The Hindu : Karnataka News : Marigold valley is now under a threat

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Friday, Sep 21, 2007
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Karnataka

Karnataka

Marigold valley is now under a threat

Muralidhara Khajane

Minister’s statement on taking people into confidence on the power plant causes anxiety

— PHOTO: M.A. SRIRAM

WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT?: Women harvesting marigold at Chunchurayanahundi near Chamalapura.

CHUNCHARAYANAHUNDI (MYSORE DISTRICT): Mahadevappa (32) of Chuncharayanahundi village in Jayapura hobli of Mysore taluk is worried about his future, as his three-acre land, where he has been growing marigold flowers for the past several years, will be acquired by Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) for the 1,000-mw coal-based thermal power plant at Chamalapura.

The condition of Shivanna (20), who is cultivating marigold in a two-acre land at the foothills of Malleshwarabetta, is no different, as KPCL has identified the area surrounding the hill in its recent notification.

Similarly, many farmers, who cultivate marigold flower in more than 3,000 acres of land in Kadasuru, Garkikatte, Kyatanahalli and Kallahalli villages, are anxious because of the recent statement by Minister for Energy H.D. Revanna that the Government would implement the project by taking the people into confidence as it had to meet the growing demand for power in the State.

Marigold valley of Chamalapura is now facing a threat from the proposed plant.

All-weather plant

According to villagers, marigold plants are hardy and can grow in almost all seasons except in very cold weather. Marigold plants are generally free from insects and diseases. Marigold is among the popular flowers commonly found in India and they can be easily cultivated. It is adaptable to varying soils and climatic conditions and has good flowering duration. The soil in villages in and around Chamalapura is suitable for marigold cultivation and many villagers are dependent on this marigold cultivation. “In case the Government decides to set up the thermal power plant, we will be ruined, as it (marigold cultivation) is the only means of our livelihood,” says Mahadevappa.

As one takes the muddy serpentine road around Chamalapura, the unfolding landscape presents a colourful picture of marigold gardens. However, the Government has described the land around Chamalapura as “barren”.

Many farmers are dependent on marigold cultivation, as they are getting good profit from the produce. They supply flowers to a Tamil Nadu-based company which produces natural dyes. “The company representatives supply marigold seeds to us regularly, and they procure flowers at Rs. 2.30 a kg. In case of a good yield we will get good profit, as we need not invest anything on cultivation, except our labour,” says Mamata (24), who is cultivating marigold in 18 acres of land. During the festival, there is a demand for flowers and farmers sell some portion of their produce at Rs. 10 a kg. “As it is difficult to grow any other crop after cultivating marigold, we never thought of diversifying,” says Girish of Ginnahalli.

Initially, the farmers were resigned to their fate, as there was no one to represent them. Now after the formation of the Chamalapura Ushna Vidyut Sthavara Virodhi Horata Samanvaya Samithi, they have decided to oppose the project.

“It is difficult to compensate our loss in monetary terms. Under no circumstances, we will vacate this land,” says Kempamma (80). “Let them set up the power plant on our graves,” she says.