Kodagu Villagers Oppose Alleged Land Commercialisation Near Sacred Malama Kundh, Warn of Padayatra to Madikeri

Villagers attend a special meeting at Ballamavati on Saturday over the proposed development near the sacred Malama Kundh. Photo: The Kodagu Express

Madikeri: Residents of Ballamavati village in Kodagu district on Saturday(20 June, 2026) passed a series of resolutions opposing any proposed development and Commercialisation activities near the sacred Malama Kundh, also known as Igguthappa Kundh, and warned that they are prepared to launch a padayatra from Malma to Madikeri if their demands are not met.

The resolutions were adopted during a special Gram Sabha held at the Ballamavati Gram Panchayat Hall amid growing concerns over the alleged development of private land near the revered hill by spiritual leader and landowner Shree M, also known as Mumtaz Ali.

During the meeting, villagers unanimously resolved that no kind of activity or development should be permitted in the Malma foothill area. Participants strongly opposed what they described as proposed commercial development in and around Malama Kundh and its surrounding foothills.

The meeting further demanded that no permissions, approvals or No Objection Certificates (NOCs) be issued for any project in the area. Residents maintained that the ecological, cultural and religious significance of the site must be protected from any form of commercialisation.

As part of their resolutions, villagers stated that if their concerns are not addressed, they are prepared to intensify their agitation, including undertaking a foot march from Malma to Madikeri and continuing protests until their demands are fulfilled.

The meeting was attended by officials from the Ballamavati Gram Panchayat, including the Panchayat Development Officer (PDO), representatives from the Department of Mines and Geology, leaders of various organisations, local residents and villagers from neighbouring areas.

Malama Kundh holds immense spiritual significance for the Kodava community. Situated near the renowned Padi Igguthappa Temple in Kakkabe, the hill is considered a sacred peak and forms an integral part of Kodagu's cultural and religious heritage. The temple is among the district's most revered shrines and attracts devotees from across the region.

If you appreciate our work, please consider supporting us with a donation. You may contribute via Google Pay, PhonePe or Paytm at: 9980855901

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)