CONSERVATION OF WESTERN GHATS AND DELUGE IN KODAGU (COORG) AND KERALA Dr. M.G. Chandrakanth*, Dr. M.G. Nagaraj**

Kodagu the misty land and Kerala Western Ghats have a cover of hills, the God's land are extolled as rivulets, rivers with plenty of flora and environmentally beautiful landscape fauna. In particular Kodagu, Kerala locations in the Western Ghats line and Africa through ancient Kavery series - Sahyadri region. 3rd century (Kudapole) have a geographical Girnar 2nd rock inscription of Asoka relation. The then ("Kuda' means (about 258 B.C.) mentions west) Kudapole, had two prominent, geographical area Satiaputa and west flowing branches and one branch Keralaputa, [pertaining to Kodagu, towards east, about 7.3 million years Dakshina Kannada, Kerala (Malabar) back. When the Western Ghats rose of western ghats] which are in height, due to Geological abundantly rich in forests. The phenomenon Kudapole which was passing through the land space in the sea up to Madagaskar island near Africa and later used to be called as "Mahajunga', left its path to Barapole; - it was a river capture by Barapole which takes its name later as ""Bharata Pu¶avu' in Kerala and joins the Arabian Sea at Balyapathemi, after the above pre-historic event. Since then Kaveri retained the eastern branch as (Courtesy : 15-8-1967 its only path till today. This seems to Deccan Herald) be first known geological disturbing

* Director, Institute for Social and Economic Change, Bengaluru ** C/o. The Mythic Society, Bengaluru. 114 The Quarterly Journal of The Mythic Society event resulting the ecological- aboriginals and established the environmental climate change along kingship to these leading Velir people. with river capture-(change of river As already stated probably the then path) etc., in this region of Western Ku²apo¶e was attributed by the sacred Ghats. We can just imagine even, in name "Kaveri' by 11th century B.C. such event the occurrence of deluged Hence Kodagu and Kerala flourished floods, and the peril of the then living with abundant forests, rivers and crop beings whatever their form maybe. It fields etc., with rich flora and fauna was a kind of Natural ravage. Such as noted earlier. Such was the events in very dilute form might have conservation of Western Ghats since occurred in the later stages also and pristine ancient period. Even Grater aboriginals might have faced hazards. an English poet in his poem in 1869 Apart from this, we can observe that A.D. has extolled the beauty and a path of green fertility and present fertility of Kodagu flora and fauna i.e., rich plantation have been installed with crops, fruits, trees and animals. from Balamuri-Guhya-Siddapur area Infact it is said be one of the beautiful (where Kudapole cuts into eastern and landscape dictionary of South India. western branches) upto Makutta in Let it be so. south Kodagu; since fertile land In the month of July-August 2018 developed due to the western flow of the turmoil of the situation due to the then Ku²apo¶e-Kaveri. It is also deluged floods in Kodagu and Kerala interesting to note that the western occurred which has resulted in the loss part of South Coorg is called even of lives, and live stock, with landslides, today as granary of paddy. The name drowned houses, resorts, people ""Kaveri'' is a later puranic unsheltered and destroyed plantation, (Mythalogical) name to Ku²apo¶e after paddy fields, roads, bridges and the incarporation of the story of vehicles floated and gone with the Agastya-Kaveri. Of course the Kerala floods. Sources (K.K. Mannen, Kerala Culture, 1942, pp.80-81) say that Agastya in The reason for this happening is 1075 B.C. came to Western Ghats attributed not only to Nature's red eye along with 18 Velir families and but also manmade ambitious activities Aruvalars the ancestors of Kuruba (one's own mistake to the extent of Conservation of Western Ghats and Deluge in Kodagu (Coorg) and Kerala 115 annihilation) like - felling of the trees Kerala state and some parts of in the forests whimsically, by Dakshina Kannada district. So many encroaching and construction of hundred of lives and property of many Resorts in the midst of forests. hundred acres worth of thousands Homestay buildings, Tanks on the hill crores during July and August, 2018 sides to facilitate them for luxurious have been at loss due this event. pleasure to tourists, and similarly near In the light of this deluge, we have the bank of minor rivers and ritulets. to look back the attempts made to It is learnt some 56000 trees have warn if the Nature-balance, been felled to accomndate the power environmental sensitive area safety are installations. According to Central neglected, and the effects of it. Then ISFR biannual report (2017) Kodagu comes to our memory the suggestive in Karnataka has shrunken in its role of the Madhava Gadgil Committee forest area by 102 sq.km though report and Kasturi Rangan Committee Karnataka as a whole has an increase report and their characteristic features by one percent i.e. by 1,101 sq.km. for conservations of Western Ghats, Hence the fate of Kodagu has lead to merits and demerits, consequantly the the deluge. The floods due to deluge reactions of people and the interested was so much all the rivulets in north lobbies. In this direction previous western parts of Coorg in the month attempts made for the conservations of August, 2018 itself have been has to be also noted. boosted as river like. The deluge has clearly shown its effects when the Attempts for historical conservation Nature's balance is destroyed by the of Western Ghats man's encroachment and other The go back study of India's destructive red activities. Thus when Natural calamities due to floods and the nature resents then it becomes as climate changes, we find that it alerted the poet says: Nature is red in her the human sensibility and volunteer tooth and claw assistance consciousness in all phases The perennial rains and swelling in Karnataka, Kerala. It was a floods are said to have caused the trail volunteered conscious response in of ravages and ruins heavily in Kodagu rescuing and alleviating the loss of (Coorg) district of Karnataka state and lives and the pains of suffering people. 116 The Quarterly Journal of The Mythic Society

