Latest news with #ASPonnanna
Time of India
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Kodagu freedom fighters honoured during I-Day event
Madikeri: The United Kodava Organisation (UKO), in collaboration with Voice of Kodava (VOK), hosted an event titled 'Neppura Nalath Maanjata Mott' (everlasting footprints in the shadow of memories) in Ponnampet. The event aimed to honour the sacrifices of freedom fighters from Kodagu district. This event, part of the Independence Day celebrations in Ponnampet, highlighted the often-overlooked contributions of Kodagu in India's struggle for Independence. A key feature of the event was a photo exhibition inaugurated by Buttianda Kusum Aiyappa, whose ancestors were freedom fighters. The exhibition showcased the service and sacrifices of Kodagu's freedom fighters, aiming to educate the public and ensure that the contributions of these local heroes are not forgotten. Virajpet MLA AS Ponnanna praised the organisers for their efforts in commemorating the sacrifices of Kodagu's freedom fighters. Paradanda Suman Subramani, president of Akhila Kodava Samaja, emphasised the significant role played by the Kodavas in India's Independence. He urged the govt to recognise heroes like Mathanda Appachu, who valiantly fought against British forces. UKO president Kokkalemada Manju Chinnappa expressed concern that only a few freedom fighters receive recognition at national and state levels. He called for local recognition and commemoration of Kodagu's real freedom fighters by the district administration and gram panchayats to preserve their legacy. The event included cultural programmes and patriotic songs, aiming to introduce the current generation to the historical contributions of Kodagu's freedom fighters. UKO also submitted a memorandum with various resolutions to MLA Ponnanna, advocating for greater recognition and honour for these local heroes. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
8 new bus routes inaugurated in Virajpet
Madikeri: With the increasing population and urbanisation, new bus routes have been created for the convenience of passengers, and bus services are being provided, said MLA AS Ponnanna. After inaugurating 8 new bus services from the Virajpet town KSRTC bus stand, the MLA asked bus drivers and operators to behave courteously with passengers and work hard to bring a good name to the organisation. The Congress govt provided free bus facilities for women, which has benefited them. "To reduce the congestion of passengers travelling to and from the rapidly growing Virajpet municipality and surrounding areas, and to accommodate the increasing number of passengers, new bus routes and eight new buses were provided along these routes. Passengers should take advantage of this. These buses will be operated in the rural areas of Virajpet taluk," he said. On the occasion, District Guarantee Implementation Authority president Dharmaja Uthappa, Taluk Guarantee Implementation chairman Johnson, Virajpet municipality chief officer Nachappa, Virajpet municipality vice-chairman Fasiha Tabsum, and members and tahsildar PS Praveen were present. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Krishna Janmashtami Wishes ,, messages , and quotes !
Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
K'taka home to highest no. of elephants in India: Poovaiah
Madikeri: World Elephant Day was celebrated at the Harangi Elephant Camp on Tuesday. Speaking on the occasion, State Wildlife Board member Sanketh Poovaiah said Virajpet MLA AS Ponnanna discussed with the chief minister and forest minister the soft release project in Kodagu, similar to the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. This project aims to benefit three neighbouring districts by identifying thousands of hectares, installing railway tracks, and releasing wild elephants into the area. Poovaiah stated that India is home to 27,000 elephants, with Karnataka housing 6,395, the highest number among Indian states. Seven districts in Karnataka have the most elephants. However, world elephant populations have decreased by 1.1 lakh since 2016, raising concern. He emphasised the importance of wild elephants in nature and the need for permanent solutions to human-elephant conflict, alongside scientific measures to protect the animals. Deputy conservator of forests (Madikeri) KA Nehru said the protection of wild elephants is not only the responsibility of the department or govt, but also requires the participation of forest communities, organisations, and the public. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
25-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Ponnanna launches development projects in Virajpet
Madikeri: MLA and chief minister's legal adviser AS Ponnanna launched several development projects in Virajpet. Speaking on the occasion, Ponnanna said, "Rs 30 crore was released for various development works under the Virajpet civic body, from the chief minister's special grants and SFC funds. " "For years, money was wasted in the form of rent for the solid waste unit and other development works. To avoid this, a JCB machine worth Rs 34.8 lakh was purchased. The tender process for the rest of the development works at various places, including Panjarpet Road and Murnad Road, was completed, and the works will start soon," he said. Municipal president Dechamma Kalappa, vice-president Fasiha Tabusam, standing committee president Purnima, chief officer Nachappa, and engineer Hemkumar were present.
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!
