Idukki

Short History

            Idukki, one of the mountainous district of the state came into existence on 26th January 1972 as per Government Notification No. 54131/C2/71/RD dated 24 th January 1972. Idukki district named after the mighty Idukki Hill and also after the Hydroelectric Project. The double curvature Arch Dam is the highest of its kind in Asia and in regard to heights it comes the second on the country. Idukki the second largest district of the State has an area of 4517.9 Sq. Km (Excluding Kuttampuzha) which constitute 11.6% of the total area of the state. It is one of the districts in the state which has a number of wild life sanctuaries and facilities for Hyrange tourism, if infrastructure facilities and proper promotional activities are provided. It is also famous for its spices production, tea plantations and rubber cultivation. Idukki is one of the districts in the state where linguistic minority exists. The linguistic minority is mainly in tamilian population. They are mainly workers in the tea and cardamom plantations, spread in Peermade, Udumbanchola and Devikulam taluks. The district is highly heterogeneous in the matter of its people in their culture, climate, cropping pattern, physiographic features etc. Both rainshadow and rain sodden area exist in the district.

PHYSICAL FEATURES

            The district was formed by carving out portions from erstwhile Ernakulam and Kottayam district. Devikulam , Udumbanchola and Peermade taluks of erstwhile Kottayam district and Thodupuzha Taluk of Ernakulam District (excluding Kallorkkad village and portion of Manjalloor village). It is bounded by Trichur, Kottayam, Ernakulam and Pathanamthitta districts of Kerala and Coimbatore, Madurai and Ramanathpuram districts of Tamilnadu. It extends by 115 KM from South to North and 67 KM from East to West. The district lies between 9 degree 15 minutes and 10 degree 21 minute of north Latitudes and 76 degree 37 minutes and 77 degree 25 minutes of Longitudes. It has definite physical characteristics. A Major portion of the district is covered by dense forest and extensive tea , coffee and cardamom plantations. Nearly 96% of the total area of the district comes under the high land area covered by rugged mountain ranges, hills and deep valleys. The district has no low land and there is only a small trip of( 184 Sq. KM) Midland area towards the western part of Thodupuzha Taluk. Administration of Kuttampuzha village is recently transferred to Ernakulam district. Due to this Idukki becomes the 2 nd largest district of the state.

            Periyar, Thaliar and Thodupuzhayar are the three important rivers of this district. Periyar which is 227 KM long is the second largest river of Kerala which originates from Sivagiri in the south east part of the district touches all the taluks of the district. Among the districts of Kerala, Idukki has the largest area under forest. The entire eastern side of the district is covered with dense forests and they fall in five Forest divisions viz. Chalakudy, Malayattoor, Munnar, Kottayam and Game Sanctuary as per official records more than 50% of the area is under forest. But the actual area under forest may be around 30 %, due to illegal deforestation and colonisation. Agricultural sector is pre dominant by perennial crops like Cardamom, Tea, Rubber Coconut, pepper etc. Area under paddy is very limited in this district.

HISTORY

            The early history of the district is obscure and there is no clear evidence about the paleolithic age. The burials in the Hiranges dates back to the Megalithic period. Some historians believe that Kuzhumur, the capital Sangam age is the present Kumily in Peermade taluk. During 800 –1102 A.D, the Hiranges consisting of present Devikulam , Udumbanchola and Peermade taluks were part of the Kingdom of Vembolinad. During 16 th Century Major portions of Idukki district came under the rule of Poonjar Raja.

            The Modern history of the district starts with the advent of European planters to this region. In 1877 Kerala Varma , the Raja of Poonjar sold 227 Sq. Miles of Kannan Devan hills to John Danial Manroe, a British Planter. The tract was largely unexplored and covered with thick forest. He formed the North Travancore Land planting and Agriculture society. The members of the society developed there own estates in various parts of Hiranges . Roads were opened , Transport organised, Houses and factories built and productions rose rapidly in the succeeding years. The pallivasal Hydroelectric Project, the first hydroelectric project of the State was initially constructed by the tea companies for the industrial use. Planters were the first migrants to the high range region covered by dense forest. Deforestation process start in the high ranges with advent of the plantation industry by the end of the 19 th century. Vast area of evergreen forest were destroyed in connection with the construction of several hydroelectrical projects, Roads, factories etc..

ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS

            There are four taluks viz. Devikulam, Udumbanchola, Peermade and Thodupuzha and 65 villages in the district. There is only one Municipal town in the district is Thodupuzha. Munnar is census town. The largest village is Kannan Devan Hills of Devikulam taluk with an area of 557 Sq. KM and smallest Kudayathoor village of Thodupuzha with an area of 21 Sq. KM.

            There are eight community development Blocks viz. Devikulam, Adimali, Nedumkandom, Azhutha, Kattappana, Idukki, Elamdesom and Thodupuzha. There are 51 Panchayaths in the district. Thodupuzha is the only Municipality and Idukki is the only township in the district. Munnar panchayat of Devikulam block is the largest in the district with an area of 557 Sq. KM and Karimkunnam in Thodupuzha block is the smallest panchayat of the district with an area of only 22 Sq. KM. The district headquarters started functioning at Kottayam and shifted to Painavu in June 1976. The developmental activities are co-ordinated by the District Rural Development Agency.

TOPOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE FEATURES

            Idukki the hilly district of the state, has many unique topographical and geographical characteristics. The hiranges vary in attitude from 2500 feet above the mean sea level in Kulamavu to more than 5000 feet above the MSL in Munnar. There are eleven peaks in this district, which exceed a height of 6000 feet above the MSL. The highest peak in Kerala, Anamudy is in the K.D.H village of Devikulam taluk . Two types of soil are found in the district. The High land area is covered by forest soil (Alluvial soil) and the other parts by laterite soil.

            The climate in the district undergoes a sudden variation as we go from west to east. The highland regions is having a comparatively cold climate. Annual rainfall in this district vary from 250 cms to 425 CMS Munnar, Devikulam, Pallivasal, Vellathooval etc. are places getting high rainfall while Marayoor, Kanthalloor, Vattavada, Thaliar etc. experience low rainfall. Marayoor and Kanthalloor are virtually rainshadow areas lying the eastern side of western ghats.

DEMOGRAPHY

            According to 1991 Census, the total area of the district is 5019 Sq.K.M with a population of 10.78 lakhs. The district accounts for 12.91% of the geographical area of Kerala State. While the population of the district is only 3.7% of the state. Since most of the parts of the district are covered by dense forests and plantations there is lesser area for habitation compared to other district in the state. In 1901 the population was nearly 48000 and during in 1991, it has grown up by 22.46 times. On a comparison of the growth of population of the district with that of the state it can be seen that growth rate of the district has shown a higher percentage increase then the corresponding state increase. The decinial growth rates of the district especially during the decade 1921-31 and 1951-61 with 72.59% and 74.98% respectively, were much higher than the corresponding state figures of 21.85 and 24.76. A fluctuating trend is seen in the growth rates of population . Since 1901, with the growth rates for 1901-11 as 108.88%, 1911-21 as 9.239, 1921-31 as 72.59, 1931-41 as 30.17, 1941-51 as 35.67 , 1951-61 as 74.98 , 1961-71 as 31.75 and 1971-81 as 26.91%. In the present decade growth rate is 10.95%.

            Coming to the taluk wise growth of population of Udumbanchola taluk has the largest population increase during 1921-71 with 4069.89%. During 41-51 it was 40.61% . But the decade increase during 1951-61 is 675.75 %. In the three decades prior to 1951 census, as compared to other taluks, Peermade taluk had the highest decenial growth rate but during post 1951 census period,Udumbanchola taluk had the privilege of having the highest growth rate among the other taluks of the district.

            The migration to the highland region started before the formation of Kerala at the end of 19 th century Tamilians came as plantation workers of the European planters in Peermade, Udumbanchola and Devikulam taluks. Since most part of the district is covered with dense forests and plantations, there is lesser area for habitation. A large scale of conversion of forest area into arable lands “ resulted in the increase in population in the Udumbanchola and eastern part of Thodupuzha Taluk due to the establishment of gigantic hydroelectric project in Thodupuzha taluk and as a consequence to the Grow More Food Campaign in the state.

            Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe population assume some important position in the district. As per 1991 Census 14.56% of the total population belong s to SC and 4.66% belongs to ST group. On Block wise comparison it is seen that 30.65% of total SC population belong to Azhutha Block and 33.58% to Devikulam Block and ST population is highly concentrated in Devikulam, Elamdesom and Idukki blocks.

