Latest news with #ASPonnanna
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
We're inviting Khandre to address jumbo problem in Kodagu: Ponnanna
Madikeri: Virajpet MLA AS Ponnanna instructed forest department officials to take immediate action to control the wild elephant problem in Kodagu. He assured that the forest minister would be invited to the district to address this issue. Following concerns raised by B Shettigeri gram panchayat president Kollira Bopanna about the increased elephant problem near the panchayat in South Kodagu, Ponnanna conducted an urgent meeting with senior forest officials to discuss solutions. The govt has allocated Rs 21 crore for managing human-elephant conflict in the region, with Rs 3.5 crore designated for B Shettigeri village. When questioned about railway barricade construction, DFO Nehru stated work would commence post-monsoon. He indicated additional funding requirements for the 16 km stretch, noting that sufficient funds would enable 70% completion of elephant control measures. Forest range officer not responding: Bopanna Bopanna said that Ponnampet forest range officer Shankar is not responding to the situation and the staff are also inactive. He suggested appointing local staff for elephant control operations, requesting departmental security and salary provisions. Former taluk panchayat president Umesh Kechamayya highlighted the delay in railway barricade installation despite the initiation ceremony. He urged immediate action and swift compensation for affected farmers. Tahsildar Mohan Kumar, ACF Gopal, and others were present. Meanwhile, the elephant problem continued in other places of the district also. On Monday, the villages under Nariyandada gram panchayat faced continued elephant intrusions, causing significant concern. Elephants have been spotted near residences in Cheyyandane, Kokeri, Chelavara, and Nariyandada villages, destroying crops and estates. In Nariyandada village, farmer Shyanbogar Sumanth's property suffered extensive damage to coffee, arecanut, banana, and coconut plants. Sumanth reported that forest officials have not responded to complaints about eight elephants causing regular damage. Villagers demanded immediate action to relocate the elephants and provide compensation to affected farmers. Wild elephants have caused significant damage to agricultural properties in Kirundadu village. In Kalianda Poovanna's plantations, they destroyed three coconut trees, approximately 60 areca trees, and numerous coffee and banana plants. Similar destruction occurred in the estates of KD Mohan, Hamsa, Abdullah, and others in Kirundadu and Kaikadu villages. The affected farmers have requested appropriate compensation for their losses. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Doctor's Day 2025 , messages and quotes!
Time of India
30-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
CESC launches Rs 226 crore project to upgrade power infra in Kodagu
Pic: Areas like Shanthalli and Bhagamandala rely on single power lines spanning 100km, while regions including Ammatthi, Virajpet, Thithimathi, Hathur, and Bhagamandala experience voltage fluctuations Madikeri: The Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) has undertaken a Rs 226 crore initiative to enhance the electrical infrastructure in Kodagu district. The project encompasses 536km of power line repairs, aiming to resolve power disruptions. Works are proceeding rapidly across the district. The district's power network, primarily traversing through forests, coffee estates, and hilly terrain, faces significant challenges. During monsoons, fallen branches often cause widespread outages lasting weeks. Following concerns raised by MLAs AS Ponnanna and Manthar Gowda, CESC developed a comprehensive plan, which energy minister KJ George approved. Funding has been allocated, and in some places, work is ongoing. The district comprises five subdivisions and 23 branch offices, featuring 7,952 transformers across 92 locations on 11 KV lines, 4,577km HT lines, and 7,331km LT lines, serving 2,29,219 consumers. Virajpet constituency received Rs 120 crore, while Madikeri constituency received Rs 106 crore, with completion expected by Jan or Feb next year. The project addresses long-neglected power infrastructure. Areas like Shanthalli and Bhagamandala rely on single lines spanning 100km, whilst regions including Ammatthi, Virajpet, Thithimathi, Hathur, and Bhagamandala experience voltage fluctuations. The solution involves installing cover conductors and necessary equipment, including transformers. The Rs 226 crore allocation across five divisions includes Madikeri subdivision (Rs 49 crore), Kushalnagar and Somwarpet subdivisions (Rs 40.3 crore each), Gonikoppa subdivision (Rs 55.5 crore), and Virajpet subdivision (Rs 41.4 crore). CESC executive engineer M Ramachandra explained, "The work has been taken up and is being carried out briskly. Contracts have been given to three agencies. The department is constantly monitoring and taking precautions to ensure that there are no problems. " Virajpet MLA AS Ponnanna, said the energy minister, who is from Kodagu, responded to their request and allocated Rs 226 crore, releasing the amount immediately. Priority is being given to quality work, and precautions are being taken to ensure that no problems arise. Madikeri constituency MLA Manthar Gowda said, "The project is complementary to developing and strengthening the power supply in Kodagu district. The govt has released the funds in recognition of the long-standing demand."
