The recent tragedy in Wayanad has cast a shadow over the district of Kodagu in Karnataka, highlighting the environmental threats that continue to plague the region. Kodagu, much like during the devastating landslides of 2018, is grappling with a multitude of challenges, including rampant deforestation, unchecked construction, and widespread encroachment on forest land. The 2018 disaster, triggered by relentless rainfall, resulted in the death of 20 individuals, the destruction of over 4,000 homes, and the evacuation of 18,000 residents. This unprecedented calamity marked the first major landslide-related disaster in Karnataka.
While the state government has been supportive of neighboring regions during crises, Kodagu’s internal challenges, particularly those related to landslides, have been persistently overlooked. Following the Wayanad disaster, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) conducted a study that identified 104 disaster-prone areas within Kodagu. Authorities have taken measures to address these risks, relocating nearly 3,000 families to safer zones, with 313 families already moved. Additionally, 10 relief centers have been established to provide temporary shelter, and plans are in motion to create 95 more such centers across the district to prepare for future evacuations.
Experts attribute the worsening situation to the rapid destruction of forests and unchecked urbanization within Kodagu. Col CP Muthanna, a former president of the Coorg Wildlife Society, has raised concerns about the alarming rate of deforestation and the rapid urbanization that threatens the district’s ecosystems, particularly the watershed of the Cauvery River. He warns that if commercial conversions continue at the current pace, regions like Gonikoppal, Ponnampet, and Virajpet could merge into a single large city, much like Mysuru. This development could severely impact the water supply to Bengaluru, as the increased demand within Kodagu would require most of the Cauvery’s water, potentially cutting off the 70% of water supply that Bengaluru currently receives from this river.
The issue of widespread encroachment on forest land within the Western Ghats has also become a significant concern. The Kodagu division of the forest department has registered over 3,000 cases of encroachment, with many in the process of eviction. In the Madikeri division alone, there are 3,410 pending cases involving over 5,500 acres of forest land. Despite stringent legal provisions, Karnataka has lost approximately 25,767 acres of forest land to encroachment between 2014 and 2023. This loss has intensified concerns, particularly following the Wayanad disaster, leading to the formation of a special task force (STF) on August 2 by forest minister Eshwar Khandre to address this issue.
The newly formed STF is set to tackle illegal encroachments, including resorts, homestays, and other unauthorized structures, across all Ghats in Karnataka. The task force will operate under the leadership of the principal chief conservator of forests and chief forest task force, with a focus on clearing encroachments in areas within the Western Ghats that have been identified after 2015. However, environmental activists argue that removing encroachments is only part of the solution, emphasizing the broader need for stricter environmental regulations.
The controversial K Kasturirangan commission report, which proposed designating 20,668 square kilometers in Karnataka as an Eco-Sensitive Area (ESA), has resurfaced in discussions following the Wayanad tragedy. Although the government initially rejected the report, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has signaled the need for further discussion, recognizing the report’s potential importance. The Kasturirangan commission report, formally titled the Report of the High-Level Working Group on Western Ghats, was submitted in 2013. While environmentalists are divided on the ESA designation, the debate continues to stir concerns about balancing environmental protection with regional development.
The ongoing environmental challenges in Kodagu, coupled with its booming tourism industry— which attracted over 42 lakh visitors last year— have placed immense strain on the district’s natural resources. This influx of tourists has heightened the risk of future disasters, as the demand for infrastructure and services grows. As Kodagu navigates the rest of the monsoon season, the district faces a critical juncture where decisions made in the coming months could determine whether the region can avert another disaster or if it will experience a repeat of the tragic events of 2018. The challenges faced by Kodagu not only have local implications but also resonate globally, as travelers increasingly seek out destinations with a balance between natural beauty and environmental sustainability. The region’s ability to manage its environmental issues will likely influence its appeal as a travel destination, potentially affecting global tourism trends.
