LETTER TO KODAGU (COORG) DC ON ILLEGAL CONVERSION OF PADDY LANDS FOR HOUSING LAYOUTS
From: P.T. Bopanna
Journalist & Author
To: Sri Venkat Raja (in picture)
Deputy Commissioner of Kodagu
During my last visit to Kodagu, my native district, I came across formation of massive housing layouts on lands which were once paddy fields.
Particularly shocking was a large housing layout coming up on the outskirts of the Ponnampet town on way to Hudikeri, native town of Virajpet MLA, Ponnanna A.S.
I am aware of the fact that the previous BJP government had carried out wide ranging amendments to the Karnataka Land Reforms Act with ulterior motive to benefit vested interests.
The only saving grace of the amendments was the constitution of a committee headed by the Deputy Commissioner to give approval on a case-to-case basis for land conversion for commercial purposes.
I am sorry to state that you have not used your discretion in allowing for conversion of the paddy lands.
Being an IAS officer, you should be aware such large scale conversion of wetlands, comprising mostly Jamma and Sagu, would not only harm the ecology of Kodagu, but deplete the water resources in the Cauvery basin. This will have serious implications for people living in cities like Bengaluru and Mysuru, as well as well farmers in parts of Tamil Nadu.
I am sure you are aware of the landslides which ravaged parts of Kodagu district in 2018 and 2019.
You should also clarify how you allowed permission for Coorg Marriott Resort & Spa with private swimming pools for guests at Makkandur village, the epicentre of the 2018 landslides in Kodagu.
I appeal to you to study the report by T.V. Ramchandra from the Energy & Wetlands Group, Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science. He has attributed the landslides solely to the unscientific land-use modifications that have been happening in the district for years.
You may be aware that the Karnataka high court had passed strictures against a previous Kodagu DC for fraudulent land deals.
I am also worried about the silence of the Kodagu MLAs on the massive conversions of paddy lands taking place in Kodagu.
Copy: Sri Siddaramaiah, Chief Minister, Govt. of Karnataka
Copy: Sri Krishna Byre Gowda, Revenue Minister, Govt. of Karnataka
