Dur Alappuzha PDF

DISTRICT URBANISATION REPORT
ALAPPUZHA
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DEPARTMENT OF TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING - GOVERNMENT OF KERALA

January 2011
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PREFACE
Planning is a prerequisite for effective development. Development becomes comprehensive when growth
centres are identified considering physical, social and economic variables of an area in an integrated manner.
This indicates that planning of villages and towns are to be complementary. Second Administrative Reforms
Commission (ARC) while interpreting the article 243 ZD of the Constitution of India states as follows. “This, in
other words, means that the development needs of the rural and urban areas should be dealt with in an integrated
manner and, therefore, the district plan, which is a plan for a large area consisting of villages and towns, should
take into account such factors as ‘spatial planning’, sharing of ‘physical and natural resources’, integrated
development of infrastructure’ and ‘environmental conservation’. All these are important, because the
relationship between villages and towns is complementary. One needs the other. Many functions that the towns
perform as seats of industry, trade and business and as providers of various services, including higher education,
specialized health care services, communication etc have an impact on the development and welfare of rural
people. Similarly, the orderly growth of the urban centre is dependent on the kind of organic linkage it establishes
with its rural hinterland”. Therefore a move of harmonizing urban and rural centres of an area can be said as a
move of planned urbanisation of the area.
In this context, it is relevant to mention the 74 th Amendment Act of the Constitution of India, which
mandated the District Planning Committee to prepare a draft development plan for the district. As per Article
243 ZD of the Constitution, the District Planning Committee (DPC) shall consolidate Panchayat/Municipality
Plans in the district and prepare draft development plan for the district as a whole. The Constitution also specifies
that while preparing draft development plan due regard shall be given to matters of common interest between
panchayats and municipalities including spatial planning, sharing of water and other physical and natural resources,
the integrated development of infrastructure and environmental conservation. In this respect, the district of
Kollam has conducted an important experiment of preparation of an Integrated District Development Plan (IDDP)
for the district. Through preparation of IDDP, the District Planning Committee of Kollam has become the first ever
DPC in the country to own a District Development Plan as envisaged by the Constitution. This path-breaking
venture has become a model in participatory district planning in a spatial platform. The Plan was released during
the international conference on district planning held at Kollam in August 2009. The Plan is now sanctioned by
Government of Kerala. As per G.O (Rt) 354/04/LSGD dated 01.02.07, the State Government have extended the
project to the remaining districts in the state and the districts of Alappuzha, Thrissur, Idukki, Palakkad and
Wayanad were selected for extending the project in the first phase. However, even in these districts, preparation
of IDDP is yet to be completed.
Preparation of such a plan will surely need decisions and commitment at various levels due to the multiplicity
of agencies involved and the vast spectrum of aspects to be addressed. However, delay in planning shall not
affect development. Hence a step by step approach may be adopted in planning. Therefore, the Department of
Town and Country Planning evolved a sequence of plan preparation at district level, involving District Urbanisation
Report (DUR), District Spatial Plan (DSP) and Integrated District Development Plan (IDDP).
The District Urbanisation Report defines the future spatial structure of a district, which is formulated by
integrating hierarchy and activity pattern of urban and rural settlements and the connectivity between them.
The spatial structure of a district will act as a frame for the orderly development of urban centres and their rural
hinterland subsequently leading to a planned urbanisation.
The District Spatial Plan is a synergistic form of the District Urbanisation Report, since as a plan it is
congruent to a single unified physical design for the district through setting development goals and objectives
and formulating the development concept of the district. DSP will frame the general policies and strategies and
streamline directions of development of the district. The Development Directives of DSP is carved in the spatial
platform through the synthesis of findings of the analysis over the spatial structure based on secondary sources
of data. But it lacks the resource studies as co-ordination of various agencies remain as an uphill task.
The Integrated District Development Plan can be termed as the highest echelon of this series and manifest
all features of the draft district development plan as envisaged in Article 243ZD of the Constitution of India.
Democratisation of planning and translation of sectoral policies into spatial plans are the paramount qualities of
IDDP as against DSP. IDDP comprises of two components; a Perspective Plan for 15-20 years and an Execution Plan
for 5 years.
As said earlier, IDDP for Kollam District is already prepared under the leadership of the District Planning
Committee, Kollam with the involvement of all the Local Governments in the district and Special Technical
Advisory Committee for IDDP. The Department of Town and Country Planning gave technical support for Plan
preparation besides coordinating the entire process in the role of nodal agency.
Now, the Department has prepared District Spatial Plans for the districts of Thrissur and Palakkad and
District Urbanisation Reports for the districts of Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam,
Ernakulam, Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikkode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod. The District Urbanisation Report
for Alappuzha is one among the series.
I take this opportunity to appreciate the officials of the Alappuzha District Office of the Department,
headed by Sri. Gigi George, Town Planner in the preparation of this document. The State Project Cell for LDP-
IDDP-SPP played anchor role in this regard, right from conceptualisation to shaping the end product. The toolkits
and customised computer applications developed by the State Project Cell has enabled the district offices to
accomplish the task in a time bound manner. I also appreciate the consistent efforts of Sri. Jacob Easow, Senior
Town Planner, Smt.Ushakumari.P.R, Town Planner, Sri. Baiju.K, Deputy Town Planner and other officials of the
State Project Cell. I also appreciate the officials of the circle headed by
Smt T.M. Sudha, Senior Town Planner for their efforts in vetting and finalising the District Urbanisation Report for
Alappuzha.
This is a first step on the ladder leading to the draft development plan for the district as laid down in the
Constitution. It is hoped that the district of Alappuzha will further extend the District Urbanisation Report into
Integrated District Development Plan for the district.
Certainly, the District Urbanisation Report for Alappuzha will provide a framework for development as
well as future planning of the district.
Thiruvananthapuram Eapen Varughese

11-02-2011 Chief Town Planner

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Eleventh Five Year Plan stresses that each district prepare District Development Plan that integrates
plans for its constituent urban and rural areas. It further suggests interrelated plans over three time frames
(i) perspective or structure plans,(ii) short term integrated infrastructure plans coterminous with National Five
Year Plan and (iii) plans of specific schemes and projects. Democratic decentralization will not succeed unless
and until the fruit of development reaches the grass roots. The peoples plan process initiated in the State as part
of this noble objective is a major stride towards this. Preparation of Integrated District Development Plan (IDDP)
along with Local Development Plan (LDP) for every local government in Kollam District undertaken as an obligation
of the mandatory function of District Planning Committee as per article 243 ZD of the Constitution of India is a
major landmark in the developmental planning of the local governments in the State. The Department of Town
and Country Planning have evolved a methodology of sequence of plan preparation at district level, from District
Urbanisation Report (DUR) culminating in Integrated District Development Plan (IDDP). This report is a rung in
this ladder. The District Urbanisation Report is designed to define the future spatial structure of the district.
Sri Eapen Varughese, Chief Town Planner was a great source of constant motivation and inspiration in
accomplishing this study. His advices and patronage are gratefully acknowledged. The methodology for the study
is evolved through a series of workshops and deliberations at the auspices of the State Project Cell for
LDP-IDDP-SPP. The toolkits and customised computer applications generated by the Cell were highly resourceful
for this office in achieving the task systematically. Sri Jacob Easow, Senior Town Planner with his guidance,
prompt interventions and critical assessments enriched the study. I sincerely acknowledge the invaluable support
rendered by him. The consistent efforts of Smt. PR Ushakumari, Town Planner, Sri. K Baiju, Deputy Town Planner
and other staff of the State Project Cell are also sincerely acknowledged. I acknowledge with gratitude the
support and encouragement provided by Smt. TM Sudha, Senior Town Planner, and other officers of the Circle,
Office of the Chief Town Planner by way of reviews, guidance and monitoring during the course of the study.
The concerted effort of the staff of the district office was significant in the preparation of the report.
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the team headed by Smt.Indu V ijayanath,
Deputy Town Planner, who was instrumental in materializing this report. Special mention is made to
Sri. V Sajikumar, First Grade Surveyor (HG) of this office, whose efforts and expertise in GIS helped in shaping
the contents of the report. All the staff of the District Town & Country Planning Office, Alappuzha are
acknowledged for their keen participation in various stages of the study, without which this work would not have
been completed in the present form and time frame.
Alappuzha Gigi George