But this active volunteer system has respectively. The indigenous tribes in yet to be more systemised on strong these hills are numerous and leading qualitative basis with the Government their life since many centuries. After statutory involvement. Hence we have the advent of the British, who to study role of the Government and developed the decidous (shedding whether its active attempts, were leaves) and evergreen forests, which carried on in course of time on top facilitated the growers to install swiftly priority, in the conservation process. growing teak and economic crops like coffee and tea; plantation, and The states' less care towards industries got convenient support in environmental conservation of addition to the construction of dams, Western Ghats has been exhibited by mining activities, with least regard to allowing mining, quarrying, illegal Environmental safety. After India's plantation development, agricultural independence these operations were farming, real estate activities on the bolstered. hills (in sensitive ecological area). These man-made activities have been Observing these activities and rampant, neglecting the sustainability ensuing possible danger the st and protection of the environment. Government by 21 century awaking This has resulted in environment itself with initiative to control them destruction. These aspects daw our with a concern for the conservation attention. of Western Ghats to be on the focus. The Western Ghats series have The Western Ghat area from Gujarat stretched along Indian peninsula from to Southern edge of India has the Gujarat almost to the Southern edge length spread over 1600 k.m. with of India. Western Ghats are said to 1,64,280 sq. km. initiating for an be the water tank of Southern India, attempt to save this valuable Nature's since 58 rivers raise from Western Forest deposit, the thought of laying Ghats. They passed through foundation for the same by the Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Government came to a shape in about Tamil Nadu. In this region distinctive 2002 A.D. The indigenous tribes who species of flora and fauna are found were considered as encroachers of and they exist in 1500 and 500 nos. forest, were later treated as the people Conservation of Western Ghats and Deluge in Kodagu (Coorg) and Kerala 117 of concern to maintain the forests and ecologically sensitive area (ESA). It its produce by framing the Forest has with ESA, phased out ecologically Rights Act, 2006. Hence the Govt. sensitive zones viz., ESZ I, II and III, introduced the Environmental Impact which will consider the existing local assessment Regulations, 2006 and condition and internal rifts if any. passed the National Green Tribunal Further, it had specified that on any Act, 2010. account, the land should not be debased and should have complete In this background former Central control over the Western Ghat Minister Jairam Ramesh called for a activities. The Committee has also meeting of Civil Society groups, who placed other conditions as follows: were concerned with the protection of The genetically modified crops Western Ghats in 2010. After due should not be cultivated in the entire consultations with these groups, area; the plastic use should be Western Ghats Ecology Panel was gradually cut down within a period of constituted under the chairmanship of three years, in the entire area. No new famous scientist Madhava Gadgil, to special economic zone or hill station scrutinise the environmental impact in need be created in ESA; No public case granting clearance and to dispose lands need to be converted into private cases connected with the lands and no forest land should be environmental issues. The Gadgil converted for non-forest activities on Committee duly ascertained from the any account in ESZ I and II; New field study submitted its report to the mining operations should be banned central government on 31-8-2011. in ESZ I and II area; dams, thermal The Committee in its report had plants and wind power projects should stated that Western Ghats are a find no place in ESZ-I area; new mountain covered region with 1.29 railway line or major roads should not lakhs sq. k.m. extending 1490 kms., be installed; There must a control on From Tapi valley in the North to tourism; the use of chemical pesticides Kanyakumari in the South having a must be discontinued within 5 to 8 maximum width of 48 k.m. in years gradually in ESZ I and II zones. Maharashtra. The Committee had The Western Ghat Ecology Authority designated the Centre Zone as should be constituted to regulate the 118 The Quarterly Journal of The Mythic Society above activities in the entire areas. transport infrastructure, wind energy project, Hydroelectric projects, Somehow the above conditions transfer of river water, New polluting created opposition from all the six (Red) industries would be detrimental states, and mining real estate and to the development and needs of the political lobbies and other interested people, was the plea argument put groups to the Gadgil Committee forth by the interested parties of Report. Hence implementation was Kerala state who vehemently opposed withhold inspite of RTI application the Gadgil report. Karnataka also urging for the summary of the report. encouraged the protests against Gadgil Anyhow due to the intervention of the Report on similar lines. Central Information Commissioner, Delhi High Court ordered to publish Kasturi Rangan Committee Report the report. By this time Jayanti considered 1,64,281 sq.km. of the Natarajan the then Central Western Ghats and distinguished it in Environment Minister appointed High two phase viz., as the cultural Level Working Committee on 17-8- landscape and Natural landscape. 