Pallom Block Panchayat – An Introduction

Pallom Block Panchayat is headquartered at Vadavathoor in Vijayapuram Grama Panchayat, about 8 km north-east of Kottayam, the Akshara Nagari (City of Letters). The block comprises five Grama Panchayats: Kurichy, Panachikkad, Puthuppally, Vijayapuram and Ayarkunnam.

Geography and Water Resources

Pallom Block Panchayat forms part of the Upper Kuttanad region of Kottayam district and has a midland landscape consisting of small hills, valleys and patches of forest. Along with the major Meenachil River, water resources such as Kotturar, Meenantharayaru, Kavanar and Poikayil Thodu enrich the region.

Unregulated soil excavation, hill cutting, reclamation of wetlands and streams have damaged the natural water-storage systems and contributed to increasing water scarcity.

Agriculture and Economy

Agriculture is the main foundation of the economy of Pallom Block. A large section of the population consists of farmers and agricultural workers. Rubber, tapioca and pineapple are important crops in the highland areas.

Although large areas of paddy fields remained fallow in recent years, the introduction of modern agricultural machinery and support from local governments are encouraging the younger generation to return to agriculture.

Industries and Institutions

Major industrial and commercial establishments include MRF, Midas Paramphuzha, Milma Milk Collection Centre, small-scale industries in Kurichy and the Poo­vanthuruthu Industrial Estate in Panachikkad.

The region is also home to several important institutions, including the Government Homoeo Medical College, Government Homoeopathic Research Centre, Indian Rubber Research Centre, Navodaya School and Kendriya Vidyalaya.

Transportation

The MC Road and KK Road pass through the block area. The Thiruvananthapuram–Ernakulam railway line also serves the region. The Ettumanoor–Changanassery Bypass Road and Pallom–Thottakkad Road are other important transportation routes.

Water Transport Potential

The region has an extensive network of waterways connecting areas such as Karunattuvazha in Kurichy and Kalampattuchira with Kotturar and Meenantharayaru. These waterways were historically used for transportation and trade. There is considerable potential for developing water-based transportation in the future.

History and Tourism

Important places of religious and historical significance include Panachikkad Saraswathi Temple, popularly known as Dakshina Mookambika, Puthuppally Valiyapally dedicated to St. George, and Vennimala Sree Rama Lakshmana Swamy Temple.

Padiyarakkadavu Beach in Panachikkad, Kalathikkadavu, Paraikkalkadavu in Puthuppally and Vennimala are among the places that attract pilgrims and tourists.

Major Development Challenges

The major challenges faced by the Block Panchayat include severe drinking-water scarcity, fallow agricultural land, waste-management issues, unemployment and degradation of water bodies.

As part of the 14th Five-Year Plan, various projects are being planned and implemented to improve drinking-water availability, bring fallow land back under cultivation, strengthen waste management, create employment opportunities and promote the welfare of women, senior citizens and persons with disabilities.