The readers’ responses by way of Comments on World Environment Day has been stupendous. We are encouraged to post an account of Field Marshal Cariappa’s comment on deforestation (see below). More comments and reactions from all quarters are most welcome – this is what makes the Online newspaper vibrant and meaningful. – CLN Newsdesk
General Cariappa’s house is surrounded by forest. As one drives up from the main gate, the road is flanked by towering trees, with the hillside sloping down on one side and rising on the other, covered in an unbroken expanse of forest as far as the eye can see. Many have asked him why he doesn’t convert the land into a coffee plantation or cultivate cardamom and other cash crops. But he has consistently refused, believing that cutting down the forest would be an anti-national act.
Sourced from Major K C Praval’s records. Major Praval was hosted by General Cariappa at his house in Madikeri, from 6th to 12th January, 1979. Sentences have been edited for ease of reading.
Only Cariappa Ajja would live with these beliefs, which would have resonated well with our ancestors:
“cutting down the forest would be an anti-national act”.
Even our Devarkadus have not been spared. A visit to the famous Beppunad Mandh speaks for itself.
Driving around towards Garvale, Surlabhi, Hamyala in the vicinity of Mandalpatti – the shocking sale of large tracts of land (even Jamma) is heart rending. Apparently these are being converted for resorts.
Land which has been preserved for many generations should never be sold – it is totally against our culture.