2012 under the former ISRO About 60% of the Western Ghats has Chairman Kasturi Rangan to review been considered as cultural landscape the Gadgil Committee report and where human activities like settlement, advise. This new committee which agriculture, plantation was existing. had received 1750 responses out of The remaining 37% Ghats area was which 81% were not in favour of considered a Natural landscape Gadgil Committee Report. Analysing (60,600 sq.km), which was the situations the new committee biologically rich area and classified as submitted its Report on 5-4-2013. The ESA. But Gadgil Committee in its government agencies, private entities, report classified 64% of the area as business interests personnel in ESA (Ecological Sensitive Area) i.e., Western Ghats were preferred as in Kasturi Rangan Committee reports "stake-holders' in the region. None of ESZ has been swelled compared to the citizens who supported Gadgil that of Gadgil report; Gadgil's report were entertained. Western Ghats landscapte area to covers 1,29,037 sq.km. while Kasturi The ban on mining, quarrying, Rangan's Western Ghats landscape Conservation of Western Ghats and Deluge in Kodagu (Coorg) and Kerala 119 area covers 1,64,280 sq.km. meet water requirements of Kolar, Kasturi Rangan report though Chikkaballapur, Bengaluru rural and recommended to ban stone mining, urban districts was not favoured in quarrying and sand mining, new Kasturi Rangan Committee report Thermal Power projects, it had given since these projects fall within the ESA concession to install Hydro Power cover on the plea that it would be a Project, and other construction loss of vast tract of forest, if the projects under certain condition in an power lines canals and roads are setup area of 20,000 sq.km. In a way it was in this Western Ghat area. a diluted version of Gadgil's report, Maharashtra also did not accept since it made provision for Gadgil Committee report, and wanted constructions and real estate more quantity of reducing ESA and development in forests as already told modify Kasturi Rangan report, under certain conditions. Inspite of Maharashtra wanted this concession these provisions made consequent to since it wanted to protect the interest the dilution of Gadgil's report, of Lava Corporation in Pune Mulshi respective states opposed even Kasturi Taluk, which was trying to install Rangan Committee Report. Kerala controversial hill station in phases. wanted the reduction of ESA area Tamilnadu and Karnataka further from 13,108 sq.km to 9,993.7 sq.km. argued that they have their own laws Karnataka also did not accept the and regulations to protect Western report because the notified ESA area Ghats area pertaining to them. of 20,668 sq.km. being the largest But it must also be noted here that area of considering it as ESA among Kodagu since 1967 has lost 40% of all six states, which made the tree cover. These states felt that their Karnataka to think that its interests autonomy over Western Ghats would are Jeopardised; but it put forth the be curtailed. Somehow this issue was condition to cooperate only when the politicalised. environment ministry form a committee which takes care of the It is known that all most all rivers concern state. In addition to this in peninsular India have their origin diversion of west flowing Netravati in Western Ghats and hence any issue and Sharavati rivers towards east to in this regard will have a consequence 120 The Quarterly Journal of The Mythic Society on the whole of Southern India. It to the ecological maintenance and must be noted deforestation and enroll negative consequences. Many change of landscape may cause feared that Kasturi Rangan report natural calamities (since envisaged to implementation will destroy their install Thermal plant in the Kodagu livelihood and the interests of the forest, and drawing rail way lines people of the area. through dense forest about 56000 trees have been fell down) on north In Gadgil report, the Western Ghats western part of the Kodagu, which we landscape covers 1,29,037 sq.km. have seen in middle of August, 2018 which is in lesser degree than that the disasterous floods - deluge; swelled Kasturi Rangan report, the coverage rivers; even rivulets were fierce with in it being 1,65,280 sq.km. In Gadgil full swing; but now both small rivers (ESZ-I) environment/ecological and rivers have become almost a, very sensitive zone is about 60% and it thin waterflow and underground water credits highest priority. But, Kasturi stunted in those parts of Kodagu Rangan report has considered only (Coorg) and the fear is forth setting 37% of Western Ghat area as sensitive that the drought may set in. Thus we zone. Gadgil report has considered have a warning from the nature, that entire landscape as ESA and phased risk reduction activities must be out 3 ESZs to allow development envisaged for the conservation and activities also with due care with an protection of forests for sustainability. allotment. About 15% area has been offered to ESZ-II and existing mines Comparative aspects of the dual may continue. But no mining is expert committees on ESA admissible in ESZ-I. In ESZ-III new Gadgil report stressed very much mines activity was allowed. K.R. an environmental safety: Kasturi Report has considered 188 taluks as Rangan report stressed much on Western Ghat landscape and the area development aspects which has been would be 1,64,280 sq.km. In 37% criticised since it allows indirectly Western Ghat area there will be no mining activities which is supposed to place for red industry (Hazardous be a loophole in the report. Due to industries that pollute the area), this, it is detrimental in the long term, Thermal plant and mining. In Gadgil Conservation of Western Ghats and Deluge in Kodagu (Coorg) and Kerala 121

