Geography
Introduction and Demographics
The Grama Panchayat was formed in 1976. Spanning an area of 227.51 sq. km, about 20% of the panchayat is covered by forest land. Out of a total population of 27,955, there are 14,304 men and 13,651 women. The total literacy rate of the population is 93%. According to its topography, Idukki Kanjikuzhi Panchayat falls under the highland (Malanadu) region. Situated at an altitude of 2,250 feet above sea level, the panchayat primarily consists of hills and slopes.
Agriculture and Soil
Blackish forest soil is widely found in the Idukki Kanjikuzhi Panchayat, and most of the soil is acidic in nature. The primary crops cultivated in the panchayat are pepper and rubber. Coffee, cardamom, coconut, and cocoa are also grown here. Cash crops are cultivated more extensively compared to food crops.
Water Resources and Utilities
The Periyar River flows along the boundary of the panchayat. Four major streams, smaller rivulets, and 112 ponds form the main water sources of the panchayat. The prominent hilly areas in the panchayat are Palkulam Medu, Mookkanal Paaramedu, Nagaramudi, Adappanmudi, and Kurishumala. Wells and natural springs serve as the primary sources of drinking water for the residents. There are 110 public wells and 75 public drinking water taps utilized by the public for clean water. Additionally, 275 streetlights have been installed on the panchayat roads to facilitate smooth night travel.
Tourism and Transport
Palkulam Medu, Lower Periyar, and Kurishumala are the major tourist attractions that draw visitors to the panchayat. At the top of Palkulam Medu, which borders the forest region, there are small isolated patches of forest resembling islands. Palkulam Medu is an ideal location for eco-tourism (green tourism). The underground tunnel constructed in connection with the Lower Periyar Power Station is the longest underground tunnel in Asia.
The nearest airport to Kanjikuzhi Panchayat is Nedumbassery (Cochin International Airport), and the nearest railway station is the Aluva Railway Station. The bus stands at Kanjikuzhi, Pazhayarikandam, and Chelachuvadu serve as the hubs for bus transport. The Alappuzha-Madurai State Highway passes through the panchayat. Additionally, the Neriamangalam-Idukki Road, built by the Electricity Board in connection with the construction of the Idukki Project, passes through the border of the panchayat.
Industry and Commerce
The Idukki Kanjikuzhi Grama Panchayat is significantly lagging in the industrial sector and has not been able to make notable progress in this field. An Indian Oil petrol pump operates at Chelachuvadu. In the public distribution sector, there are 10 ration shops, along with three Neethi Stores and one Maveli Store. Kanjikuzhi is the major commercial center of the panchayat. There are two shopping complexes located in Chelachuvadu and Keerithodu. The primary markets are situated in Kanjikuzhi and Keerithodu, while the traditional weekly market (Chantha) is located at Pazhayarikandam.
Culture and Religion
As a migrant village, Idukki Kanjikuzhi Panchayat is home to a blended culture. People belonging to Hindu, Christian, and Muslim communities reside here, and numerous places of worship are spread across the panchayat. There are 5 temples, 8 Christian churches, and 3 Muslim mosques in various parts of the region. The major Hindu places of worship are the Thattekanni Dharma Sastha Temple, Keerithodu Shiva Temple, and Kanjikuzhi Subramanya Temple. The prominent Christian places of worship include Venmani St. George Church, Pazhayari St. Sebastian Church, and Kanjikuzhi St. Mary's Church. The three Muslim mosques are located at Kanjikuzhi, Keerithodu, and Chelachuvadu. The Keerithodu Shivaratri Festival, the Thaipooyam festival at the Subramanya Temple, and the Ettamidam feast at St. Mary's Church are the major celebrations in the panchayat.
Note: Kerala's young athlete Bineesh K. Shaji is a native of Pallivasal Panchayat. (Note: This sentence is translated as it appears in the source text).
The Kanjikuzhi Cultural Center is the key institution driving the cultural scene of the panchayat.