By P.T. Bopanna
Even before A.S. Ponnanna is elected the next MLA from Virajpet constituency in Kodagu (Coorg) district, his agenda for Kodagu has been set by Ahmedabad-based artist Asha Mandapa (in picture).
Asha writes: With the election around the corner and young blood in the form of Congress candidate, AS Ponnanna who is on the scene, one hopes to see an infusion of schemes that will address the environmental issues facing Kodagu.
RAIN WATER HARVESTING: Water conservation, for one. Encouraging and facilitating rain water harvesting, creating systems where estate owners big and small could be encouraged to create rain water harvesting systems. Our ground water levels would be recharged.
TREE PLANTING: Creating an awareness of and supporting tree planting. Forest conservation and protection should become more government supported and proactive.
If such schemes became more people centric, I am sure the public in Kodagu, would rise to the occasion and participate with their time and ideation.
ENVIRONMENT EDUCATION: Education in schools, of the huge threat facing the earth and its environment, is also necessary. Parental interaction and involvement in these activities could become a meeting ground for more people to get involved!
BUDGET SUPPORT FOR ROADS AND ELECTRICITY: One hopes that among the other issues facing the Kodavas, like electricity woes and roads, our representative of Kodagu could convince State Government to increase the financial budget for Kodagu. We are after all a large contributor to the wealth of the exchequer.
While I acknowledge there is a lot awaiting Ponnanna, I wish him every success in the coming election. Writing this snippet from my studio #undertheneemtree in Ahmedabad.