09-02-2011 District Town Planner

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District Urbanisation Report - Alappuzha CONTENTS vii
CONTENTS
Chapter 1 Profile of the district

1 Introduction .................................................................................................................. 1
2 Location .................................................................................................................. 1
3 Administrative divisions .................................................................................................... 1
4 Topography and physical features ..................................................................................... 4
5 Socioeconomic aspects ................................................................................................... 14
6 Inference ................................................................................................................ 16
Chapter 2 History and Regional Linkages

1 History ................................................................................................................ 17
2 Regional linkages ........................................................................................................... 20
3 Inference ................................................................................................................ 22
Chapter 3 Population
1 Population size ............................................................................................................... 23
2 Growth rate of population ............................................................................................... 25
3 Population density .......................................................................................................... 27
4 Sex ratio ................................................................................................................ 31
5 Population concentration pattern .................................................................................... 32
6 Migration ................................................................................................................ 36
7 Population projection (Trend based) ............................................................................... 37
8 Inference ................................................................................................................ 40
Chapter 4 Occupational Structure

1 Work force of the district ................................................................................................ 41
2 Occupational structure .................................................................................................. 43
3 Occupational structure – Variation in urban and rural area of Alappuzha District ............ 46
4 Occupational structure – Estimation of nine - fold classification 2001 ............................ 46
5 Spatial distribution of the major classes of workers...................................................... 48
6 Activity pattern based on concentration index ............................................................. 50
7 Occupational structure – Temporal variation................................................................... 52
8 Inference ........................................................................................................................ 54
Chapter 5 Landuse
1 Landuse pattern of Kerala State ...................................................................................... 55
2 Landuse breakup of Alappuzha District ........................................................................... 55
3 Regional landuse ............................................................................................................ 57
4 Concentration pattern of landuse.................................................................................... 59
5 Activity pattern based on landuse concentration pattern ................................................ 63
6 Analysis of agricultural landuse ...................................................................................... 64
7 Major agricultural activities ............................................................................................ 65
8 Inference ................................................................................................................ 70
Department of Town & Country Planning, Kerala
viii CONTENTS District Urbanisation Report - Alappuzha
Chapter 6 Functional Character of Settlements

1 Character of settlements in the Kerala context ............................................................... 71
2 Character of settlements ................................................................................................ 74
3 Inference ................................................................................................................ 74
Chapter 7 Hierarchy of Settlements

1 Existing hierarchy of settlements .................................................................................... 75
2 Suggested hierarchy of settlements -Methodology adopted............................................ 76
3 Inference ................................................................................................................ 82
Chapter 8 Urban Profile

1 Trend of urbanisation –Kerala ......................................................................................... 83
2 Census urban area in Alappuzha District ......................................................................... 84
3 Urban population - Existing areas ................................................................................... 84
4 Decadal variation In urban population content Vs Urban area ......................................... 85
5 Growth rate of urban population ..................................................................................... 86
6 Urban settlements – from 1971 to 2001 .......................................................................... 87
7 Future urbanisation profile .............................................................................................. 89
8 Urban profile ................................................................................................................ 92
9 Projection of urban population of Alappuzha District....................................................... 93
10 Functions (suggested) to be performed by higher order settlements .............................. 96
11 Inference ................................................................................................................ 96
Chapter 9 Activity Pattern

1 Landuse concentration pattern ....................................................................................... 97
2 Functional classification ................................................................................................. 98
3 Future urban profile ........................................................................................................ 98
4 Determination of activity pattern .................................................................................... 98
5 Inference .............................................................................................................. 102
Chapter 10 Nodes
1 Introduction .............................................................................................................. 103
2 Existing hierarchy of nodes ........................................................................................... 103
3 Suggested hierarchy of nodes ....................................................................................... 104
4 Inference .............................................................................................................. 106
Chapter 11 Connectivity
1 Road network .............................................................................................................. 107
2 Railways .............................................................................................................. 108
3 Waterways .............................................................................................................. 109
4 Connectivity .............................................................................................................. 109
5 Conceptual road network .............................................................................................. 110
6 Proposed transportation network .................................................................................. 110
5 Inference .............................................................................................................. 112
District Urbanisation Report - Alappuzha CONTENTS ix
Chapter 12 Spatial Structure

1 Spatial structure based on settlement studies .............................................................. 113
2 Hierarchy of settlements............................................................................................... 114
3 Hierarchy of nodes ........................................................................................................ 114
4 Road network pattern ................................................................................................... 115
5 Activity pattern ............................................................................................................. 115
6 Spatial structure of the district ...................................................................................... 116
7 Inference .............................................................................................................. 118
Chapter 13 Summary of Findings

1 General .............................................................................................................. 119
2 Population .............................................................................................................. 121
3 Workforce participation rate and occupational structure ............................................... 121
4 Landuse .............................................................................................................. 122
5 Other findings .............................................................................................................. 122
6 Inference .............................................................................................................. 123

x CONTENTS District Urbanisation Report - Alappuzha
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1.1 Taluks and Taluk headquarters 2

Table 1.2 Blockpanchayats and their headquarters 3
Table 1.3 Classification of land - Talukwise (area in sqkm) 4
Table 1.4 Terrain of the district 5
Table 1.5 NSDP and PCI of Alappuzha District and Kerala State 15
Table 1.6 District-wise per capita income at constant (1999-2000) prices 15
Table 3.1 Population – comparison with state 23
Table 3.2 Growth rate of population – comparison with state 26
Table 3.3 Grouping of local governments based on the range of gross population density 2001 30
Table 3.4 Projected population of district – decreasing rate method 39
Table 3.5 Projected district population – apportionment method 39
Table 3.6 Final projected population - district 40
Table 4.1 Number of workers in the district 41
Table 4.2 Workers classification-Alappuzha-’01 44
Table 4.3 Workers classification – urban and rural area-2001 46
Table 4.4 Number of various category of workers in urban area 52
Table 4.5 Number of various category of workers in rural area 53
Table 5.1 Landuse breakup -Kerala 56
Table 5.2 Landuse breakup - Alappuzha 56
Table 5.3 Comparison of landuse break up of Alappuzha District and Kerala State 56
Table 5.4 Comparison of landuse break up of Alappuzha and surrounding districts 57
Table 5.5 Break up of agricultural landuse - Alappuzha District - 2003-2004 64
Table 6.1 Functional character of settlements 74
Table 7.1 Settlements with higher value of CFI 78
Table: 7.2 Identified third order settlements as per CFI 78
Table: 7.3 Hierarchy of settlements- service area and population 82
Table 8.1 Population of the district at a glance(2001) 83
Table 8.2 Urban population-Kerala-1981-2001 83
Table 8.3 Census urban areas of Alappuzha District 2001 84
Table 8.4 Districtwise percentage of urban population ’01 85
Table 8.5 Decadal variations in the urban population of Alappuzha District 85
Table 8.6 Growthrate of urban population -comparison with state 87
Table 8.7 Population details -Talukwise- 2001 87
Table 8.8 Number of census urban settlements from 1971-2001 88
Table 8.9 Census urban settlements from 1971-2001 88
Table 8.10 Future urban profile of the district 93
Table 8.11 Population projection of existing urban area- Alappuzha District 95
Table 8.12 Projected population of proposed urban area 95
Table 8.13 Functions to be performed by higher order settlements 96
Table 9.1 Components in activity pattern 98
Table 9.2 Combinations in activity pattern 99

