History of Kunnothparamba Grama Panchayat
History of Kunnothparamba Grama Panchayat
Kunnothparamba Grama Panchayat was officially constituted in 1963. It is bounded by Mokeri Grama Panchayat and Panoor Municipality to the west, Padyam Grama Panchayat to the north, and Thriprangottur Grama Panchayat to the south and east.
The Panchayat covers an area of 29.77 sq. km and has a total population of 39,392 (2011 Census). The literacy rate is 91%.
Geographically, the Panchayat falls within the midland region of Kerala. The major agricultural crops cultivated here include coconut, arecanut, black pepper, rubber, cashew, banana, tapioca, and pineapple.
The Puthoor River and the Kolavallur River flow through the Panchayat. Other major water resources include six ponds and 29 public wells. The Panchayat is also home to approximately 14 hills, including Ponnidinjikkunnu and Areekkalkunnu. Residents depend on 42 public drinking water taps for potable water.
To facilitate safe travel at night, the Panchayat has installed numerous streetlights across its jurisdiction.
The nearest airport is Kannur International Airport, while Thalassery Railway Station is the primary railhead used by local residents. The nearest seaport is Beypore Port. Road transportation is mainly centered around the Panoor Bus Stand, and the Panoor–Nadapuram State Highway passes through the Panchayat.
The major bridges in the Panchayat include Puthoor Bridge, Pongott Bridge, Kedari Bridge, and Ottani Bridge.
Kunnothparamba has a strong tradition of coir manufacturing and papad production. The Panchayat is also known for its granite quarries, which are significant contributors to the local small-scale industrial sector.
The only fuel station in the Panchayat is operated by Hindustan Petroleum. Under the Public Distribution System (PDS), there are 14 ration shops, one Maveli Store, and one Neethi Store serving the local population.
The Panchayat's commercial activities are concentrated around the shopping complexes and markets at Thoovakkunnu, Parat, and Kunnothparamba.
There are 32 Hindu temples, including the Kallikkandi Ayyappa Temple and Padikkunnu Temple, as well as 20 mosques, including Kallarakal Mosque and Chittarithodu Mosque, within the Panchayat.
Healthcare services are provided by the Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Chendayad, along with Ayurveda and Homeopathy dispensaries at Thoovakkunnu. PHC sub-centres are located at Kannankode, Kunnothparamba, and Puthoor.
For veterinary services, the Panchayat has a Veterinary Hospital at Puthoor and sub-centres at Cheruparamba and Kunnothparamba.
The education sector comprises 25 private schools and three government schools.
The financial sector includes a Syndicate Bank branch at Parat and four cooperative banks.
To promote reading and learning, the Panchayat has six libraries and eight reading rooms. The only community hall in the Panchayat is the Sree Narayana Community Hall.
The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) office is located at Parat, the Village Office functions at Kolavallur, and the Telephone Exchange is situated at Thoovakkunnu.