Mangaluru: A recent survey has raised concerns over the declining population of the Koraga community in Dakshina Kannada, with community leaders urging the Karnataka government to undertake a comprehensive scientific study to identify the reasons behind the trend.

The Koragas, recognised as one of Karnataka’s Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), have witnessed a decline in their population over the past decade.

Survey records decline in population

The survey, conducted under the guidance of the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs, identified 1,137 Koraga families with a total population of 4,358 in Dakshina Kannada. This marks a decline from the 4,858 members recorded in the 2011 Census.

District Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP) Officer Basavaraju said the department has already written to the Tribal Welfare Department seeking a detailed scientific study.

According to him, only a systematic investigation can determine the reasons behind the shrinking population and help the government formulate effective intervention measures.

Community seeks welfare measures

Dakshina Kannada District Koraga Association president Sundara Koraga said the situation is worrying as the community’s death rate has overtaken its birth rate. He also expressed concern over the declining number of women in the community, pointing to a gender imbalance in some areas.

He urged the government to appoint experts to conduct an in-depth demographic and health study rather than limiting the exercise to routine surveys.

The association has also reiterated its long-pending demand for land rights, stating that most Koraga families own only about three cents of land, making sustainable livelihoods difficult.

Community leaders have once again called for the implementation of the Dr Mohammed Peer Committee Report (1994), which recommended allotting 2.5 acres of land to every Koraga family in Karnataka.

They have also proposed establishing an integrated Koraga settlement in Dakshina Kannada by earmarking 500 acres in the first phase to rehabilitate around 100 families, with essential facilities such as schools, healthcare centres, playgrounds, agricultural land and a cremation ground.#Koraga #DakshinaKannada #TribalCommunity #PVTG #Karnataka #SocialWelfare #NewsKarnataka