District Urbanisation Report - Alappuzha CONTENTS xi
Table 9.3 LSGs according to activity pattern 102

Table 10.1 Existing hierarchy of nodes- higher order nodes 104
Table 10.2 Proposed higher order nodes and hierarchy 105
Table 11.1 Major roads in the district 107
Table 11.2 Road density –districts of Kerala 110

xii CONTENTS District Urbanisation Report - Alappuzha
LIST OF FIGURES
Fig 1.1 Physical Setting ................................................................................................................ 1

Fig 1.2 Taluks of the district ......................................................................................................... 2
Fig 1.3 Blockpanchayats of the district ......................................................................................... 3
Fig 1.4 LSGs of the district ............................................................................................................ 3
Fig 1.5 Physiography of the district .............................................................................................. 4
Fig 1.6 Waterbodies of the district ............................................................................................... 5
Fig 1.7 Vembanadu Lake-regional setting ..................................................................................... 6
Fig 1.8 Life in the lake .................................................................................................................. 7
Fig 1.9 Thannermukkom regulator ................................................................................................ 7
Fig 1.10 The lock at the regulator ................................................................................................... 7
Fig 1.11 Transportation of goods .................................................................................................... 8
Fig 1.12 A typical homestead development in Kuttanadu ............................................................... 8
Fig 1.13 Paddyfields below water level .......................................................................................... 9
Fig 1.14 Countryboat - main mode of transport .............................................................................. 9
Fig 1.15 River network .................................................................................................................. 9
Fig 1.16 Ferrying across river.......................................................................................................... 9
Fig 1.17 Waterbodies for work and recreation .............................................................................. 10
Fig 1.18 Merchandise for household use ...................................................................................... 10
Fig 1.19 Commercial Canal in Alappuzha Town ............................................................................. 10
Fig 1.20 A panoramic view of Pathiramanal.................................................................................. 11
Fig 1.21 Extensive paddy fields below waterlevel......................................................................... 11
Fig 1.22 Krishnapuram Palace ...................................................................................................... 11
Fig 1.23 Gajendramoksham -mural painting ................................................................................. 11
Fig 1.24 Nehru Trophy Boat Race.................................................................................................. 12
Fig 1.25 Ambalapuzha Sreekrishna Temple ................................................................................... 12
Fig 1.26 St. Andrew’s Church Arthunkal ........................................................................................ 13
Fig 1.27 St. Mary’s Church Champakulam ..................................................................................... 13
Fig 1.28 Kumbhabharani festival .................................................................................................. 14
Fig 2.1 Kokkamangalam Church .................................................................................................. 17
Fig 2.2 Pier at Alappuzha Port ..................................................................................................... 18
Fig 2.3 Light House ................................................................................................................ 19
Fig 2.4 Vayalar Martyr Memorial ................................................................................................ 20
Fig 2.5 Regional Setting .............................................................................................................. 20
Fig 2.6 SWTD Boat Station-Alappuzha ........................................................................................ 21
Fig 2.7 Port in its days of past glory........................................................................................... 22
Fig 3.1 Population -Comparison with surrounding districts ......................................................... 24
Fig 3.2 Population composition-Comparison with surrounding districts ..................................... 24
Fig 3.3 Population size of State: Temporal variation ................................................................... 24
Fig 3.4 Population of District: Temporal variation ....................................................................... 24
Fig 3.5 District wise distribution of population growth rate -1991-2001 ..................................... 25
Fig 3.6 Population growth rate comparison with State - 2001 ..................................................... 25

District Urbanisation Report - Alappuzha CONTENTS xiii
Fig 3.7 Population growthrate- comparison with surrounding districts........................................ 26

Fig 3.8 Population growthrate- comparison with state -Temporal variation ................................ 26
Fig 3.9 Growth rate of population –LSG wise distribution 1981, 1991, 2001 ............................... 27
Fig 3.10 LSGs with higher growth rate-2001 ................................................................................. 27
Fig 3.11 Gross density of population-districts of Kerala................................................................ 28
Fig 3.12 Population density - comparison with State (2001) ......................................................... 28
Fig 3.13 Population density - comparison with surrounding districts (2001) ................................. 28
Fig 3.14 Gross population density 2001- Local body wise ............................................................. 29
Fig 3.15 Net population density 2001 ........................................................................................... 29
Fig 3.16 Comparison of sex ratio with surrounding districts ......................................................... 31
Fig 3.17 Comparison of sex ratio with state ................................................................................. 32
Fig 3.18 Comparison of sex ratio age group 0-6 ........................................................................... 32
Fig 3.19 Age group wise population – Alappuzha District ............................................................. 33
Fig 3.20 Age sex pyramid – Alappuzha District ............................................................................. 33
Fig 3.21 Age sex pyramid – Kerala State ....................................................................................... 33
Fig 3.22 Population Concentration Pattern 1981 ........................................................................... 34
Fig 3.23 Population Concentration Pattern 1991 ........................................................................... 34
Fig 3.24 Population Concentration 2001 ....................................................................................... 35
Fig 3.25 Population Concentration Pattern 2001 - net density ...................................................... 35
Fig 4.1 Work participation of Alappuzha-2001 ............................................................................ 41
Fig 4.2 Work participation rate-comparison with surrounding districts ....................................... 42
Fig 4.3 WPR of urban areas- comparison with surrounding districts ........................................... 42
Fig 4.4 Main, marginal & nonworkers-Alappuzha -2001 .............................................................. 43
Fig 4.5 Decadal variation of main and total workers .................................................................. 43
Fig 4.6 Nine fold classification of workers-Alappuzha-1991 census ............................................ 44
Fig 4.7 Workers classification-Alappuzha-1991 ........................................................................... 44
Fig 4.8 Classification of main workers-2001 ............................................................................... 44
Fig 4.9 Occupation structure of the surrounding districts 2001................................................... 45
Fig 4.10 Classification of main workers in urban and rural areas .................................................. 46
Fig 4.11 Nine-fold classification of workers (Estimated)-2001 ...................................................... 47
Fig 4.12 Workers classification-1991 and 2001............................................................................. 47
Fig 4.13 LSG wise distribution of workers-2001 ............................................................................ 48
Fig 4.14 Concentration Index of Agricultural labourers ................................................................. 48
Fig 4.15 Concentration Index of Cultivators .................................................................................. 49
Fig 4.16 Concentration Index of Household Industrial workers ..................................................... 49
Fig 4.17 Concentration Index of Other workers ............................................................................ 49
Fig 4.18 Concentration of workers in Primary sector ..................................................................... 50
Fig 4.19 Concentration of workers in Secondary sector ................................................................. 50
Fig 4.20 Concentration of workers in Tertiary sector ..................................................................... 50
Fig 4.21 Activity pattern of LSG’s evolved based on concentration pattern of workers .................. 51
Fig 4.22 Variation in the number of workers in different category in urban area ........................... 52
Fig 4.23 Variation in the number of workers in rural area ............................................................. 53
Fig 4.24 Changes in the occupational structure in urban areas of the district ............................... 53
Fig 4.25 Changes in the occupational structure in rural areas of the district ................................ 53
xiv CONTENTS District Urbanisation Report - Alappuzha
Fig 5.1 Landuse break up -Kerala State ....................................................................................... 56