Time of India
26-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Kutta-Tholpetty highway to improve connectivity to Kerala
Madikeri: The Kutta-Tholpetty interstate highway, which will connect to Kerala through the densely populated South Kodagu region, will be developed for Rs 3.4 crore, said Virajpet MLA AS Ponnanna. He told reporters that the existing road, which is in a bad shape, will be completely dug up and a new road will be laid. He mentioned that the two bridges on the road will also be widened. "The officials will also widen the road leading to the Kannur International Airport on the Makutta route to Kerala in the coming days. Currently, hundreds of transport buses and private vehicles are relying on the Kutta-Tolapetty route due to the night ban on the movement of vehicles at Bandipur Tiger Reserve," he said. The work will start as soon as the rainy season is over, the MLA stated. The public in the surroundings of Kutta village in Kodagu district are depending on Mananthavady Hospital for better facilities, and Wayanad district in Kerala has become a hub for the trade of coffee and pepper. Coffee exporters are mostly following this route to take Kodagu coffee to Kochi. Coffee is also traditionally grown in the Wayanad district, and many vehicles ply there daily, he pointed out. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Many tourists from Kodagu take the Kutta-Tholpetty road to visit temples such as Mahavishnu Temple in Thirunelli and Sabarimala. Ponnanna informed that the demand for a multi-purpose road will be met, and a well-maintained road will be constructed.
Time of India
24-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Teachers express worries over closure of aided schools in Kodagu due to low enrolment
Madikeri: Teachers have voiced their worries regarding the shutting down of aided schools in the district due to insufficient student strength and presented their concerns to MLA AS Ponnanna. For several decades, aided educational institutions in Kodagu district have delivered quality education. The Kannada aided schools, established in the 1950s with local donors' support, have now started closing, they stated. The state education department requires 25 students per class. School management and teaching staff are using their personal funds and donor support to arrange transport and increase enrolment. Despite these efforts, many students from underprivileged backgrounds struggle with regular attendance. When the officials visit the schools, if attendance falls below 25, the headmaster receives notices and salary payments are suspended, they explained. The geographical and social conditions of Kodagu's hilly terrain make it challenging to maintain consistent enrolment and attendance in aided schools. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cuối cùng, chơi miễn phí game chiến thuật hay nhất 2025! Sea of Conquest Phát ngay Undo Over a hundred teachers, led by Kollira Bopanna, vice-chairman of the Kuttandi High School Board of Trustees, met Ponnanna at his Virajpet office. You Can Also Check: Mysuru AQI | Weather in Mysuru | Bank Holidays in Mysuru | Public Holidays in Mysuru Upon receiving the petition, the MLA acknowledged the attendance issues in govt and aided schools, emphasising that teachers alone cannot resolve this challenge. He commended the teachers for helping the district achieve fourth position in the state''s 10th standard examinations and promised to address the salary withholding issue. Nagaraju, district secretary of the Aided School and College Employees' Association, suggested that education officials should consult MLAs before recommending the closure of Kannada aided schools, noting that additional time might help increase student numbers. Padinharanda Prabhukumar, District Aided Employees' Association president, requested staff placement through counselling when schools close. Giddaiah, Virajpet taluk unit president, suggested relaxing minimum enrolment requirements considering Kodagu's hilly terrain and sparse population. The meeting included Mehboob, district vice-president of Saha Shikshakara Sangha, Krishna Chaithanya, Shiva Prasad, and others.
Time of India
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
MLA launches retaining wall project at Amma Kodava Samaja
Madikeri: Virajpet MLA AS Ponnanna on Friday launched a project to build a retaining wall at the Akhila Amma Kodava Samaja building in Gonikoppa. Speaking on the occasion, he said that the state govt plans to implement various projects benefiting smaller communities. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The minor irrigation department has allocated Rs 2 crore for the project. Ponnanna emphasised the importance of quality construction and urged Amma Kodava community members to monitor the progress. He also announced an additional amount of Rs 20 lakh grant for the development of Amma Kodava Samaja, encouraging proper utilisation of funds. At the event, chaired by Samaja president Bananda Prithvi, community leader Umesh Kechamaiah recalled that the Samaja building was constructed 22 years ago. The area faces annual flooding from the Keere stream during monsoons, with water stagnation threatening the building's structure. Despite decades of appeals to various representatives for the construction of a retaining wall, funding remained unavailable until now, and the dream came true. The Samaja members commended MLA Ponnanna for fulfilling his election promise. The attendees included district Congress president and Guarantee Implementation Committee District president Theethira Dharmaja Uthappa, Ponnampet block Congress president Meederira Naveen, Gonikoppa gram panchayat president Kullachanda Pramod Ganapathi, and others.
