I appreciate the concern of Retd Colonel C P Muthanna, an environmentalist against the land conversion for commercial purposes in Kodagu which is affecting the water bodies to a large extent. So much is said and done about stopping land conversion for commercial purposes. Too many acres of land converted for commercial purposes in the last decade in Kodagu district, environmentalists, decry the continuing change in land use and say it has decreased the annual flow of water in the Cauvery. Kodagu district is the major watershed and catchment for the Cauvery and has witnessed rampant conversion of not just forest land but also wetlands and coffee plantations. Kodagu, a tiny district tucked away in the lush green foothills of western ghats of Karnataka in India is a natural abode of diverse flora and fauna. Famous for its serene landscapes, world class coffee, majestic valleys and waterfalls is home for a small group of people in diverse wildlife. However, the innately green land is now fighting for its life. This tranquil district had to weather the incessant onslaught on its pristine nature in the name of development. Unscientific and irrational projects have affected its health over the years. Moreover, the unprecedented rains coupled with landslides and floods during 2018 and 2019 had taken a great toll on its inhabitants and has indeed pushed Kodagu out of frying pan into the raging flames as it seems to be a gateway for rapid conversion of agricultural land into industrial and commercial sites. Organizations have been heavily lobbying for the purchase of these lands and destroying the green region for their selfish gains. When tree holding agricultural land is converted for commercial purposes, the trees are cut for construction activities. The Cauvery went completely dry in Kodagu in March this year and we don’t seem capable of understanding the many warnings that nature has given to us. Rampant land conversion will definitely kill river Cauvery. As of now, we have seen destruction such as plenty of teak in most of the forest land has driven our mighty elephants and other wildlife homeless resulting in an ever increased Human – Animal conflict. Mindless urbanization and excessive tourism have resulted in water scarcity, increased traffic through forests resulting in death of wildlife and garbage dump. High tension electric lines through forest and plantations have paved way for cutting down lakhs of trees. More trees will be wiped out during the new projects of commercial conversions which is a big price to pay in the name of urbanization. Have we not learnt enough from these horrific destructions? So, what can we, the citizens do to play our part?Â
First and foremost, we must unite and raise voice and designate the western ghats region as an eco- sensitive zone. Strict measures against the land conversion for commercial purposes allowing only locals who have resided for generations to convert land for their livelihood (private homes, hospitals,shops etc)and prohibit conversion of wet lands. Issuing orders for commercial land conversion should be stopped. NOC should not be given for conversion of land for commercial purposes. Let’s stand together against this uncontrolled commercial land conversions, before we lose the few natural oasis that are undiluted by the commercial profit hungry giants. Conserve our mother nature because earth provides enough to satisfy a man’s need but not greed.
Kodandera Mamatha Subbaiah
