The year 2018 has been a gloomy year for Kodagu. The incessant rains, landslides and flash-floods, took away homes from the people.
The victims are yet to be rehabilitated and the affected farmers need to be compensated. Tourism, one of the major facets of Kodagu, saw a record fall during the year.
In January, activists carried out protests in Kushalnagar demanding the formation of Kaveri taluk. Former minister M C Nanaiah joined the Congress at the party conference in Mysuru. During an emotionally charged incident, tamed elephants in Dubare camp were relocated to Chhattisgarh.
In February, a large portion of the forest was gutted in a fire caused by miscreants near Raja Seat. Maoists’ movement was also reported in Napoklu.
Following untoward incidents in Dubare in March, the deputy commissioner imposed a ban on rafting activities in the river. Rafting has not been restarted till date. Three pachyderms which came in search of fodder died in Nalkeri near Srimangala.
In April, a war memorial was inaugurated in Sunny Side, Madikeri. ‘Kodava Family Hockey Namme’ was held. AICC President Rahul Gandhi and BJP President Amit Shah addressed public rallies as a part of the election campaign.
Assembly elections were held in Kodagu for two Assembly seats in May and the BJP were successful in retaining its seats.
In June, incessant rains wreaked havoc resulting in the closure of the Karnataka-Kerala Highway.
The Harangi reservoir was up to its brim following heavy rain in July. Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy offered ‘Bagina’ at the dam and announced Rs 100 crore package.
MLC Veena Acchaiah’s personal assistant Rajesh D Bangera was arrested in connection with Gauri Lankesh’s murder.
August turned into a month of disaster with floods terrifying the people to the core. Hundreds of people who lost their houses took shelter in relief centres.
In September, the Central committee conducted a study in Kodagu and concluded that the disaster was manmade.
The natural calamity had its effect on Dasara celebrations. ‘Madikeri Dasara’ was observed without fanfare. The chief minister broke the taboo by visiting Talacauvery on Tula Sankramana for Cauvery Theerthodbhava.
Tipu Jayanthi controversy erupted in November. Hindu Jagarana Vedike organised ‘Janagraha Sabhe’ in Madikeri to urge for the construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
Lieutenant General (retd) B C Nanda passed away on December 12.