Fig 5.2 Landuse break up -Alappuzha District ............................................................................. 56
Fig 5.3 Landuse map -Alappuzha District .................................................................................... 57
Fig 5.4 Comparison of the districtwise share of Residential landuse of the state ....................... 58
Fig 5.5 Comparison of the share of Residential landuse in the surrounding districts .................. 58
Fig 5.6 Comparison of the districtwise share of Agricultural landuse of the state....................... 58
Fig 5.7 Comparison of the share of Agricultural landuse in the surrounding districts ................. 58
Fig 5.8 Comparison of the districtwise share of Resi/Agri mixed landuse of the state ................ 59
Fig 5.9 Comparison of the share of Resi/Agri mixed landuse in the surrounding districts .......... 59
Fig 5.10 Concentration Pattern of Agricultural landuse................................................................. 59
Fig 5.11 Concentration Index of Agricultural landuse ................................................................... 60
Fig 5.12 Concentration Pattern of Other builtup landuse .............................................................. 60
Fig 5.13 Concentration Index of Other builtup landuse ................................................................. 60
Fig 5.14 Concentration Pattern of Residential landuse ................................................................. 61
Fig 5.15 Concentration Index of Residential landuse .................................................................... 61
Fig 5.16 Concentration Pattern of Resi/Agri mixed landuse .......................................................... 62
Fig 5.17 Variation of Concentration Index of Resi/Agri landuse .................................................... 62
Fig 5.18 Concentration Pattern of Waterbodies landuse ............................................................... 62
Fig 5.19 Concentration Index of Marshy landuse .......................................................................... 63
Fig 5.20 Concentration Pattern of Other landuse .......................................................................... 63
Fig 5.21 Activity pattern based on landuse concentration ............................................................ 63
Fig 5.22 Breakup of Agricultural landuse Alappuzha District ......................................................... 64
Fig 5.23 Concentration Index of Coconut landuse ......................................................................... 64
Fig 5.24 Concentration Index of Paddy lands ................................................................................ 65
Fig 5.25 Concentration Index of Mixed crop ................................................................................. 65
Fig 5.26 Concentration Index of landuse under various crops ....................................................... 66
Fig 6.1 Functional character of settlements ................................................................................ 73
Fig 7.1 CFI Vs number of settlements ....................................................................................... 75
Fig 7.2 LSGs according to existing hierarchy of settlements ....................................................... 76
Fig 7.3 Spatial features of the district ......................................................................................... 77
Fig 7.4 Gross Density pattern of the district ............................................................................... 79
Fig 7.5 Service area of third order settlements as hexagons ....................................................... 79
Fig 7.6 Adjusted III order settlements ......................................................................................... 80
Fig 7.7 Service area of III order settlements............................................................................... 80
Fig 7.8 Proposed hierarchy of settlements- Alappuzha District ................................................... 81
Fig 8.1 Census urban area of Alappuzha District......................................................................... 84
Fig 8.2 Comparison of urban content of population .................................................................... 85
Fig 8.3 Decadal variation in urban area ...................................................................................... 86
Fig 8.4 Decadal variation in district urban population................................................................. 86
Fig 8.5 Comparison of growth rate of urban population with district population ........................ 86
Fig 8.6 Decadal variation in urban area ...................................................................................... 86
Fig 8.7 Population growthrate 2001- LSG wise ............................................................................ 87
Fig 8.8 Urban areas by census criterion-workforce ..................................................................... 89
Fig 8.9 Settlements of higher grade ............................................................................................ 90
District Urbanisation Report - Alappuzha CONTENTS xv
Fig 8.10 Future urban settlements of Alappuzha District .............................................................. 92

Fig 8.11 Urbanisation phasing ...................................................................................................... 92
Fig 8.12 Ratio of population of the existing urban LSGs to the district population ........................ 93
Fig 8.13 Future Urban profile of Alappuzha District ...................................................................... 94
Fig 8.14 Projected total urban population in the existing urban local governments ...................... 95
Fig 8.15 Growth of urban population - past and future ................................................................. 95
Fig 8.16 Projected population of the proposed urban LSGs .......................................................... 96
Fig 9.1 Activity pattern based on landuse concentration ............................................................ 97
Fig 9.2 Functional character of settlements ................................................................................ 98
Fig 9.3 Urban profile ................................................................................................................ 98
Fig 9.4 Tertiary activity areas ..................................................................................................... 99
Fig 9.5 Secondary activity areas ................................................................................................. 99
Fig 9.6 Agriculture and allied activity area ............................................................................... 100
Fig 9.7 Primary activity areas ................................................................................................... 100
Fig 9.8 Activity pattern of the district ....................................................................................... 101
Fig 10.1 Weightage of nodes of Alappuzha district ..................................................................... 104
Fig 10.2 Existing major nodes of the district .............................................................................. 104
Fig 10.3 II Order nodes- service area .......................................................................................... 105
Fig 10.4 III Order nodes- service area ......................................................................................... 105
Fig 10.5 Proposed III order nodes with service area.................................................................... 106
Fig 10.6 Proposed hierarchy of nodes ......................................................................................... 106
Fig 11.1 Existing road network ................................................................................................... 108
Fig 11.2 Railway map of the district ........................................................................................... 108
Fig 11.3 Waterways of the district .............................................................................................. 109
Fig 11.4 Conceptual road network .............................................................................................. 109
Fig 11.5 Accountability and accessibility of existing major road network ................................... 110
Fig 11.6 Proposed transportation network .................................................................................. 111
Fig 12.1 Proposed hierarchy of settlements ................................................................................ 114
Fig 12.2 Suggested hierarchy of nodes ....................................................................................... 114
Fig 12.3 Proposed road network ................................................................................................. 115
Fig 12.4 Activity pattern ............................................................................................................. 115
Fig 12.5 Evolution of the spatial structure of the district ............................................................ 116
Fig 12.6 Spatial structure of Alappuzha District .......................................................................... 117

xvi CONTENTS District Urbanisation Report - Alappuzha
ANNEXES
Annexe I Local Self Governments in Alappuzha District ........................................................... 125

Annexe II Distribution of GSDP ................................................................................................. 129
Annexe III Population projection of Kerala ................................................................................. 130
Annexe IV Occupational structure-Concentration index of workers ............................................ 132
Annexe V LSG wise concentration index of various landuses .................................................... 134
Annexe VI LSGs of concentration of major agricultural activities of the district ........................ 136
Annexe VII LSG wise landuse concentration pattern ................................................................... 138
Annexe VIII Composite Functional Index (CFI) of settlements ...................................................... 139
Annexe IX Proposed hierarchy of settlements-Methodology adopted ........................................ 140
Annexe X Higher order settlements, service area and service population ................................ 144
Annexe XI Connectivity .............................................................................................................. 146
Annexe XII Hierarchy of nodes (Existing) .................................................................................... 148
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District Urbanisation Report - Alappuzha PROFILE OF THE DISTRICT 1
Chapter-1
PROFILE OF THE DISTRICT

N
In this chapter, a brief description of the

physiography, administrative divisions, general land
utilisation pattern, socio economic aspects, and
Ernakulam
infrastructure facilities pertaining to Alappuzha District
L
is made. This gives an introduction to Alappuzha District.
A
K
1.1 INTRODUCTION S
H Kottayam
A
Alappuzha, one of the southern districts is the

