Coorg is a paradise on earth, blessed with the bounty of nature. But every monsoon this picturesque hill district of Karnataka, nestled in the Western ghats turns to a veritable hell.
As the sun hides behind the clouds for many months, the fury of the torrential rains takes it toll on human life, property, livestock, roads and other infrastructure. Low lying areas are marooned and are completely cut off from the rest of the world.
Though technology has advanced rapidly, several villages go without basics like power, drinking water and telephone connectivity for weeks together. The aged and the indisposed are put to great inconvenience as health care services are in a completely disarray even in towns, due to the erratic power supply.
While politicians rush to the aid of other regions in the country in times of natural calamities, Coorg is nobody's child.
Coorg is one the highest revenue earning districts in the country. However, consistent governments have totally neglected the aspirations of the local populace. One of the reasons is that Kodavas, the dominant community of the region form a minuscule minority of the State's population and hence do not count as a vote bank.
Old times point out that Coorg was better off when it was a separate 'C' state before it was amalgamated with Karnataka during the reorganisation of States in 1956. Ever since, Coorg which was once described by Sardar Vallabhai Patel as the model state of India has been meted step-motherly treatment.
The neglect of Coorg has on several occasions promoted fringe groups to raise the banner of revolt. A few years ago there was a call for a separate Coorg country, while in the recent past there has been a demand to restore Coorg's original 'C' State status.
The people of Coorg are fierce nationalists having contributed some of the finest soldiers to the Indian Army, including Independent India's first commander-in-chief Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa. However, when it comes to their own personal demands, this warrior clan is docile, almost to the point of lethargy, which explains why the government has taken them for granted.
The Coorgs have always fought for the country. Now, it is time to fight for their own rights.
1 comment:
There is total breakdown of Government machinery and complete apathy on the part of the Public servants. Since we reside outside, it is a harrowing task trying to get in touch with family members in remote parts, who are completely unreachable by cell phones or land lines. Can you even imagine being without these basic conveniences for more than 2 weeks?? In this day and time?
Head from relatives in Kutta, that Electricity Board is demanding that end users transport the Poles , cables etc and assist them in setting right the damaged lines. While we are happy to help, but to what extent?
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