Madikeri : A land survey of Kakatodu Vanamarga Sri Bhagavathi Devi Temple near the Karnataka-Keralam border was completed, clearing a major hurdle in a decades-long dispute with forest department and paving the way for the 150-year-old temple’s development.
After earlier representations in 2001, the temple committee submitted another application to govt and elected representatives on Nov 18, 2020. The survey was ordered during 2024 by the assistant director of land records.
Temple president Radhakrishna said the documentation issue had prevented the shrine from securing govt grants. “Now, we can move for the improvement of the temple,” he said. Committee vice-president NC Vijayakumar said improved facilities and a compound wall were planned, and has sought grants from the district administration and local MLA.
Former revenue minister R Ashoka later wrote to DC after a representation through then district minister V Somanna. The land has officially come into the possession of the temple administration.