D
E
smallest in terms of area in the State. The district lies E ALAPPUZHA

P
mostly in the coastal plains. Alappuzha is the only Pathanamthita

S
district without forest cover in the State. Carved out of

E
the erstwhile Kottayam and Kollam districts, Alappuzha

A
district was formed on 17th August, 1957. A part of the Kollam
district was later transferred to the newly formed

district of Pathanamthitta in 1982. Agriculture is the
predominant economic activity with paddy being the
main crop. The district, thanks to its varied and diverse
geographical features, is well known as a tourist Fig 1.1 Physical Setting
destination of international acclaim. The extensive The rivers of the area flow towards Lakshadweep
navigable waterbodies with the unending stretch of Sea. The Vembanad Lake separates the district from
paddy fields and lush green coconut palms on the Ernakulam and Kottayam districts on the north and east.
polders, streams, canals, rivers and backwaters and a
fairly long stretch of unbroken and rather calm sea coast 1.3 ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS
make it an ideal spot for waterfront tourism. The district has its headquarters at Alappuzha
town. The district comprises of two revenue divisions,
1.2 LOCATION
Alappuzha and Chengannur. The Alappuzha Revenue
Alappuzha district is bounded on the north by Division with headquarter at Alappuzha town consists
Ernakulam district, east by Kottayam and of Cherthala, Kuttanad and Ambalapuzha Taluks. The
Pathanamthitta districts, south by Kollam district and Chengannur Revenue Division with headquarter at
west by Lakshadweep Sea. The district lies in the Chengannur town spreads over Karthikappally,
midland and coastal areas. The terrain can be described Chengannur and Mavelikara Taluks. There are
to be flat with gentle slope towards the west. altogether 91 revenue villages in the district.
2 PROFILE OF THE DISTRICT District Urbanisation Report - Alappuzha
All the local governments are administered by

democratically elected bodies.The local governments
N
have a term of five years. The District Planning
Committee is the apex body with regard to the planning
and implementation of the developmental
programmes in the local governments in the three tier
Cherthala Taluk
administrative set up. The DPC is chaired by the
President of the Jillapanchayat.
The six taluks of the district are shown in Fig.1.2.
As may be seen, the northern part of the district is
surrounded by Vembanad Lake and Lakshadweep Sea.
This area falls mainly in Cherthala Taluk. Kuttanadu Taluk
comprises of mainly the low lying paddy fields and
Ambalappuzha Taluk sorrounding area. Ambalapuzha Taluk lies west of
Kuttanad Taluk
Kuttanad and south of Cherthala . The other three taluks
lie on the southern part of the district. The talukwise
area, population and headquarter are mentioned in
Table 1.1. The five municipal towns of the district are
Chengannur Taluk located in the five taluks with Kuttanad the only taluk
without any municipal town.
Karthikapally Taluk There are 12 blockpanchayats and
5 municipalities in the district. The blockpanchayats,
Mavelikkara Taluk
their headquarters and population are listed in Table
1.2. The location of the blockpanchayats is shown in
Fig. 1.3. In the three tier administrative system, grama
Fig 1.2 Taluks of the district
panchayats constitute the blockpanchayats and further
The local self government administration setup up in the hierarchy, block panchayats and municipalities
in the district comprises of gramapanchayats, constitute the jilla panchayat. The 12 blockpanchayats
blockpanchayats and municipalities along with the in the district comprise of the 73 gramapanchayats ( list
Jillapanchayat. given in Annexe-I). The municipalities and
gramapanchayats of the district are shown in Fig.1.4.
Table 1.1 Taluks and Taluk headquarters
Sl No Name of Taluk Area sqkm Population Taluk Headquarter

1 Cherthala 319.80 518555 Cherthala
2 Ambalapuzha 178.81 440792 Alappuzha
3 Kuttanad 265.93 204319 Mancombu
4 Karthikappally 224.66 407281 Haripad
5 Mavelikara 230.37 332969 Mavelikara
6 Chengannur 142.19 205244 Chengannur
Source: Census 2001
Table 1.2 Blockpanchayats and their headquarters
Name of Gramapanchayat in which HQ
Sl No Area sqkm Population 2001 Headquarter
Blockpanchayat is situated
1 Ambalapuzha 67.57 133400 Punnapra Punnapra North
2 Aryad 60.46 126648 Mannanchery Mannanchery
3 Bharanikavu 133.89 170902 Bharanikavu Bharanikavu
4 Champakulam 139.45 120412 Mancombu Champakulam
5 Chengannur 129.51 179759 Chengannur Chengannur
6 Haripad 113.31 168538 Haripad Haripad
7 Kanjikuzhi 97.27 161262 Kanjikuzhi Mararikulam North
8 Mavelikara 87.97 133628 Mavelikara Mavelikara
9 Muthukulam 101.88 170158 Muthukulam Muthukulam
10 Pattanakkad 109.27 208732 Pattanakkad Pattanakkad
11 Thaikattussery 85.92 103456 Thaikattussery Thaikattussery
12 Veliyanad 111.31 87493 Ramankary Ramankary
Source:Census 2001
N
AROOR
AROOKUTTY
N EZHUPUNNA
THAIKATTUSSERY BLOCK PANAVALLY
KODAMTHURUTH
KUTHIATHODE THAIKATTUSSERY
PATTANAKKAD BLOCK THURAVOOR
CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM
LEGEND
PATTANAKKAD
VAYALAR
MUNICIPALITIES
KADAKKARAPPALLY
CHERTHALA NATIONAL HIGHWAY
THANNEERMUKKAM
CHERTHALA SOUTH
STATE HIGHWAYS
KANJIKKUZHY BLOCK KANJIKKUZHI
MARARIKKULAM NORTH MUHAMMA RAILWAY LINE
MANNANCHERY
ARYAD BLOCK MARARIKKULAM SOUTH
ARYAD
KAVALAM
KAINAKARY
ALAPPUZHA
NEELAMPEROOR
VELIYANAD BLOCK
PUNNAPRA NORTH PULINKUNNU
VELIYANAD
PUNNAPRA SOUTH NEDUMUDI
RAMANKARY
AMBALAPUZHA BLOCK CHAMPAKKULAM
AMBALAPPUZHA NORTH MUTTAR
CHAMPAKULAM BLOCK AMBALAPPUZHA SOUTH
THAKAZHY EDATHUA THALAVADY
PURAKKAD THIRUVANVANDOOR
VEEYAPURAM
PANDANAD CHENGANNUR
KARUVATTA CHERUTHANA MANNAR
CHENGANNUR BLOCK PULIYOOR
HARIPAD BLOCK KUMARAPURAM HARIPAD CHENNITHALA
ALA
THRIKKUNNAPUZHA PALLIPPAD
CHERIYANAD MULAKUZHA
KARTHIKAPPALLY
VENMONY
MAVELIKKARA
CHINGOLI
CHEPPAD THAZHAKARA
MUTHUKULAM THEKKEKARA
MAVELIKARA BLOCK ARATTUPUZHA

PATHIYOOR NOORANAD
CHUNAKKARA
MUTHUKULAM BLOCK KANDALLOOR
KAYAMKULAM BHARANIKKAVU
PALAMEL
BHARANIKAVU BLOCK DEVIKULANGARA