            Urban population in this district is only 3.77% of the total population. Density of population is on 1148 Sq. KM in Thodupuzha Municipality. The density of population is above 500 persons per Sq.KM in Elamdesom and Thodupuzha Block. Devikulam block has the low density of 129 persons/Sq. KM. Vattavada panchayat has the lowest density of 68 persons per Sq. KM.

            Idukki is one of the districts in Kerala where linguistic minority exists. The linguistic minority of the district is mainly the Tamilians population, whose number will be more than two lakhs. They are mainly workers in the tea and Cardamom plantations spread over Peermade, Udumbanchola and Devikulam taluks.

TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS

            There are six state high ways passing through the district. New National Highway connecting Cochin Madura passes through the district. The railway does not passes through the district and nearest railway stations are Ernakulam, Kottayam and Alwaye. Nearest Port is Cochin Port and Nedumbassery, the International Airport is near to the northern boundary of the district. Transport and Communication, Medical and Educational facilities are poor compared to other districts. Agriculture is the main resources of the district and above 50% of the revenue earnings of the district is from the above sector.

ELECTRICITY AND POWER

            Idukki is the district having the largest hydroelectric power potential. The Periyar river and its tributaries provide the required infrastructure for generating power.

            The Idukki Arch Dam is constructed across Periyar river in a narrow gorge between two granite hills (Kuravan and Kurathi hills) is the second highest in the country. Idukki the double curvature arch dam is the highest of its kind in Asia. Attached to this dam of 650 feet length and 550 feet height, two other dams are also there in Kulamavu and Cheruthony. The spillway of Idukki Reservoir is Cheruthony dam. The waterspread of Idukki Reservoir is about 60 Sq. KM and at a height of 701 Meter above mean sea level. The generators are located at Moolamattom, the underground power house beneath Nadukani hills.

            The Pallivasal hydroelectric project commissioned in 1939 utilising the waters of Mudirampuzha river, the important tributary of Periyar is the first power station of the State with an installation capacity of 13500 K.W. The Sengulam hydroelectric project is situated about 9 K.M down stream of Pallivasal Project in Mudirampuzha river 21.25 M.W Power is generated from this project. The Neriamangalam and Periyar hydroelectric Projects are the other projects.

            Panniyar hydroelectric project is developed on Panniyar , a tributary of Mudirampuzha river . Two Reservoirs, an upper Reservoir at Anayirankel and lower Reservoir at Ponmudi. Neriamangalam hydroelectric project utilises the tail waters of Sengulam power station and Panniyar power station and to excess catchment of Mudirampuzha river below Munnar. The power station is at Panamkutty.
Lower Periyar hydroelectric project envisages utilisation of the tail waters from the existing Neriamangalam power station and the spill from Kallarkutty head works.

PLACES OF IMPORTANCE

1. Idukki : Famous for the first double curvature Arch dam in India and wild life sanctuary. Attached to Idukki dam there are two other dams Kulamavu and Cheruthony. Idukki Reservoir is formed by these three dams. The underground power station is at Moolamattom beneath Nadukani hills. The sanctuary formed in 1978 spread over Thodupuzha and Udumbanchola taluks and located 40 K.M from Thodupuzha town. Idukki wild life sanctuary spread over an area of 7700 hectares with plenty of wild animals. The Malankara lake spread over about 11sq.k.m in Thodupuzha – Moolamattom route( 6 K.M from Thodupuzha)

2. Thekkady : Thekkady is one of the finest wild life reserves in India – the Periyar wild life sanctuary spread over an area of 777 Sq. K.M of which 360 sq. K.M is thick ever green forest. The Periyar wild life sanctuary was declared as a Tiger Reserve in 1978. The Mullaperiyar Dam built across the river Periyar with Surki mix before 121 years , still exist as a wonder to the tourists.

3. Mangaladevi Temple : The temple is located 15 K.M. from Thekkady The ancient temple built in Pandian style stands in the dense forest at the top of a peak 1337 Meter above the sea level. It situates in Tamil Nadu Kerala boundary. The visitors are allowed on the Chithrapournami festival day . The peak commands a panoramic view of the eastern slopes of the Western ghats . and the towns and villages of of Tamilnadu.