ESZ-I area covers roughly 77 suggested any alternate remedy. Its thousand sq.km. i.e., 60% of 1,29,037 opposition for construction of dams sq.km., while in K.R.R. ESA covers in Western Ghats is not in resonance 60 thousand sq.km. i.e., 37% of with the need of power energy of the 1,64,250 sq.km. It means about 17 nation. thousand sq.km. area will be phased The Kasturi Rangan report which out (lessened) from top priority has used remote sensing and ariel maintenance. Gadgil also had survey technique for phasing out of recommended to institute a National Western Ghats, is beyond ground level authority (Tribunal) which reality and as such errors have creped consists state and district level in the report. The controlling authority branches. But K.R.R. favoured the lies with officialdom with no regard to strengthening of the existing structure gramsabhas. The mining and i.e., setting up a managing body, since quarrying mafia will have a heyday Gadgil concern was mainly on "water'. and the farmers will loose their shelter In K.R. Report most of the rivers have in the area and their farming activity their location beyond 37% of ESA will be permanently stopped; when the considered by it and protection of the mafia gang and tourism grow, in leaps same from pollution and sand mining and bounds it will endanger the has not been visualised. environment. The technique used by Critical view on the dual reports the Committee has been erroneous because many non-sensitive areas Gadgil Committee report is more have been included under ESA and environment oriented and ground villages containing rubber plantations realities have not been valued and it only with no forest have been included is impractical. It claims entire Western in ESA. Ghats as ecologically sensitive. It has unnecessarily proposed to form a new Attempt for implementation of report body WGEA. While the existing laws and its impact alone are sufficiently meant for The Central Government under protection. It has also not considered Ecology Conservation Act, 1980, 37% the revenue losses that occur if the of Western Ghats (ESA) envisaged by report is implemented and it has not Kasturi Rangan Report has decided to 122 The Quarterly Journal of The Mythic Society proclaim as ESA. This is because, official order in November, 2013 for even, though Gadgil report was said immediate implementation of five to be not anti-farmer, many felt proposals specified in Kasturi Rangan Kasturi Rangan Report is more Report. This gave rise to the agitation. practical. But the farmers felt that both The Union Ministry asked the State the reports make them to be away Governments to offer their views on from their land. As a matter of fact, the report, since arguments were the one report stresses on the control carried on far and against. Further of sensitive area, under forest Union Ministry of Environment and department and other one under the Forestry (MOEF) instructed six States control of district administration and on November 3, including Kerala to pollution control board. ban environment endanger activities in Western Ghats villages, which are When the Gadgil report was considered as ecologically sensitive published there was lot of protests areas by Kasturi Rangan Committee. since it was not favourable to sand In such area the damaging activities mining and quarry lobbies of Goa and like mining, quarrying, installing red elsewhere. The fear complex was said category industries that highly pollute to be intentionally created among the environment, and construction of farmers in Kerala. Similarly rights buildings, in the 2000 sq.meters area claiming (insisting) conference and and township spanning more than 50 movement was organised in Coorg hectares, are required to be avoided. district. Farmers feared that the implementation of either of dual But why the steps were not initiated reports would lead to their eviction to convince the people regarding the from hither to allowed farming in ESA danger or havocs that are likely to area (though at least many felt K.R. occur in case the Nature balance is Report is more practical). protests destroyed due to pollutional activities! were mainly due to the fear of eviction And was it due to the mining mafia and loss of livelihood in addition to gang and lobbies that have spread over the sentimental attachment to the land the fear so that the awakening by the where they lived. reports, was not to be heeded by the people! Many opine, the influence of Central Government issued an mafia lobbies could have been Conservation of Western Ghats and Deluge in Kodagu (Coorg) and Kerala 123 curtailed. The serious consultation havocs both in Kodagu and Kerala. with the local agencies and organised The felling of trees heavily would lead group was not done in regard to the to rise in the temperature of environmental problems. By atmosphere and green house gas whomsoever the lacuna may be the effect will set in. This is also a irony was the deluge and landslide problem evoked due to the human occurred in the Ecological Sensitive partiality in seeking advantage by the area. It means it is not mere Nature's developed countries who impose red eye, Rain and fierce havocs, but restrictions on developing countries also the human self created havocs; like India to reduce its industrial unpreceded it is said, since hundred complex; but developed countries like years. The preparation to face climate U.S.A. somehow avoid this restriction change consequences by the officials keeping itself safe to its industrial seeking advice from the experts to development, which causes heavy air abate the destructions was also the pollution and effect on ozone layers. need of the hour. In this connection world thinking Nature's rage and human made and events have to be taken to our havocs concern. Due to red type It is stated that the formation of low industrialisation, commercialisation, (collapse?) air pressure near Africa, the thick carbon foot prints are consequent to this the Somalijet winds increasing. In using carbon and expelling co to the atmosphere it is moving to north took a turn towards 2 Western Ghats which resulted in said that the role of America the rich deluge and fierce winds with heavy developed country is more. In rains. It is also said that the low KopenHegan world convention pressure systems developed into (consultation) it was contemplated depression will influence the down that the green house gases should not pour of monsoon rains. And heavy be allowed to increase and ozone felling of trees whose roots (like layers should not be harmed since Tayiberu - i.e., Mother root) are strong global warming will increase which and go deep into the ground in forest destroy Nitrogen cycle, and hence area which used to withstand the steps have to be taken to avoid the landslide was also responsible for the same. 124 The Quarterly Journal of The Mythic Society

