Category Archives: Nature

Karanji Lake to Host Its Second Butterfly Park Soon

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Travel
Mysuru :
Karanji Lake Nature Park, one of the most scenic places in Mysuru city, will soon open its second butterfly park.

One such park is already situated in a small island within the lake but hasn’t been able to attract many butterflies.

Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens executive director B P Ravi told Express, “Butterflies require specific eco-climatic conditions. The island concept is wrong. The habitat is not suitable and attracts very few butterflies as it is surrounded by water. The temperature and humidity needs to be mild. This is why a new butterfly garden is being set up near the entrance gate.”

Mysuru Zoo authorities own and maintain Karanji Lake.

Nearly 150 varieties of nectar and host plants will be planted in the garden to attract various kinds of butterflies.

Display boards with information on the kinds of butterflies along with their specialities and importance will be put up.

The lake authorities also plan to encourage college students to plant saplings and will teach them about the importance of conservation. Nearly 60 per cent of the work has been completed and the garden will be ready by March. Apart from this, visitors to the lake will get to visit an orchidarium (an area where orchids are cultivated), a cactus terrarium, and a paludarium (an area that incorporates both terrestrial and aquatic elements).

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / February 16th, 2015

3-day Chilli Mela from tomorrow

Business & Economy, Nature

Hubballi :

The Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), in collaboration with Dharwad Horticulture Department and Karnataka State Spice Products Development Board, will organize a three day “Chilli Mela” at Murusavir mutt from February 7.

Speaking to reporters here on Thursday, Vasantha Ladawa, president of KCCI, Hubballi, said that the main objective of the event is to provide chilli at reasonable prices and provide a platform to farmers sell their items directly to consumers.

He said that farmers from Dharwad, Gadag, and other districts of North Karnataka would participate in the mela. About 150 shops, displaying different varieties of chilli, would be set up at the mela. Ladawa said that about 150 tonnes of chilli is expected to be sold at the event.

I K Doddamani, deputy director of Dharwad Horticulture Department, said that all measures have been taken to end the menace of middlemen who harass farmers. “Farmers can register by producing their land records or identity cards,” he said.

Horticulture minister Shamanuru Shivashankrappa will inaugurate the mela. Former chief minister Jagadish Shettar, district in-charge minister Dinesh Gundurao and MP Pralhad Joshi will be present at the inaugural ceremony.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> City> Hubballi / TNN / February 06th, 2015

M’luru professor wins award for scientific work on ferns

Education, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All
Dr Smitha Hegde
Dr Smitha Hegde

Dr Smitha Hegde, associate professor, department of post-graduate studies and research in biotechnology, St Aloysius College, Mangaluru, has been awarded the Professor SS Bir gold medal in Pteridology for her scientific work towards advancement of science in the area of ferns.

The award was recently handed over by Dr PS Ahuja, director general, Council of Industrial Research (CSIR) and Dr SP Khullar, secretary treasurer of Indian Fern Society at the National Conference on ‘Modern Approaches to Pteridophytes: Biology, Biodiversity and Bioresource’ at the CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur.

Dr Hegde is currently screening ferns of the Western Ghats region, particularly the Kudremukh National Park region, for their capacity of hyper accumulation of heavy metals. She said, “As a first step, a field guide has been written reporting 38 ferns of the region.
Simultaneously, I am undertaking a project on DNA fingerprinting of ferns of the region to confirm the identity of selected ferns of the region.” She has developed a technique of encapsulating sporophytes produced in vitro as ‘Protocorm-like bodies’ in Alginate beads to enable transportation of the in vitro produced planting material to the field with minimum shock and damage, thus producing the first ‘Synthetic seeds’ for ferns in 1995.

She worked on (Cyathea spp) tree ferns of the Western Ghats for post-doctoral studies .

source: http://www.bangaloremirror.com / Bangalore Mirror / Home> News> State / by Deepthi Sanjiv, Bangalore Mirror Bureau / January 12th, 2015

State-level milking contest : Bengaluru cow owners rule the roost

Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All, Sports

Lakshman Hogebandi’s cow bags first place, yields 43.35 kg milk

Actor Darshan is seen after presenting the first prize to Lakshman Hogebandi (with garland) of Bengaluru at the State-level milking contest organised by the Mysuru City Cow Owners Association at J.K. Grounds in city on Sunday as Mayor R. Lingappa, Hotelier Sandesh of Sandesh the Prince, Hunsur MLA H.P. Manjunath, former Mayor D. Dhruvakumar and others look on.
Actor Darshan is seen after presenting the first prize to Lakshman Hogebandi (with garland) of Bengaluru at the State-level milking contest organised by the Mysuru City Cow Owners Association at J.K. Grounds in city on Sunday as Mayor R. Lingappa, Hotelier Sandesh of Sandesh the Prince, Hunsur MLA H.P. Manjunath, former Mayor D. Dhruvakumar and others look on.

 

Mysuru :

Cow owners from Bengaluru dominated the State-level Milking contest organised by the Mysuru City Cow Owners Association in memory of late actor Thoogudeepa Srinivas at J.K. Grounds here on Sunday by bagging all the five prizes that were at stake.