KRISHNAPURAM
THAMARAKKULAM
VALLIKUNNAM
Fig 1.3 Blockpanchayats of the district Fig 1.4 LSGs of the district
1.4 TOPOGRAPHY AND PHYSICAL FEATURES The Vembanad Lake borders the district on the
Alappuzha is a sandy strip of land intercepted by north east portion. The regional divisions of Alappuzha
lagoons, rivers and canals. There are no mountains or consists of three sub micro regions- viz.,(i) Alappuzha
hills in the district but for the scattered hillocks lying Coast, (ii) Kuttanadu low lying plains and
between Bharanikkavu and Chengannur (iii)Chengannur rolling plains. Fig.1.5 shows the
blockpanchayats in the eastern tracts of the district physiographical divisions of the district and these are
(shown in Fig.1.5). The taluks of Cherthala, detailed in table 1.3 below.
Ambalapuzha, Kuttanad and Karthikappally lie fully in
Table 1.3 Classification of land - Talukwise (area
the lowland region. 80% of the district area lies in low
in sqkm)
land region and midland occupies the remaining area.
Taluk Coastal plains Mid land Total Area
Alappuzha is the only district in the State with no high
Cherthala 320.4 --- 320.4
land or forest land. Water bodies spread over 10% of
Ambalapuzha 178.8 --- 178.8
the geographical area of the district. Kuttanad area is
Kuttanad 265.9 --- 265.9
described to be located below sea level.
Chengannur 86.5 54.7 141.2
Mavelikara 55.4 230.6 286.0
Karthikappally 224.6 --- 224.6
AROOR
AROOKUTTY PERUMBALAM
N 1.4.1 PHYSICAL FEATURES
EZHUPUNNA
KODAMTHURUTH PANAVALLY
KUTHIATHODE THAIKATTUSSERY As the name depicts, Alappuzha is blessed with

THURAVOOR
CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM
canals and backwaters. Vemband and Kayamkulam are
PATTANAKKAD
VAYALAR the two important backwaters of the district. The share
KADAKKARAPPALLY
CHERTHALA of paddy fields and water bodies in the geographical
CHERTHALA SOUTH THANNEERMUKKAM
LEGEND area of the district is more than that in any other district
KANJIKKUZHI
MARARIKKULAM NORTH MUHAMMA Water body Areas of the state. The entire district falls in midlands and
MANNANCHERY
Coastal plains coastal plains. There is no forest or hilly area in the
MARARIKKULAM SOUTH
Midland Area district.
ARYAD
LAK
KAVALAM
1.4.2.CLIMATE
SH A
ALAPPUZHA KAINAKARY
NEELAMPEROOR
DE E
P S
PULINKUNNU
PUNNAPRA NORTH
VELIYANAD The climate is generally moist and hot. Relative
EA
PUNNAPRA SOUTH
CHAMPAKKULAM
AMBALAPPUZHA NORTH
RAMANKARY
humidity is generally rather high, the proximity of the
MUTTAR
AMBALAPPUZHA SOUTH
waterbodies contributing to this. The diurnal variation
EDATHUA THALAVADY
PURAKKAD CHERUTHANA THIRUVANVANDOOR

of temperature seldom exceeds 10 0 C. The district
VEEYAPURAM
KARUVATTA MANNAR
PANDANAD
PULIYOOR
CHENGANNUR
receives the benefit of the two monsoons as in the case
THRIKKUNNAPUZHA HARIPAD CHENNITHALA
KUMARAPURAM PALLIPPAD
ALA
of other parts of the state.
KARTHIKAPPALLY VENMONY
MAVELIKKARA
CHINGOLI CHEPPAD THAZHAKARA Hot season - March to May
PATHIYOOR NOORANAD
ARATTUPUZHA
KANDALLOOR
CHUNAKKARA South-west monsoon - June to September
PALAMEL
DEVIKULANGARA KRISHNAPURAM North-east monsoon - October to November

VALLIKUNNAM
Dry weather - December to February

Fig 1.5 Physiography of the district
Table 1.4 Terrain of the District
Characteristics Region Area %
Coastal plain including beach, mud flats Sand deposits in between Lakshadeep Sea and
27.4
and sand mines Vembanad Lake
Paleo Coastal plain Grayish Onattukara Soil 13.0

Old Alluvial plain ( deltaic ) Clay dominated soil in upper Kuttanad region 7.6
Heavy clay dominated Soil type seen in the
New Alluvial plain ( deltaic ) 17.9
border of southern part of Vembanad Lake
Low rolling terrain Eastern border of the district 25.1
Water bodies 9.5
Heavy rainfall, warm humidity and a fairly

uniform temperature throughout the year are the
characteristic climatic features of the district. The
AROOR
normal average annual rainfall received in the district PERUMBALAM

AROOKUTTY N
is roughly 3000 mm. The temperature varies from 240C EZHUPUNNA
to 350C, the period from December to May being the
warmest. Winds are generally light to moderate with THURAVOOR
CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM
some increase in force in the summer and monsoon PATTANAKKAD
VAYALAR
WATER BODY AREA

seasons. Direction and intensity of wind fluctuate from KADAKKARAPPALLY
CHERTHALA
season to season. CHERTHALA SOUTH

THANNEERMUKKAM
KANJIKKUZHI
1.4.3 MAJOR NATURAL FEATURES MARARIKKULAM NORTH

MUHAMMA
MANNANCHERY
Alappuzha is rich in varied natural features. But MARARIKKULAM SOUTH
for hillocks and forests, nature has abundantly blessed ARYAD

LA K
KAVALAM
S HA
Alappuzha with backwaters, islands, lagoons, rivers, ALAPPUZHA

KAINAKARY
NEELAMPEROOR
D EE
canals, paddyland, seacoast, beaches etc.

P S

EA
VELIYANAD
PUNNAPRA SOUTH NEDUMUDI RAMANKARY
1.4.3.1 BACKWATERS AMBALAPPUZHA NORTH

CHAMPAKKULAM
MUTTAR
AMBALAPPUZHA SOUTH
EDATHUA THALAVADY
Vemband Lake- Vembanad and Kayamkulam are THAKAZHY
the two important backwaters of the district. Vembanad VEEYAPURAM

CHERUTHANA MANNAR
PANDANAD CHENGANNUR
KARUVATTA
BUDHANNOOR
Lake is the most important waterbody of the West Coast KUMARAPURAM HARIPAD CHENNITHALA
PULIYOOR
ALA
THRIKKUNNAPUZHA PALLIPPAD
MULAKUZHA
Canal System. It is the largest waterbody in the state. It KARTHIKAPPALLY
CHERIYANAD
VENMONY
CHINGOLI CHEPPAD MAVELIKKARA
spreads over a vast area stretching from Alappuzha to MUTHUKULAM

CHETTIKULANGARA
THAZHAKARA
THEKKEKARA
Kochi. Five rivers originating in the Western Ghats, ARATTUPUZHA

KANDALLOOR
PATHIYOOR
CHUNAKKARA
NOORANAD
PALAMEL
Pampa, Achankovil, Manimala, Meenachil and KAYAMKULAM BHARANIKKAVU
KRISHNAPURAM
DEVIKULANGARA
Moovattupuzha rivers drain into this waterbody in VALLIKUNNAM

THAMARAKKULAM
addition to the numerous canals and river branches

Fig 1.6 Waterbodies of the district
draining to this.