Increase in global warming will enrich their interests, and want to cause the sea level variations and flood keep developing countries under their havocs are likely to occur, as obligations. envisaged by environmentalists- It must be noted when the Global ecologists. Hence they opposed the Warming increase in leaps and amendment to the Kyoto resolution bounds, it may indicate the rise of rain made at Kopen Hagen. Indian havocs. A study from 1951 to 2000 environmentalists also joined hand in A.D. was made by the Goswamy Study hand with other international team and observed that from 1980 environmentalists. onwards showers of rain have By 2050 A.D. the oceans will be increased by 64% and number of acidic if the present state of offairs normal rains have decreased. This continue. The capacity of the sea to economic and social systems have absorb the carbon dioxide of the severally affected and caused atmosphere may rise by 150%. In that ecological disadvantages: drying of case what will happen to the life of crop grown areas, fierce wind, water, land, air and living beings! imbalance in sea levels, heavy rain are In the Kyoto convention it was the consequences burdened on the insisted that the commitment period people. In this background, how the applicable to developing countries to interests of the developed countries check the carbon release, even the have affected the developing countries developed countries must be bounded have to be observed. In this panel the to the same lawful commitment. That havocs in Kodagu and Kerala have was insisted by India in the Kopen also to be viewed. Hagen Global Warming Summit meet The extreme rainfall may be due to held as Tuesday 15-12-2009. The climate change and at the same time developed countries using the dais of destruction of environment in Western World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ghats is human made; this time it is have created strategem to safeguard unusually heavy rain fall experienced their interest and have played dual role both in Kodagu and Kerala which in the case of Global Warming, since resulted in land sliders, fierce floods, they have heavy industrial projects to breakage of tar roads into pieces, Conservation of Western Ghats and Deluge in Kodagu (Coorg) and Kerala 125 drowning the houses and people etc., agricultural lands and human beings especially the Landslides were have been subjected to much harm. rampant in Kodagu, extending upto half k.m. in width. Situation in Kerala In Kodagu too many steep slopes In Kerala the incessant rains for 11 are common; when the layers of these days, caused floods which captured slopes are split or damaged, landslides all the 14 districts of the State in occurs. The heaped mud and its August 2018. Due to this abnormal constituents during the constructions rain, about 400 deaths occurred; of roads form the steep slopes, which preliminary loss of 20,000 crores was are delicate than the normal slopes, occurred; four million people with landslides will be common. During this majority being labourers were affected landslide the movement opportunity to by floods. In the 760mm rain fall it is obtained due to the water is a received by the state about 75% of it fact. After, unceasing downpour the occurred from August 9 to17. Beyond variety of stones get drenched and the normal fall of monsoon trough possess the sliding features. The between August 8 and August 16 drenched stones, added with humidity Kerala received two spells of their weights will be doubled. If the widespread intense rains. The worst igneous rock stones exist in the area hit districts were Idduki (679mm), of annual rainfall, those stones will be Wayanad (536.8mm), Mallapuram subjected to chemical erosion and (447.7mm), Kozhikode (375.4mm) chances of becoming a clay. When and Palakkad (350mm). Iddukki these layers of clay get drenched, lend district holds 17 reservoirs, Palakkad themselves to sliding characteristics. district holds second highest Due to this, the chances of landslides concentration of reservoirs. The rain will be more. Any how the landslides fall exceeded 200% between August will not move to much distance. Also 11 and August 18, which was above the entire landslide will not occur once the normal consequently 20 dams had for all, and the part of the hill valley to open the flood gates which added will be in the wave form (Kodagu dist. the flood furry and ravaged landslides. Gazetteer, 1992, p.20). In Kodagu this Idukki and Waynad the most heavily has happened and houses and forested districts have found a decline 126 The Quarterly Journal of The Mythic Society in their forest cover between 2011 and severe southwest monsoon. Almost all 2017. Idukki with a decrease of forest dams were opened at a time in Kerala by 20.13% and Waynad with a and all five gates of the Idukki Dam decrease 7.11%, which have suffered were opened at the same time for the severe damages due to flash floods first time in history. Heavy continuous and landslides. The attention in this rain in almost all districts makes big connection can be dawn, to the disasters in the entire state. More than opinion. India's only flood forecasting 3000 relief camps have been opened agency the Central Water Commission by the Government at various does not have any flood forecasting locations to accommodate the flood system in Kerala. This deprives the victims. More than 42000 hectors of people of the state any reliable ways crops were destroyed and 2.6 lakhs to face the on coming flood havocs farmers affected due to flood and (Down to Earth, Cover story, Vol.27, No.8, landslides. 10,000 km roads were Sept., 2018, p.35). damaged and 221 bridges totally Deseeya Seva Bharati Keralam collapsed. 