Transcript Locale Specific Initiatives Kodagu – an Alternative Model Locale Specific Issues   Kodagu, commonly known as Coorg is the second smallest district in Karnataka, occupies an.

Locale Specific Initiatives
Kodagu – an Alternative Model
Locale Specific Issues


Kodagu, commonly known as Coorg is the
second smallest district in Karnataka,
occupies an area of 4102 sq.km. in the
Western Ghats.
More than 50% of the total geographical
area of the Kodagu district which is
covered with forests, acts as a major
catchment area for the Cauvery river which
ISSUE
:
FORESTRY
starts
from Talacauvery
of this region.
Locale Specific Issues

Across the world there are a number of
regions, which exhibit high level of
diversity as well as endemism. However
twelve regions have been recognised as
biodiversity hot spots at the global level
(Sharma, 1997), out of which two are in
India namely “North Eastern India” and
“Western Ghats”.
ISSUE :
LOSS of BIODIVERSITY
Locale Specific Issues

With the advent of British colonization in
1854 and introduction of coffee plantations
in the district, it initiated large scale
clearing of forests. This has been further
damaged by timber exploitation,
particularly Teak in moist deciduous forest
and various other trees from evergreen
forests.
ISSUE
:
DEFORESTATION
Locale Specific Issues

The pulp from the coffee seeds are
generally released into the river which
causes the surface water pollution and also
the under ground water pollution. The
flowing waters of the river Cauvery and its
tributary are known for their Mahseer
fishes.
ISSUE
:
INDUSTRIAL POLUTION
Locale Specific Issues

As the economy of the region increases
rapidly, the life style of the community
changes which in turn leads to increase in
the use of paper, plastic, glass metal,
cardboard wrappers, etc., and force solid
waste problems on the district.
ISSUE
:
SOLID WASTE
Locale Specific Issues

the region also attracts a variety of tourists
from different parts of the country and
outside. This gives rise to issues such as
non-availability of water and water
pollution and solid waste.
ISSUE
:
TOURISM
CEE’s interventions – biodiversity
conservation, forestry, deforestation
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Development of GIS
A series of workshops on protection of
sacred groves. Sacred Groves Protection
Committees formed
Exhibitions on the importance of
conservation of medicinal plants
Formation of SHGs in 30 villages with
medicinal plants nurseries.
CEE’s interventions – solid waste
management
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Waste composting in three towns in association
with the municipal authorities and village
panchayats.Citizens committees formed ineach of
the towns. Industries roped in for support and
waste contribution.
Paper recycling, Plastic weaving unit set up
.Clean up Kodagu – school campaign
Seasonal campaigns at Talakavery
CEE’s intervention - Ecotourism
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Campaigns at tourist spots on going twice a year
for the past four years. Temple Committees
formed and roped into the campaigns. Also at
Irupu and Madikeri fort.
At Nagarahole- tourism survey done to determine
KAP of tourists about national parks, behaviour
in national park, etc.
Four waysides put up in Kodagu. Four more to be
put up.
CEE’s interventions – school
programmes

In association with the State Literacy
Mission, eco clubs formed (154) and
children trained composting, firefighting,
soil and moisture conservation. Importance
of biodiversity, conservation methods,
solid waste management were someof the
focus areas. Street plays, videos, posters,
were extensively used.
Sustainability
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Industrial waste pollution is a topic that we could
take up on consultancy basis and earn some
money for our activities in Kodagu.
Training programme for others who wish to set
up paper and plastic weaving centres could be
organised and charges could also serve to help
build sustainablility into the programme.
New initiatives
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Kodagu Interpretation Centre to interpret
the linkages betweenthe biodiversity,
culture and heritage of Kodagu.
Water Shed Management in Bhramagiri
Hills.
Protection of Sacred Groves.