The Hindu : Karnataka / Madikeri News : Kodagu to have model forest programme

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Dec 08, 2004

Karnataka

Karnataka - Madikeri

Kodagu to have model forest programme

By Our Staff Correspondent

MADIKERI, DEC. 7. A model forest programme is being introduced in Kodagu, Taumey Mahendrappa, who has helped bring the concept to the country, said here on Tuesday.

Dr. Mahendrappa, a Canadian citizen who is from Kodagu, told presspersons that the programme was proposed by Canada at the Rio Earth Summit. Ten such programmes were started in Canada that year and two more were added in 2000. They were community based. He would be working here for two months to evolve a strategic plan to bring Kodagu into the International Forest Network Secretariat.

He said following Canada's success, similar programmes had been started in Russia, the U.S., China, Brazil and Malaysia. The Kodagu Model Forest Trust in Ponnampet Forestry College would monitor the programme. Funds from the World Bank, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation and other agencies were expected, depending on the projects submitted to them for sustainable forest development with stress on conservation of soil, water, animals and people.

Dr. Mahendrappa said denudation of forests all over the world, particularly Africa, was alarming. Kodagu still had forests owing to the efforts of a few. However, it was not the same as 24 years ago when he left here. To a question, he said the forests destroyed in Kodagu could be restored with wholehearted community participation.

Proper awareness on preserving the environment, backed by legal support, would go a long way in conserving the environment. He advised farmers against planting exotic species unless they were sure of its benefits. Local species of trees would be fine.

Chinese model

K.N. Changappa, chairman of the trust, said the Chinese model forest programme started in 1994 had been a success. It had helped avert soil erosion, flooding and other natural disasters. A senior citizen, M.M. Changappa, from Virajpet initiated the programme here in 2000.

C.G. Kushalappa, honorary secretary of the trust, said its financial transactions would be transparent. This assumes significance following allegations that some non-governmental organisations got huge foreign funds in the garb of nature and wildlife conservation in Kodagu.

Land tenures

K.G. Uthappa, treasurer of the trust, who has authored a book on Land Tenures, Landholding and Tree Rights in Kodagu, said land tenures existed in Kodagu, contrary to the claims of landholders. The book had 140 questions and answers, including various Government Orders, notifications, circulars, decisions of the High Court and the Supreme Court.

The introduction of the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964 in Kodagu, repealing the Coorg Revenue Regulation, 1899, did not abolish land tenures, Mr. Uthappa said.

However, this had nothing to do with the demand of landholders for the right over trees on their land. If the 1964 Act had abolished land tenures, why did the Government come up with the Certain Inam Abolition Act, 1977 (Inam is a form of tenure), he asked.

Mr. Uthappa said the revenue transfer certificate entries being made in Kodagu were correct, in contrast to the landholders' claims.

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