55 lakh persons in 775 Kapila Naikanal Trissur. villages were affected by the floods and preliminary assessment of loss is In the circumstances state above at Rs19,512 crores. how the Deseeya Seva Bharati has planned to face the deluge effect Sevabharathi as a socially situation in Kerala is to be noted with committed voluntary organization is due attention. Sri N. Tippeswamy* actively involving in the flood relief Kshetriya Karyawaha has kindly works throughout the state. More secured the same from sevabharati than 350 Sevabharathi units and Kerala as detailed in the following 1,61,605 volunteers engaged in the lines. relief works in the entire state for Project Background: Kerala is facing rescue, relief and cleaning activities. one of the biggest flood calamities in More than 652 medical camps were the recent years. The 2018 Kerala conducted in the flood-affected areas floods were a result of the unusually in different parts of the state. More medical camps are planning to be *(Member of The Executive Commitee - The Mythic Society), organized in the coming days. 420 Conservation of Western Ghats and Deluge in Kodagu (Coorg) and Kerala 127

relief camps were directly maintained by Sevabharathi with the support of well-wishers and volunteers in which food, accommodation, and medical services are provided to the flood affected people. More than 75 Ambulances of Sevabharathi is engaged in the flood relief work in different areas. Thousands of common people are joining hands with Sevabharathi to support these initiatives and the organization is mobilizing cloths, food grains, drinking water bottles and other requirements from the public to serve the affected people. 300 collection centers were opened to collect the materials from the public and to arrange the transportation to relief places. The organization is continuing its services in the field to support the people to retain their living standard. Project Rationale: The natural calamity affected in Kerala during August 2018 directly affected the normal functioning of the majority of the educational institutions in the State. Heavy rainfall & flood, especially on 14th August evening, entered into the school campus had created a huge loss and damaged to the infrastructural and other facilities in the schools. The 128 The Quarterly Journal of The Mythic Society

Onam vacation was advanced due to the heavy rains and floods and over 10 lakh people who were displaced by the deluge after their houses were either destroyed or damaged due to flood waters, were accommodated in schools which functioned as relief camps. As per the government data, more than 270 schools have been fully affected by the recent flood. The school authorities were unable to reach into school premises due to this high water level. The entire village was affected by the flood and not only the school the houses of the students, teachers and management committee members were also under water due to the flood. The administrative office, library, computer lab, classroom, staff room etc were collapsed in most of the schools. Unless any external support is received, the school authorities face difficult to retain the situation and continue the education of the students. Proposed Project: The proposed project is to support the flood-affected schools in the state and help them to retain the normal functioning and maintain the facilities to deliver quality (Courtesy: Kerala deluge photos by service to improve the educational Sevabharati Keralam) standards of the students. Conservation of Western Ghats and Deluge in Kodagu (Coorg) and Kerala 129

Probable reasons for the deluge in roads unscientifically either on Kodagu hillocks or in Ghat sections; planting silver oak trees for shading In toto the reason attributed for the plantation.* These are all in the name deluge is partly due to Nature and of Tourism Development and major part is man-made. Somali jet provision of financial exuberance. All winds from Madagascar have striked these are human made no doubt. But the Western Ghats, causing heavy suitable measures have to be taken to abnormal rains; climate change; check human illegal coverage in the occurrence of low air pressure; forests with lobbies and mafia hold, looseness of soil and soil erosion; to avoid human made ravages, so that formation of clay due to the reaction the Nature's balance is maintained of igneous rocks with water; landslides with due reservation. This applies to creating soil heap, global warming etc., both Kodagu and Kerala. may be the nature's role. As a matter of fact it may also be natural annual Deluge Effects occurrence. For heavy abnormal rains human behavioural instigation Erratic rains caused fierce flash will also be a major factor. Heavy floods, landslides, drowned houses, tree felling of trees for smuggling of erased plantations and agricultural timber; for installation of red wetlands filled with sand and clay; industries, sand mining, quarrying; hillocks gave way to slits; roads were thermal plant; construction of dams.; broken and smashed, and became Home Stay and Resort building unfit for vehicular traffic; villages constructions to facilitate pleasure feel destroyed; house walls cracked; many type life of those building holders and houses submerged; many families and their customers; changing the geo- livestock are drowned and dead. structures which disturbs the natural Some instances can be cited in this flow of rain water; construction of regard. * Sri B.E. Veera Raju, a progressive farmer of Nanjaraya Patna of Kodagu district, has stated, the roots of oak trees have no mother roots and do not go deep. Hence in case of heavy rains they cannot sustain the root net and the soil become loose. 130 The Quarterly Journal of The Mythic Society