Lakshman Hogebandi of Beguru in Bengaluru won the first prize of Rs. 1 lakh cash and a two-kg silver lamp, by milking a total of 43.35 kg milk in two sessions.

Nagaraj of Chandapura Circle, Anekal taluk, bagged the second prize of Rs. 75,000 cash and silver articles weighing 1 kg, by milking a total 41.2 kg, while M.G. Somanna of Nettakallappa Circle, Basavanagudi, won the third prize (Rs. 50, 000 cash and 1 kg silver articles) by milking a total of 40.30 kg milk.

C. Chowdappa of Padarayanapura won the fourth prize (Rs. 25,000 cash and 1 kg silver article) by milking 39.80 kg of milk and Gagan Reddy of Nirmal Milk Suppliers, Lalbagh West, Basavanagudi, womn the fifth prize (RS. 20,000 cash and 1 kg silver article) by milking 37.9 kg of milk.

More than 25 cow owners from Mysuru, Bengaluru, Hassan and other districts took part in the contest. Cine actor Darshan Toogudeepa gave away the prizes.

Hunsur MLA H.P. Manjunath, Mayor R. Lingappa, Cauvery-CADA Chairman C. Dasegowda, Hotelier Sandesh and other dignitaries were felicitated on the occasion.

Former Mayor D. Dhruvakumar, Corporator D. Nagabushan, former MDCC Bank President C. Basavegowda, Congress leader Siddaraju, Cow Ownwers Association President Desigowda, actor Dhruva Keerthi, Veterinary Department Deputy Director Dr. Devadas and others were present on the occasion.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / Tuesday – January 27th, 2015

Artificial waterfall to bring magic to Jog round the year

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Nri's / Pio's, Science & Technology, Travel

Bengaluru :

The world famous Jog, the second highest plunge waterfall in the country, will soon enthrall visitors round the year.

All the four cascades of the 252 metre-high falls — the majestic Raja, the graceful Rani, the swift Rocket and boisterous Roarer — will be in full splendor through the year as the Jog Management Authority (JMA) plans to re-circulate its water during non-rainy seasons.

Two companies have come forward to take up the project following a global tender and work is expected to start before this rainy season. Once installed, it will be world’s tallest feature of its kind, JMA officials claim.

“The full view of Jog is available to tourists only for four months (July to October) during rainy season. With Jog lacking other features required for a popular tourist destination, the number of foreign and local tourists is considerably less in the year. This is why we approached experts for a solution,” a senior JMA official told TOI.

HR Viswanath, consultant for JMA and the brain behind the project, said the magic of artificial waterfall will be realized through re-circulation method. “Using a reversible pump, the water will be pumped up through a 1,200 mm diameter pipe from the storage pond constructed at the bottom of the falls. A 3-mtr high anicut (dam) constructed upstream the Sitakatte Bridge will receive the pumped water. Then 200 cusecs of water will be let out the four sluice gates of the anicut in off seasons,” he explained.

Asked about the electricity requirement and cost of pumping water upstream, Vishwanath said the water cascading down will generate electricity with the help of a mini power station installed at the bottom of the falls. The pump will get power from the station, and the system won’t need extra power supply unless it is emergency.

Viswanath, who is former principal of BMS College of Engineering, said the technology is of double advantage as the project will be able to generate excess electricity during rainy season from the same pump by letting the waste water down. There will be no pumping up of water from the bottom during rainy season.

“The electricity produced will be surplus after meeting the required quantity for pumping purposes which can be used by the Sharavathi power grid. The project manager can also make profits by selling the excess power,” he added.

Another JMA official said two companies — National Buildings Construction Corporation, New Delhi; and an Abu Dhabi-based company owned by BR Shetty, an NRI businessman and Padma awardee — have come forward to take up the project under the build-operate-transfer model. “Once the detailed project report is ready, we will finalize the company for project implementation. The estimated cost of the project is Rs 350 crore and we are expecting the ground work to begin before July this year,” he added.

How it works

A sump to hold 23,000 cubic ft water will be built at the bottom of 252 mtr (820 ft) fall.

Using a reversible pump, water will be lifted via 1200 mm diameter pipe to a 3 metre tall anicut (dam) constructed upstream. A power pump of 20 kilowatt per hour is necessary for the purpose.

200 cusecs water let out from the four sluice gates of the anicut to create the normal beautiful jog falls.

The water cascading down will also generate electricity with the help of a mini power station installed at the bottom of the falls. The power is sufficient to pump back the water and mechanism will keep the system round the clock. Water lost in evaporation is negligible say experts.

During rainy season, power generated is an advantage as there will be no need to pump the water upstream.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Bengaluru / by Rohith B R, TNN / January 26th, 2015

Environmental Groups Come Together to Develop Origin of River Shalmala

Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature

Dharwad :

Environmental  organisations led by Dharwad-based Pura Trust have come forward to develop the origin of Shalmala river near Someshwar temple on the outskirts of the city, on the lines of Talacauvery, the origin of river Cauvery.

