RAIN FURY CONTINUES; LAND SLIDES, FALLING TREES BLOCK ROADS

Madikeri August 10, 2007

Rain fury in Kodagu continues to disturb normal life.

A huge tree fell across Mangalore road near Madenad and blocked road for hours together today. A tanker got stuck in the melee and police rescue vehicle fought to clear the high way. Vehicles for kilometers were stranded on either side of the road till it was cleared.

Number of people opting temporary shelter provided by district administration is on the rise as land slides are posing threat to many houses all over the district.

The water level at Harangi is 2859.50 feet. Inflow is 14299, out flow is 14772 and 890 cusecs of water is let into canals.

The rainfall at three talukas is;

Madikeri so far received 3520 mm and last year it was 2754. It has rained 2619 mm at Virajpet this year and last year it was 1816.51 mm. And at Somwarpet it rained 1902.68 mm and last year it rained 1670.10.

MINI AIRPORT PROJECT CANCELLED;

Madikeri August 10, 2007

The technical survey conducted in Kodagu to have a mini airport here has reportedly opined that an air port cannot come up in this area.

The experts have said in their report there are many hillocks around the area demarked for airport and it will obstruct landing and taking off of airplanes.

But the government has sanctioned a wild life medical institute to Kodagu and it will be commissioned in 52 acres out of the land earmarked for airport. The district had earlier requested the government to start a veterinary university in Kodagu. But the same got sanctioned to Hassan. However now the medical institute, first of its kind in the country will come up in the district.

An officer is appointed for the purpose of launching the project and he had sought land from the district administration.

The institution will provide opportunity for two years post graduation and three years PhD studies. Equipped with sophisticated lab and accessories, the institute will study and conduct research about the genes and extinction of species.

TWO CRORES TO DEVELOP HYBRID COWS;

The government has sanctioned rupees two crores to develop hybrid cows at Madalapur near Kudige in Kodagu.

The new centre will produce hybrid cows with a milk yield up to 12 liters. Semen will also be collected twice in a week for artificial insemination and supplied throughout the nation to increase its population as importing cows is banned now. Semen extracted once is sufficient to produce 600 cows.

Artificial insemination is done free of cost now in all the rural areas under Vidarba package. Sources said that the officials are visiting villages to perform artificial insemination from first of August.