At Ibnivalawadi of Madikeri Taluk, "Guliga Stone' (small rock) was Nandi Neravada N. Muttappa's house sentimentally saved by them and their showed cracks in the walls near the wish to stand near to it was a window and house also partly devotional pleasure to them. Their damaged. Villagers feel this event was houses were on the hillock of deep a preamble to deluge though forest and they have witnessed Geologists do not attach any landslide near their residence area. importance to this opinion. They have lost 2 acres areca nut Muttanna's entire plantation, wetlands plantations in the flood ravage. were completely submerged in flood In the village Jodupala enroute water and washed away. Today sand Madikeri, Madenad and Sampaje the covered land is only left to him. 11th century inscriptionally cited pristine village, one Yatish of Jodupala Along the bank of Hattihole the village, whose family members were houses constructed at a distance of residing in the house constructed near 10 feet from the river path have all Payaswini river. During "deluge' floods been collapsed. Land slides have been the house was submerged up to the many enroute Kandanakolli. nd roof level. After the flood decreased Makkandur, Karnageri; in the 2 the house was seen as a skeleton of Monnangeri village, landslides were highly destroyed one. This river path heavy and broad. The rivulets are in was changed near Madenad since the very thin flow, wet lands near the effect of deluge. survived house are covered by sand. The rivulet near this wet land, looked The house worth one crore like a linear flow in the midst of constructed on the bank of Hattihole landslide area. The path through this (Hatti river) was reduced to mere landslide area was covered with clay rubble and soil heap could only be spots. Crossing the clay spots, we seen as the relic of the same. 8 acres can find the lands of Chinnappa Naik of coffee estate belonging to one and Krishnappa Naik, which were Dinesh Naik of this village has been damaged. Still the totemistic deity destroyed causing loss of 2½ crore Conservation of Western Ghats and Deluge in Kodagu (Coorg) and Kerala 131 rupees. the fear of the distressed people was about the spread of contagious Muvattokkalu village has highly diseases. It is also estimated that suffered with heavy land slides. Kodagu has suffered a loss more than Mukkattira and Mandira family people 2000 crore, 20,894 hectares of crops, of this village stated in despair that 150 kms road and many deaths. they have lost all their plantations and wet lands. The house built at the cost The water sources are hidden in the of 25-30 lakhs has been doomed to mud heap of landslides. The rivulets dust, near Madapur village. have become slush mixed water and unfit for the daily usage. In Sampaje, The 32 villages in Madikeri and Makkanduru area, many villages are Somavarpet taluks, to name some of drowned, and villagers are unhoused, them - Hebbettageri, Devasturu, Kalur, unsheltered and whereabouts of many Galibeedu, Madapur, Mukkodlu, villagers are in dark. The above is Mandalpatti villages were caught to only a brief picture. landslides and surrounded by slash soil. The villagers caught in midst of Relief operations this situation at Mukkodlu (15), At Shiradi Ghat, the heaped soil Avandi (140), Madenad (7) Kalur due to landslides have been cleared (15), Bettatturu (4) were saved by the by JCB machines. Roads are repaired searching team using Drone camera in landslide areas using Geofabries, and shifted to Relief Centres. Geogrid and sandbags, to help About 3600 acres of coffee vehicular traffic to shift the people to plantation has raged to the ground. relief centres. People were shifted to 10 thousand acres of crop are relief centres opened at Kushalnagar, damaged. About 5000 houses have Sampaje, Kalgundi, Balabhavan, been reduced to dust. Subramanya- Madikeri Maitri Hall and other places Bisale Ghat connecting road has been which were nearer to the respective destroyed without leaving any trace of destroyed villages. The distressed it. Though the down pour is decreased were shifted to safer places through 132 The Quarterly Journal of The Mythic Society the rescue efforts by District receipts of the same were supplied Administration under the leadership of to the relief centres. NDRF staff took D.C. Smt. Vidya and served them in all the safety measures to rescue relief camps. The Sevabharaty, under people, and supply food to the the leadership of Sri N. Seetharam, villagers of Jodupala near Sampaje. Karyavaha of Mangalore division The State Government and Central R.S.S. unit, the R.S.S. volunteers have Government also have announced he rendered yeomen services, different financial help to the distressed and political party workers, artists, singers, their officials visited the distressed at film actors, Kodava Samaja, Gowda the relief centres and consoled them, Samaja, Army Jawans, Ramakrishna with the promise to provide necessary Ashrama, Arameri-Kalancheri mutt, help. The State ministers Sri R.V. Suttur Veera Simhasana Mutt, Deshapande, Sri Mahesh and Central Dharmastala, Gokarna religious defence Minister Smt. Nirmala institutions, educational institutions, Sitaraman, State Chief Minister Sri Bengaluru Bruhat Mahanagara Palike, H.D. Kumaraswamy, opposition leader Kannada organisations, and Sri B.S. Yadiyoorappa, Sri Prathapa individuals have made donations in Simha the M.P., and Local M.L.A. and kind and money. The media-channels, M.L.C. Appacchu Ranjan and K.G. newspaper wing like Vijayavani, Bopaiah etc., all have visited the Kannada Prabha, Prajavani, distressed at the villages and relief Vishwavani, Hosa Digantha, Samyukta Karnataka, Vijaya Karnataka, Deccan centres and consoled them promising Heralad, both State and divisional the necessary help and assistence. branches of the press, local papers like Rastrapathi Sri Ram Nath Kovind Shakti, Prajasatya, Bramhagiri, Priminister Sri Narendra Modi Andolana, Mysore Mitra etc., have enquired the chief minister of served by publishing articles and Karnataka Sri H.D. Kumara Swamy situational reports to motivate the about the situantion of the distressed donors to donate food articles and in Kodagu and promised to provide money and other necessities and the necessery assistence. Conservation of Western Ghats and Deluge in Kodagu (Coorg) and Kerala 133