River Shalmala, which has inspired a number of writers and poets of many generations in the twin cities, is in a dilapidated condition.

The idea first occurred to primary school teacher Virupakshappa Managundi, who often visited the Mahadev Tatanavar Mutt besides the temple to clean the river bank. He initiated the process and after some time environmental organisations such as Pura Trust, Balanandan Trust, Green Army among others joined hands for the cause of restoring the pristine river’s origin.

Soon after, Pura Trust organised a kite festival on the ground adjacent to the mutt to draw the attention of residents Deputy Commissioner P Rajendra Cholan also expressed interest and assured them of sending officials to examine the spot to take up development works.

The origin of the river dates back to ancient times, where Agasthya Rishi, along with his wife Lopamudra, is said to have meditated and installed a Shivalinga here.

Shalmala is the tributary to the Bedti river, which flows through the forest in Sirsi taluk of Uttara Kannada district. It passes from Sahasralinga to Ganeshapal before joining the Arabian Sea.

Pura Trust president Vijayanand Doddawad told Express: “We are preparing to submit a proposal to the district administration to develop the birthplace of Shalmala river on lines of Talacauvery. This spot, combined with the 12th century Chalukya-style Someshwar temple, will be a tourist destination. The river originates in the north and flows west to eventually join the Arabian Sea.”

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / January 12th, 2014

‘Kere Habba’ today

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature

From 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, a host of activities promise to keep people of all ages engaged. In what is touted to be the city’s first such festival, ‘Kere Habba 2015’ is aimed at fostering an appreciation of Bengaluru’s existing lakes, besides increasing community participation.

Right from workshops about quilting, making bags from old clothes and recycling newspapers to make reusable household items, to storytelling, performances by bands and walks to identify reptiles and birds, there are enough and more activities to keep people enraptured.

Organised by Namma Bengaluru Foundation, in partnership with Mahadevapura Environment Protection and Development Trust and United Way, Bengaluru, the first ‘Kere Habba’ will be held at Kaikondarahalli lake where the community events will be held from dawn to dusk.

The event, organised by neighbourhood volunteers, will witness the community connecting to the lake, to one another and to issues and inspiring ideas in the field of conservation. The nearly 2-km walkway around the lake will feature various stations where activities will be held for free.

For more details, visithttp://goo.gl/OfVqYBor call Lakshmikanth on 8861768806.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru / by Special Correspondent / Bengaluru – January 10th, 2015

Vijayapura district administration opens maize procurement centre

Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature

MaizeBF28dec2014

The district administration recently opened a maize procurement centre at the Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) yard here for purchasing maize from farmers at Minimum Support Price (MSP).

According to a release issued here, the government has fixed Rs. 1,100 a quintal MSP for maize which was being purchased in other APMCs of the district including Basavanabagewadi and Indi.

Though the State government was offering Rs. 1,100 a quintal, if the Union government announces financial aid to State governments purchasing the commodity, then an additional Rs. 210 a quintal would be deposited into the accounts of farmers, the release said.

The release made it clear that it was procuring maize only from small and marginal farmers.

For further details, farmers could contact branch manager of the respective APMC, or call on 08352-250691, the release added.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Karnataka / by Firoz Rozindar / Vijayapura – December 27th, 2014

Wildlife Calendar ‘ BANADA BADUKU ‘ released

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Travel

BanadaCalendarBF25dec2014

Mysuru :

“Skill in a job alone can bring best results,” opined Sarod Maestro Pandit Rajiv Taranath.

He was speaking after releasing the wildlife calendar ‘Banada Baduku’ brought out by photographer Lokesh Mosale at a function organised at Rani Bahadur auditorium in Manasagangotri here on Wednesday.

Taranath pointed out that skill was fading in many jobs and a few people like politicians, only deliver lectures and show no performance. He commended the creativity and skill of Lokesh Mosale.

Mysore University VC Prof. K.S. Rangappa said that Lokesh Mosale had captured the beauty of wildlife and compiled the calendar in a beautiful way.

Environmentalist Rajani Patil, entrepreneur S.P. Madhu, Lokesh Mosale and others were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General  News  /  Friday , December 19th, 2014

Desi national handloom awards presented

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All

To encourage and honour the contribution of individuals and organisations striving to promote the country’s handloom sector, ‘Desi’, a local brand in the sector presented the national handloom awards to five artists in the city on Sunday.

Noted film maker Shyam Benegal, who presented the awards, called upon people to promote traditional weaving as it has its own historical importance.

Stating that art and handicrafts are two sides of the same coin, Mr. Benegal said it is not proper to identify these as two different entities.

Retired Director General of Police Ajai Kumar Singh said the handloom sector had contributed a lot to women empowerment. This sector should further be promoted, he said.

The awards were given to Sangappa Basappa Mante from Yadgir district, Shivshankar Eshwarappa Mudalagi from Bagalkot district, Jagada Rajappa from Hyderabad, M V Chandrasekar and U Ravikiran from Bengaluru in recognition of their contribution to the development of handloom sector.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru / by Special Correspondent / Bengaluru – December 21st, 2014