An interaction programme was organised at Patrika Bhavan in Madikeri by the Kodagu District Working Journalists’ Association with Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna, who was recently appointed as the Chief Minister’s Political Secretary.
Various issues, including political developments, development works, problems facing Kodagu and concerns among the public, were discussed during the interaction.
Responding to questions regarding his not being included in the State Cabinet, Ponnanna said that Kodagu had, many years ago, been represented by three ministers, but the district had not received ministerial representation for a long time thereafter. He said that political considerations also played a role, as ministerial positions were decided on the basis of several factors, including regional and caste representation across multiple constituencies.
Ponnanna said that he had been confident of securing a ministerial berth and had even selected two shirts in preparation for the occasion. However, within a short time, it became clear that he would not be included in the Cabinet.
He said that his name being considered for the post of Deputy Speaker had come as a surprise. While describing the position as a constitutional, honourable and responsible one, he said that the office also carried certain limitations.
Ponnanna said that Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar had earlier appointed him as the President of the Legal Cell when he was the KPCC President and wanted to utilise his political abilities. Against this background, he was appointed as the Chief Minister’s Political Secretary.
He said he was proud that his name had been considered for a ministerial position and expressed confidence that he would have an opportunity to become a minister in the future.
Kasturirangan Report and Eco-Sensitive Area.
Ponnanna said that the State Government had rejected the Kasturirangan report on several occasions and had once again opposed the draft notification. The inclusion of villages from Kodagu in the proposed Eco-Sensitive Area had naturally raised concerns among the people, he said.
He added that while protecting the environment was important, it was also the responsibility of the government to safeguard the interests and welfare of the people.
“The environment and the Western Ghats must certainly be protected. Only if they are protected can the country survive and the natural balance be maintained. However, we also need to understand the facts and examine both the advantages and disadvantages of the proposal,” he said.
Ponnanna said that the implementation of the report could adversely affect the lives of people and agricultural activities in rural areas. He pointed out that residents were already facing several restrictions imposed by the Forest Department.
“This draft notification cannot be accepted in its present form. The State Government has already issued its objections to the draft notification, and there should be clarity regarding what activities will be prohibited,” he said.
He added that there was no objection to restrictions on mining, quarrying and luxury resorts. However, restrictions on agricultural activities, including the construction of wells and felling of trees for legitimate agricultural purposes, would not be acceptable, he said.
Measures to Address Human-Wildlife Conflict
Ponnanna said that efforts were being made to prevent human-wildlife conflict and that Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre was scheduled to visit the district on August 28.
He said the visit would provide an opportunity for the public and those affected by wildlife conflict to interact with the minister. A meeting would be held to discuss the issue and explore possible solutions.
Ponnanna said that a wild elephant capture operation had already been conducted and two elephants had been captured. However, he pointed out that if the elephants were released back into the wild, they could return to the plantations. He said systematic and long-term measures were therefore required.
He noted that there were only elephant camps at Dubare and Mathigod, and that the captured elephant had been shifted to the Dubare camp. He said the number of kraals at the camp should be increased and the existing systems strengthened.
He also said that the previous Forest Minister had proposed a plan for the soft release of elephants. If found feasible, efforts would be made to implement the plan.
Ponnanna said that efforts were being made to control the elephant menace through a phased programme involving railway barricades, trenches and solar fencing. He added that captured elephants could also be handed over to States with a lower elephant population.
Former MLAs would also be invited to the meeting through the district in-charge minister, he said.
Referring to Project Elephant, Ponnanna said that not a single rupee in grants had been received under the project. He called for non-partisan efforts to address the issue and urged all concerned to work together towards finding a solution.
Instead of merely staging protests, he said the Opposition BJP should also meet the Union Minister concerned and make efforts to resolve the issue.
Development Works in Kodagu
Ponnanna said that road conditions in Kodagu had improved compared to the past and that several measures had been taken to construct and repair roads.
He said the Bhagamandala Road had been well constructed, while tenders had been floated for the repair of the Virajpet-Madikeri and Napoklu roads.
A grant of Rs 40 crore had also been released for road construction in the Virajpet constituency. Rural roads were also being repaired, he said.
Responding to allegations regarding road development, Ponnanna said that false allegations were being made against him for political purposes.
“It cannot be said that all roads are in perfect condition. However, the maximum possible work has been carried out over the past three years,” he said.
He added that the Virajpet Hospital had been approved for an upgrade and that the electricity network had also been strengthened. Further efforts would be made towards the development of the constituency, he said.
On the occasion, Ponnanna was felicitated and honoured by the Kodagu District Working Journalists’ Association and the Kodagu Press Club on his appointment as the Chief Minister’s Political Secretary.
District Working Journalists’ Association President Bacharaniyand Anu Cariappa and General Secretary H.J. Rakesh were present on the stage.
Rakesh welcomed the gathering, while Treasurer Sunil Ponnetti proposed the vote of thanks.
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