The district administration has risen be released; but when the heavy to the occasion in sheltering the downpour occurred emergently all the distressed in the relief centres at water gates were opened and the Madikeri and other places providing water rushed in full quantity with food till villagers returned to their heavy speed. villages still some relief centers are In the agricultural wetland, in the operating. This is how in nutshell the name of the development Resorts and service minded have stood to serve at Bungalows of high altitude were built. the time of dire need due so deluge. Non-agricultural activities were Anyhow the promises has to gain expanded in dry land area, resulting speedy momentum and put into action the stunted underground water, and in the comming days for shelter and holding of water in underground also livelyhood of the sufferurs. used to decrease day by day. Deep Reasons for deluge and its effects in digging near the bank of the river Kerala resulted in erosion of the soil which was detrimental to the water sources. Unauthorised building City waste heaps, industrial wastages, constructions, uncontrolled quarrying agricultural pesticides wastage - all were widely permitted in the forests dumped in rivers which caused by allowing heavy tree felling which is pollution. the cause for the disaster, was the argument by environmentalists, and 11,309 sq.km forests, 9,107 sq.km they also opine, big dams were reserve forest, were illegally spaced to constructed beyond the necessity quarrying and resorts constructions. which was a hindrance to the natural While developing tourism the natural flow of river water and hence quality tanks and rivulets were least cared of water, vividity of flora-fauna was rigarding there safety. These are all affected. When the dams were full up human made havocs apart from to the brim it is said it was not nature's reaction to human illegal envisaged when the dam water has to actions. 134 The Quarterly Journal of The Mythic Society

Ernakulam, Wynad, Kozikode, water now is covered by sand Idukki, Pathannomtitta, Kannur, completely. The bank that runs about Mallapuram, Palakkad, Trissur, 5 kms along the river Lilanjali is Kottayam, were all water surrounded completely occupied with sand; even and landslides were heavy. Hundreds the level of water of lake SastaKotta of houses were washed away. The and the lake of Bembanady (Waynad) God's Land was literally drowned. is reduced. Periyar, Pampa, Chalukudi rivers were It must also be observed that, fierce and flowing above the danger though the Wynad in Kerala due to level. About 37% more rain was the deluge has been heavily damaged, the down pour than the normal rain. At deep south coorg (Kodagu) which is Idukki 84%, Kottayam 47%, very near to the border of Wynad, has Ernakulam 44% extra down pour not been affected upto Virarajendrapet occurred. Mallapuram, Ernakulam, area. It may be due to strong and Trissur have become islands and dense forest coverage with sustainable people were shifted in boats and firm reserve forest trees and strong helicopters and sheltered in relief Devarakadu trees. camps. About 134 bridges, 400 thousand hectares of crops, 26,000 Relief measures operated houses, 16,000 km roads have been Navy personnel saved the pregnant destroyed-all incurring a loss of Rs. lady caught in the house surrounded 21,000 crore due to deluge. by flood water by helicopter. Rastriya Barapole (flowing from Kodagu to Vipattu Nirvana Panel, Army batalian Keral) river is the second longest river have rescued the people and sheltered which used to flow like a rivulet even them in relief centres. Prime Minister in summer after the floods has been Sri Narendra Modi also arrived and reduced to thin flow. The fate of consoled the distressed and promised Pampa river is similar to that of the assistances required. The Barapole. The big flood of Chalakudi Fishermen Association (Matsyagara river which had made Trissur under Sangh), 39 volunteer groups were Conservation of Western Ghats and Deluge in Kodagu (Coorg) and Kerala 135 involved to serve the distressed in all when the human beings are in danger, respects. The Indian states and other shattered, wherever they may be. This countries, Indian film actors, lawyers, is a clear example of humane bishops, Sri Raghavendra Mutt sensibility and awareness that has (Mantralaya), Rangabhoomi artists of percolated in the hearts of the Bengaluru, Bengalur dairy, Reliance mankind as a whole. groups have all donated in terms of By the by the distressed and money, kind and pacified the sufferers suffered people of Kodagu and of deluge. Congress President Sri Kerala, might have lost their all Rahul Gandhi visited the distressed assests. But it is interesting to note Kerala people and consoled them. It that they are endeavouring with is said to rejuvenate Kerala, 30,000 ingenuity towards alternate enterprises crores are required. The chief minister for their livelyhood identity. It is Sri Pinarayi Vijayan had taken all the positive action of promptitude. steps to tone up the administrations to help the distressed in all respects. (We the authors acknowledge with gratitude to the help extended to us by Sri Especially the service rendered by Shantamallikarjuna Swamiji of Arameri Mutt, Matsyagarara Sangha (Fisher men B.C. Dinesh press correspondent, association) of Kerala has been highly Kodagarahalli, B.E. Veeraraju appreciated by one and all Nanjarayapattana, T.C. Thammaiah, and S.S. Analysing the causes of deluge, and Sampat Kumar (Seva Bharati) Madikeri, G. its effects and the way in which Rajendra (Shakti), Ulliyada Poovaiah service-assistance rendered by the (Bramhagiri), Dr. Subhas Mechira Nanaiah, people of various fields, states inside Yatish and Smt. Dhanalakshmi Jodupala, K.E. and countries outside India with no Krishnappa Naik, Chinnappa Naik 2nd distinctions made, is matter of humane Monnangeri, L.K. Suryaprakash Survey dept., conscience awakening and its Sri M.P. Lakshman, Ponnampet, Smt. G.V. fulfillment. India has shown its Deepa, during our research field work regarding cultural excellence and inspired other the effect of deluge in Kodagu and thanks to Sri countries for volunteer assistance N. Tippeswamy, (Kshetria Karyavaha)