Kalasa: Frequent landslides are being reported from the taluk in Chikmagaluru district threatening damage to coffee and arecanut crops A three-acre farm of KK Sudhakar in Kuchukudige near Talagodu in Thotadur Gram Panchayat limits in Mudigere taluk has been destroyed by the frequent landslides.

“There have been cracks in the field which is very unusual in this rainy season. Now, there are water bubbles from these cracks,” Sudhakar said. As a result, his arecanut crops in one-and-half-acre have been destroyed, he pointed out.

It is said that cracks were also seen near his house in Harijan Colony. At least 15 families reside in Harijan Colony. In fact, Kuchukudige is not the only village that has been affected by landslides.

Even Adike Hitlu in the same gram panchayat limits too is severely affected. Hundreds of arecanut trees and coffee plants belonging to Krishnamurthy have been flooded. Krishnamurthy has now vacated his house fearing for his life.

After it was reported that there were cracks in coffee plantations in Kodagu before the district was ravaged in floods, coffee and arecanut growers in Chikmagaluru district fear similar impact. They have urged the authorities concerned to conduct an expert study into these landslides and avert any possible threat.

SOURCE : http://www.bfirst.in/category/state/now-frequent-landslides-in-chikmagaluru-district-leave-coffee-growers-worried-511595