Madikeri: Hundreds of environmentally concerned residents of Kodagu, supported by various organisations and voluntary organisations took out a massive “Save Kodagu, Save Cauvery” rally in Madikeri this morning opposing the indiscriminate development of Kodagu that is leading to irreparable damage of the pristine environment.

Holding banners, placards and signages, protestors marched along the main streets of Madikeri shouting slogans against the apathetic attitude of the State and Central Governments. They raised their voice against the projects including railway line, national highways and proposed dams.

The rally was taken out from Madikeri Fort it passed pass through General Thimmayya Statue and reached Cauvery Kalakshetra where a meeting was held. Speakers from various organizations addressed the agitators and later a memorandum was submitted to the Deputy Commissioner.

The agitation was spearheaded by Coorg Wildlife Society.

Addressing the protestors, President of Coorg Wildlife Society Colonel (Rtd.) C.P. Muthanna said that the purpose of the rally is to save River Cauvery from drying up due to destruction of its catchment area. “Kodagu is the principal catchment area of Cauvery and both the Centre and State Governments are hell-bent on destructing Kodagu in the name of development. Thousands of trees are being felled to favour the timber lobby and projects are being sanctioned for Kodagu that will benefit people outside the district,” he alleged.

“At this rate, Cauvery will dry up soon and people are already facing water crisis. This agitation is not limited for today and if the governments do not bother, we will launch bigger protests,” he said.