The wetland is fed by the rivers flowing into it,
adding up to a vast and extensive drainage area. It is a
ERNAKULAM DISTRICT
complex aquatic system of 96 km long coastal
backwaters, lagoons, marshes, mangroves and
reclaimed lands, with intricate networks of natural
channels and man-made canals. Vembanadu Lake
borders Cherthala, Ambalapuzha and Kuttanad Taluks
of Alappuzha district, Kottayam, Vaikom and
T
ISTRIC
Changanacherry Taluks of Kottayam district and Kochi
and Kanayannur Taluks of Ernakulam district. The
D
wetland is the heart of Kerala backwaters tourism with KOTTAYAM DISTRICT
UZHA
hundreds of houseboats-transformed country boats
(kettuvallams)- crisscrossing it and numerous resorts
ALAPP
nestling on its banks.
Pathiramanal island is situated in this lake.
VEMBANADU LAKE
Another island in this waterbody is Perumbalam
gramapanchayat. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is
located on the east coast of the wetland.
Vembanad is famous for its scenic beauty and has
become a major tourist attraction worldwide. Major
livelihood activities around include agriculture, fishing,
Fig 1.7 Vembanadu Lake-regional setting
tourism, inland navigation, coir retting and lime shell
collection. Vembanad Lake is ecologically and The fish, reptile and the molluscs in the lake face
environmentally highly sensitive. The significance and threat to their very existence. Though reduced of late,
relevance of preserving the identity and character of coconut husk retting also contributes to deterioration
this wetland is not given due consideration in the of the water quality. High organic content, high BOD,
present day developments. The waterbody is low oxygen, and high sulphide content characteristic
decreasing in area due to encroachments and is getting of retting zones are found to be devastating for the
polluted by activities in and around the lake. The aquatic bottom fauna in the lake. The construction of
life is seriously affected. The area of the lake has shrunk Thanneermukkam barrage in the year 1976 caused
from 36,329 hectares in 1834, to 12,504 hectares in 1984 water quality problems such as reduction of the flushing
and the water holding capacity consequently declined action in the waterbodies and thereby led to
from 2.449 cubic km to 0.559 cubic km. The lake is proliferated growth of weeds and water hyacinth in the
reduced to 37 % of its original area, as a result of large water body.
scale land reclamation. The uncontrolled mining of During the peak south-west monsoon period
shells from the lakebed is also posing threat to the (July-August, 1991), the outbreak of a severe fish
ecosystem. The sewage effluents and the heavy load disease among the fresh water fishes was reported. It
of organic and toxic industrial waste released from the is also reported that the incidence of cancer is on the
neighboring areas is let into the water and are rise in certain gramapanchayats bordering the
responsible for the decrease in dissolved oxygen backwater. These indicate to the deterioration and
content in the water in the lake. degradation in the ecosystem.
Considering the fragile ecosystem of the
wetland, deterioration of water quality and consequent
damage to aquatic organisms and the shrinkage of
Vembanad Lake, this wetland system was included in
the National Lake Conservation Plan (NLCP) in 2003 by
the National River Conservation Authority, chaired by
the Prime Minister under the Ministry of Environment
and Forest. Government sanctioned Pampa Action Plan
under the NLCP, but the project did not meet the
expectations.
Fig 1.9 Thannermukkom regulator
The Bund has improved the quality of life of the

farmers by way of increased crops by checking salt water
intrusion into Kuttanadu but it has caused severe
environmental problems. The backwaters used to be
the abode of a rich variety of fish and their breeding
ground. The natural habitat and breeding environment
are interfered and this affected the fish stock in the
region. The fishermen community has stiff resistance
Fig 1.8 Life in the lake
to the bund. The bund has disrupted the harmony of
the backwaters with the sea. The salt water used to
Vembanad-Kol Wetland of area 1512.5 sqkm is annually flush the entire lower Kuttanadu and cleanse
included in the Ramsar list of Wetlands of International the backwaters and the region. The entire Kuttanadu
Importance on 19/08/02. The Ramsar Convention (The can be described as a cesspool now since all sorts of
Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, waste and traces of poisonous insecticides and
especially as Waterfowl Habitat) is an international pesticides used in farming get accumulated in the
treaty for the conservation and sustainable utilization waterbodies. The situation becomes acute in summer
of wetlands, i.e. to stem the progressive encroachment when the water levels in the rivers and backwaters
on and loss of wetlands now and in the future, recede and scarcity of drinking water is severe.
recognizing the fundamental ecological functions of
wetlands and their economic, cultural, scientific and
recreational value. In spite of all these, scant attention
is paid to generate awareness among the common
people and the stakeholders in the tourism industry.
The Thanneermukkom Bund connecting
Thanneermukkom on south in Alappuzha District and
Vechur on north in Kottayam District essentially divides
the lake into two parts - one half with brackish water
and the other half with fresh water. The Bund is the
largest mud regulator in India.
Fig 1.10 The lock at the regulator
Kayamkulam Kayal - Stretching between Kuttanadu is a region with the lowest altitude in
Panmana and Karthikapally, Kayamkulam is a shallow India. Its elevation ranges from 0.6m above to 2.2m
lake which has an outlet to sea. It has an area of below sea level. Four major rivers of the State, the
59.57sq km, A length of 30.5km and an average breadth Pampa, Meenachil, the Achankovil and the Manimala
of 2.4km. It connects to Ashtamudi Lake by the Chavara flow through Kuttanadu.
Panmana Canal. This is also part of National Waterway.
Kuttanadu is one of the few places in the world
1.4.4.KUTTANAD where farming is carried out below sea level. Rice is
the important agricultural produce, giving Kuttanadu
The Kuttanad region spreads across the districts the moniker “The Rice Bowl of Kerala”. Proposals are
of Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, and Kottayam. The underway for Kuttanadu being declared a Globally
Kuttanad region is broadly classified into three Important Agricultural Heritage Site by the United
divisions: Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). The
• Lower Kuttanad comprising of taluks of Swaminathan Commission had recommended the
Ambalapuzha, Kuttanad (excluding Edathua, declaration of Kuttanad as a Special Agricultural Zone
Thalavady and Muttar), and the northern half of (SAZ) to strengthen its contribution to Kerala’s food
Karthikappally Taluk in Alappuzha. security.
• Upper Kuttanad comprising of Veeyapuram The major issues of concern for the habitants
in Karthikappally Taluk, Edathua, Thalavady, pertain to availability of potable water, accessibility
Kidangara and Muttar in Kuttanad Taluk; and sporadic floods.
Mannar, Kuruttissery, Ennakkad in Chengannur It is an irony that with increased ‘developmental
Taluk of Alappuzha; and Parumala, Kadapra, activities’ (more or less compartmentalized) in this
Niranam, Pulikeezhu, Peringara, Chathenkeri, region, these problems are assuming larger dimensions
Nedumpuram of Tiruvalla Taluk in and magnitude. The threshold carrying capacity in
Pathanamthitta. various sectors have not been given due consideration
• North Kuttanad comprising of Vaikom Taluk, and without paying attention to sustained
western parts of Kottayam Taluk, and western development, considerable degeneration of the
parts of Changanacherry Taluk in Kottayam. environment has resulted.
Fig 1.11 Transportation of goods Fig 1.12 A typical homestead development in Kuttanadu
The Achankovil river originates from Ramakkal Teir and
Rishi Malai. This river enters the district at about 5 km
to the west of Karippatoor and adopt a westerly course
till it reaches Chennithala. Then it takes a southwesterly
course till Veeyapuram and joins a tributary of Pampa
River. The river has a catchment area of 1155 sqkm and
a navigable length of 32.19 km.
Fig 1.13 Paddyfields below water level

1.4.5.RIVERS
The important rivers flowing through the

Manimala River
district are Manimala river, Pampa river and Achankovil
river. All these rivers branch off in the lowland and the
Pamba River
branches intermingle and flow in a zigzag manner
forming deltas in their courses before they ultimately
drain into the Vembanad lake at different places.
Achenkovil River
Fig 1.15 River network

The State Water Transport Department with its
headquarters at Alappuzha operate passenger boats in
various routes in these navigable waterbodies thus
providing linkage for the waterlocked areas.
Fig 1.14 Countryboat - main mode of transport

