Call for Demolition of Illegal Resorts in Landslide-Prone Areas of Kodagu(Coorg)

Image used for representation purpose only. Photo Credit: Canva

Madikeri: Raising serious concerns over public safety and environmental violations, retired Colonel C.P. Muthanna, president of the Environment and Health Foundation, urged the immediate demolition of unauthorised resorts built in vulnerable parts of Kodagu district.

Addressing media persons in Madikeri on Wednesday, Muthanna alleged that influential individuals had illegally built luxury resorts in landslide-prone areas, ignoring safety and environmental concerns. He pointed out that this defied a 2020 government directive, which mandated the formation of a technical committee under the jurisdiction of the Deputy Commissioner to evaluate land conversion proposals for commercial use.

“Despite the government's orders, unauthorised resorts have mushroomed in fragile zones. These structures, located in hazardous terrain, risk collapsing during heavy rains and pose a threat to tourists, employees, and residents,” Muthanna said.

He demanded strict action, including the demolition of these illegal buildings and legal proceedings against officials who facilitated or overlooked these violations. Muthanna further announced his plan to initiate legal proceedings and stage protests against such unlawful land conversions, with support from like-minded organisations. He also appealed to the Akhila Kodava Samaj to lead the charge and mobilise community groups.

Kedakal-based social worker Y.T. Gopinath alleged that repeated complaints to the authorities had gone unheeded. Meanwhile, BB Rashin Kumar, secretary of the Dalit Board in Kirangadur, and SC Girish voiced concern over ongoing opposition to a resort project, where 32 acres of land had allegedly been cleared for conversion by district officials.

Editor’s Note:

In his press statement, Colonel C.P. Muthanna named specific resorts that he alleged were operating without proper approvals in sensitive zones of Kodagu. As a responsible news organisation, we have chosen not to publish the names of these establishments until their representatives are given an opportunity to respond to the allegations. We believe this approach upholds journalistic fairness and ensures balanced reporting.

-Managing editor

The Kodagu Express

To advertise on The Kodagu Express website, kindly call us at 9108795369 or mail us at thekodaguexpress@gmail.com 

Join The Kodagu Express WhatsApp Group: CLICK HERE 

Follow us on Instagram and X(Twitter)