his article and CLN has changed it. For that, we need to have have a disclaimer that it has been edited. Bring this to the notice of Anna.
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