4. Vandiperiyar : This town situated 18 K.M from Thekkady which lies in the Kottayam Kumily Road. The river periyar flowing through the centre of this town nourishes its vast area. This is an important commercial centre in High ranges

5. Peermade : Peermade, the famous plantation town, takes its name from the Muslim saint Peer Muhammed, a close associate of the erst while royal family of Travancore. The tomb of Peer Muhammed is situated at Kuttikkanam about 6 K.M from Peermade. This is an important health resort

6. Thodupuzha : The Head quarters of Thodupuzha taluk is situated in the banks of Thodupuzha river. This is a place of historical importance. Karikode near Thodupuzha was the headquarters of Vadakkumkur Raja, where there is the remains of a fort Devi temple and Ninar Mosque constructed by Vadakkumkur Raja. The famous Annamalai temple dedicated to Lord Shiva constructed in Chola style architecture is also located at Karikode. The church at Muthalakodam near Thodupuzha is believed to have constructed before 13th century.

7. Thommankuthu : Thommankuthu is a chain of cascades 17 K.M off Thodupuzha. This is a remote place with beautiful scenery of seven step water fall. This is developing to an important Tourist spot in the district.

8. Munnar : Situated 55 K.M from Idukki Town at an elevation of 1524 in above the mean sea level and on the confluence of three mountain streams Kannimalayar, Nallathanni and Kundala. It is health resort especially in summer season. It is the centre of Tea Industry and also the Head quarters of the Kannan Devan Hill produce Company (now owned by Tata Tea Company). Munnar also has the highest peak in South India Anamudi.

9. Mattupetty : The Indoswiss Project for the development of livestock is located at Mattupetty 15 K.M from Munnar. The Mattupetty lake and Kundala dam are other attraction. It is known for its highly specialised diary farm.

10. Eravikulam National Park : (15 K.M North of Munnar) The 97 Sq. K.M park is situated in the Devikulam taluk and is home to the Nilgiri Tahr. The Anamudi peaks is located in the southern region of the part. The park is divided into three regions. The core area , the butter area and the tourism area . Visitors are allowed only to the tourism area which is the Rajamala region. The Eravikulam was declared as a National Park in 1978.

11...Rajamala : Part of Eravikulam wild life sanctuary 14 K.M from Munnar. Neelekurinji unique with its feature of keeping the rhythm of flowering in twelve years . The only place where ibes (Varayad) is seen.

12. Pallivasal : 8 K.M from Munnar is the venue of the first hydroelectric project in Kerala and place for immense scenic beauty.

13. Marayoor : Situated 42 K.M North east to Munnar, and important place in Munnar -Udumalpetta Road. There is a megalithic burial sites consisting of dolments and cysts. This is a remote village of Devikulam taluk on the eastern slope of Western ghats. This is the only place in Kerala where natural growth of sandal tree is seen.

14. Chinnar wild life sanctuary : Chinnar wild life sanctuary having an area of 90.4 22 Sq. K.m is located in the rainshadow region on either side of Marayoor-Udumalpetta road. This is the second habitat of the endangered giant grizzled squirrel of India. The location of the sanctuary offers the unique advantage of watching its fascinating wild life at close quarters from the road without venturing deep into the jungle.

15. Ramakkalmedu : Located about 16 K.M from Nedumkandom on Munnar-Thekkady route. The hamlet bordering Tamil Nadu gives a panoramic view of Tamil Nadu villages and towns around Bodi and Cumbum on the eastern side of Western Ghats, the proposed site for power generation from winds.

16. Nadukani Tower (Near Moolamattom) : Panoramic view of Moolamattom Power house, hills and villages over a vast area of Thodupuzha taluk is available from this tower.

17. Kalvari Mount( Between Idukki & Kattappana) : An enchanting atmosphere with a charming view of Idukki Reservoir from Idukki to Ayyappancovil on one side of the hill and Panoramic view of Kamakshy and Mariyapuram panchayats on the other side .

18. Meenuliyanpara ; Only pedestrian path for about 10 K.M from Mullaringad in Vannappuram Panchayath from where we can see Cochin Port and parts of Trichur district. An enchanting atmosphere and natural beauty.

19. Malankara Dam : The Dam is constructed across Thodupuzha river 5 K.m from Thodupuzha for irrigation purpose. The tail water from Moolamattom Power house is stored here. The banks of the Reservoir can be developed to a beautiful tourist attraction. Efforts are made in this direction by the Tourism organisations.