WILD FIRE AND SCORCHING SUN THREATEN KODAGU

Madikeri March 3

Wild fire incidents and raising mercury level are threatening the district which is looking for rainfall.

Worry comes on three counts. The district administration is worried about the wild fire which is devastating forests and threatening flora and fauna. The local bodies are worried about the drying of wells and water sources. Planters and agriculturists are worried about the blossom shower which they should have got during February. Well, in another corner, working class and students are suffering due to the raising level of mercury.

Mercury has hit 32 degree Celsius at Madikeri which is considered as high in Kodagu. The average level of mercury in Kodagu is 27 and 28. The houses and offices in Kodagu do not have air-conditioning. The regular interruption of power is not allowing the people even to use electric fans.

Wild fire has ravaged forests in Brahmagiri, Nagarahole and other ranges. According to Fire brigade officer Obaiah, there were 88 fire incidents reported so far in Kodagu during this season. Wild fire broke at a mountain today at Madikeri. The mountain belonging to Kannanda family lost acres of trees. Fire brigade tried in vain to control the fire. People having houses and workshops at the foot hill and a school located on top were saved by the timely action initiated by the fire brigade.

Water sources in the towns are drying and local bodies are fighting to supply drinking water regularly. People are getting drinking water once in two days at Madikeri and Virajpet. The situation is alarming people at Kushalnagar and Somwarpet also.

Small planters who cannot afford to sprinkle water to their estates are worried as they did not get blossom shower. Plantations need blossom shower during the month of February. They are worried about the next year’s crop situation as Coffee production was very low this year. Last year Kodagu received first rainfall during February and it continued in the month of March. The crops fell as it rained heavily damaging the coffee flower. Pepper droppings were also resulted due to heavy rainfall.

ELEPHANT FEAR CONTINUES;

In spite of few elephants being caught and trained by the forest department, the herds of elephants which are still in number are scaring people and damaging crops all over Kodagu.

People at Chettally near madikeri are spending scary days as a herd is wandering on roads and visiting estate to estate. The hot days are turning the herds out from the forest in search of food and water. People have bnoticed the herd consisting of about five elephants are running round in different villages like Katlekad, kandakere, kanankad, eralevalamudi and others.

People have appealed to forest department to capture the herd and ease them of tension and loss.