Environmental Organization Demands Immediate Eviction of Temple Land Encroachers in Kodagu
Madikeri: The Ekikarana Ranga (KER), a prominent environmental organization based in Kodagu, has issued a stern demand for encroachers occupying temple and sacred grove lands linked to the Talacauvery-Bhagamandala Bhagandeshwara and Bellarikamma temples to voluntarily vacate the properties immediately. The encroachments are located in Anajana Bettageri village within Somwarpet taluk, raising significant concerns about the preservation of religious and ecological heritage.
Extensive Encroachment of Temple Lands Revealed
Addressing the media on Saturday, KER treasurer Mandaneravanda Appachu disclosed alarming details regarding the scale of the encroachment. According to documents obtained under the Right to Information Act, a staggering 158.2 acres of land belonging to the Sri Bhagandeshwara and Talacauvery temples have been illegally occupied. These temple lands are situated across Tavoor, Tannimani, and Bhagamandala hobli, highlighting the widespread nature of the issue.
Appachu revealed that despite using RTI documents to seek government intervention, the organization faced undue pressure, and the relevant file mysteriously went missing, obstructing the initial efforts to address the encroachment.
Lokayukta Investigation Confirms Encroachment but Yields No Action
In response to the inaction, KER filed a formal complaint with the Lokayukta on January 23, 2023. Following the Lokayukta's directives, the assistant director of land records conducted a thorough survey and submitted a detailed report to the temple committee executive officers. This report explicitly identified the encroachers and quantified the extent of the illegal occupation. However, Appachu lamented that no concrete action has been taken by the authorities to reclaim the land, despite the clear findings.
Additional Encroachment of Sacred Grove Lands Reported
The environmental concerns extend beyond temple lands to include sacred groves, known locally as Devarakadu. Appachu stated that a separate complaint was filed on July 23, 2024, with the Kushalnagar divisional range forest officer regarding the encroachment of the Basti Devarakadu and Aiyappa Devarakadu, which belong to the Sri Bellarikamma Temple in Anjanageri Bettageri village.
Acting on the tahsildar's instructions, revenue and forest department officials conducted a joint survey, which confirmed the encroachment of 12.5 acres of these ecologically and culturally significant sacred grove lands.
Community Associations Join the Call for Voluntary Eviction
In a significant show of solidarity, several community associations have stepped forward to support KER's demands. The Kodagu Gowda Samaj Association, Kodagu District Bunts Association, and Brahmin Education Development associations have each issued separate appeals to their members, urging them to voluntarily vacate any encroached temple and sacred grove forest lands. This collective effort underscores the broad-based concern for preserving Kodagu's heritage.
Appachu emphasized the need for temple authorities and public-minded organizations to provide strong social leadership and actively persuade encroachers to leave the lands peacefully. He issued a clear warning that if voluntary evacuation does not occur, the government and district administration may be compelled to initiate forced eviction procedures.
Demand for Accountability and Broader Conservation Efforts
Furthermore, Appachu called for disciplinary action against the forest officers responsible for neglecting the public complaint and failing to take timely action against the encroachers. This demand highlights the organization's push for greater accountability within the administrative framework.
KER secretary Telapanda Pramod Somaiah elaborated on the group's broader mission, stating that they are actively seeking the release of all encroached Devarakadu land across the entire Kodagu district. Convener Ajjinanda Thammu Poovaiah provided historical context, revealing that the organization has been fighting to protect sacred groves since 1991. He noted with concern that the total area of Devarakadu has dramatically shrunk from 19,000 acres to approximately 5,000 acres over the years, underscoring the urgent need to safeguard the remaining tracts from further encroachment and degradation.
