PILGRIMAGE CENTRE LOSING SANCTITY;

Madikeri January 15, 2007

Residents of Irpu have alleged that the sanctity of the Irpu pilgrimage centre is losing its sanctity as tourists are playing spoil sport.

Talking to this correspondent, the residents stated that the government has been giving publicity only about the Irpu falls to attract tourists and has ignored the temple part. Irpu Rameshwara temple is one of the main places of worship in Kodagu. Pilgrims would bathe in the water falls before taking darshan of the deity. But the present tourist crowd is enjoying the falls and is not visiting the temple.

Clashes between tourists and public are taking place as the latter was found indulging in alcohol consumption and smoking near the water falls, which is prohibited by the temple authorities. People have demanded that the district administration sets up police post to control the tourists to protect sanctity of the place. Large number of bottles and other litters are strewn in the area.

TIMBER LOOT AT ATTOOR VILLAGE

Members of Guddehosur Gram Panchayath, Suresh and M.K.usman have alleged that large number of teak wood trees are being smuggled in Attoor village at Somwarpet taluk.

They alleged that rupees 4.5 lakh worth three teak trees were illegally cut and smuggled out by culprits three days ago. The land owner Devappa of Seegehalla Paisary land has lodged a complaint with the police and said that unknown culprits lifted the trees at night.

The GP members have complained that crores worth of teak wood trees in Somwarpet taluk were cut and transported by smugglers since a year and hardly any action was initiated to curb smuggling by forest department. They have urged a thorough investigation and action against the smugglers who are operating systematically.