Manimala river starts from the Methavara hills in
Kottayam district. It has a length of 91.73 km and a
drainage area of 92.9 sq km. The river flows through
the villages of Manimala, Mallappalli, Kaviyur,
Kalluppara, Thiruvalla, Thalavady, Kozhimukku and
Champakulam. Pampa River is formed by the rivers,
Pampanar, Kakkiyar, Arudiyar, Kakkad Aar and Kallar,
with origin in Peerumedu plateau of Idukki district. The
river after traversing a distance of 177.09 km empties
itself in the Vembanad lake. The river has a catchment
area of 1987.17 sqkm and a navigable length 72.02 km. Fig 1.16 Ferrying across river
The important canals in Alappuzha Town are

Vadai Canal and Commercial Canal and the link canals
between these two canals. Apart from these, there
are many inland canals like Alappuzha – Ambalapuzha,
Alappuzha–Changanassery, Alappuzha-Kottayam,
Alppuzha-Thalavady, Alappuzha-West junction,
Ambalapuzha-Purakkad, Kakkazham-Kayamkulam salt
shell, Muhamma-Poochakkal canal etc. which are
mainly used for passenger navigation and commercial
purposes.
Fig 1.17 Waterbodies for work and recreation

1.4.6.CANALS
Waterways play an important role in the

transportation system of the district. In certain water
locked areas of the district, transportation of goods and
passengers is possible only through boats and ferry
services. The Kochi-Alappuzha section consisting of
Vembanadu Lake extending from Kochi to Alappuzha
along Cherthala and Ambalapuzha Taluks is the most
important stretch of West Coast Canal System. Fig 1.19 Commercial Canal in Alappuzha Town
1.4.7.PLACES OF INTEREST
1. Pathiramanal Pathiramanal in the Vembanad

Lake is a small island located on the border of Alappuzha
district. ‘Pathiramanal’ means ‘Sands of midnight’. It is
part of Muhamma gramapanchayat. The island
accessible only by boat, lies between Muhamma and
Kumarakom. It is 13 km from Alappuzha and spreads
over an area of 19.6 ha. According to mythology a young
Brahmin on his journey through the Vembanad lake
Fig 1.18 Merchandise for household use dived into the lake to perform his evening ablutions
The Kochi-Alappuzha section of the Canal system and the water made way for land to rise from below
lies in Ambalapuzha and Karthikappally Taluks. thus creating the enchanting island of Pathiramanal.
Alappuzha was proposed to be connected with The scenic beauty of both the lake as well as that of the
Changanassery by a canal along AC Road through island is mind blowing. The island is under the
Kuttanad. This is again proposed in Kuttanadu Package possession the Tourism Department. It is uninhabited
in Swaminathan Commission Recommendations. This and a paradise for birdwatchers. It is home to around
district has a network of canals included in the west 91 local species of birds and 50 rare migratory birds from
coast canal system which are used for navigation. different parts of the world.
Fig 1.20 A panoramic view of Pathiramanal Fig 1.22 Krishnapuram Palace

4. Krishnapuram Palace- The Krishnapuram
2. Kayal lands. - These regions are wonders of
Palace, a protected monument of the Department of
the indigenous agricultural engineering know-how of
Archaeology, is situated at Krishnapuram on the
Kerala and remind of the famous dikes of Holland.
western side of NH 47 just south of Kayamkulam. Built
Extensive areas of land have been reclaimed from the
by King Marthandavarma, the Palace is noted for its
backwaters and are protected by dikes built all around.
characteristic style of Kerala Architecture and elements
Here cultivation and habitation are made possible 4 to
such as the gabled roofs, narrow corridors, dorma
10 feet below sea Level. A leisurely cruise in houseboat
windows, pent roofs and so on. It also houses one of
along the canals that surround these lands is a
the largest single panel mural painting so far discovered
memorable experience. This is a major attraction for
in Kerala ‘Gajendra Moksham’, measuring 53 sq.ft in
the international tourists to this destination.
area. An Archaeological museum is set up in the Palace
in which stone and wood sculptures, bronzes, copies of
mural paintings, coins, megalithic remains, stone
inscription and such historically and archaeologically
important objects are preserved and protected.
Fig 1.21 Extensive paddy fields below waterlevel
3. Alappuzha Beach - This is one of the most

popular recreation spots in Alappuzha town. The
century old pier extending into the sea and the light
house are of great fascination to visitors. The godowns
Fig 1.23 Gajendramoksham -mural painting
and other ancillary structures of the port adds to the
heritage value of this area. The Sea View Park offers 5. Karumadikuttan -Many fascinating legends are
boating facilities and a swimming pool. Vijaya Park at associated with this 11th century statue said to be of
beach is of great attraction to children. Lord Buddha located at Karumadi near Ambalapuzha.

6. Sarada Mandiram, Mavelikara- Sri. AR Rajaraja 9. Ambalapuzha Sreekrishna Temple-

Varma was a great poet and grammarian, the Malayalam Amabalapuzha Sreekrishna Temple on the Kollam-
literature is much indebted to him. Sarada Mandiram Alappuzha Highway is known as the Dwaraka of the
at Mavelikara was built by him as his residence. Now South. The Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna Temple is believed
the building is maintained by the State Government to have been built in the year 790 AD by the local ruler
as a memorial of Sri Rajaraja Varma. Chembakasserry Pooradam Thirunal-Devanarayanan
Thampuran. It is frequented by thousands of devotees
7. Kumarakodi-20 km south of Alappuzha,
especially during the annual festival which falls in April
Mahakavi Kumaranasan, one of the greatest poets of
every year. ‘Ambalapuzha palpayasam’ the devotional
modern Kerala is laid to rest here. he breathed his last
delicacy of the temple, is renowned for its unique taste.
in a boat tragedy. He is described as the Shelly of
This temple is directly associated to the Guruvayoor
Malayalam literature. Asan brought great changes in
Sri Krishna Temple. During the raids of Tipu Sultan in
literature and exhorted for change in the laws of society.
1789, the idol of Sri Krishna from the Guruvayoor
8. Nehru Trophy Boat Race - Nehru Trophy Boat Temple was brought to the Ambalapuzha Temple for
Race, the annual water carnival at Punnamada Lake, is safe keeping. Ambalapuzha is also associated with the
considered the biggest snake boat race in the world. traditional rituals at Sabarimala. Ambalapuzha is also
Snake boat race is an event in which the maximum famous for the traditional visual martial art of Kerala,
number of people participate as a team. The snake Velakali. Kunchan Nambiar, the greatest Malayalam
boats with a length of around 30 m and with around 100 satirist poet spent his youthhood at Ambalapuzha, his
oarsmen plough the waters with the rhythm and chief contribution being the formulation and
symbols to the tune of legendary songs. The Nehru popularisation of the new performing art “Thullal”.
Trophy was instituted by the late Prime Minister
Jawaharlal Nehru who was enthralled by the charm and
gaiety of the water carnival. The boat race attracts a
large number of tourists, domestic and foreign. The
colourful boat pageantry which precedes the boat race
is a marvelous treat to the eyes. In addition to this, the
boat races at Champakulam, Payippad, Neerettupuram,
Pulinkunnu and Karuvatta are quite famous within the
state and the country.
Fig 1.25 Ambalapuzha Sreekrishna Temple
10. Mannarasala- Mannarassala is an important

centre of pilgrimage in the district. The famous
Mannarassala temple devoted to the serpent deity is a
rare instance of worship. The Ayilyam festival held in
November annually attracts devotees far and wide.The
temple is located at Haripad, a culturally renowned spot
with prominent role in the history of Central Travancore.
Fig 1.24 Nehru Trophy Boat Race
11. St Andrew’s Church Arthunkal - Arthunkal is a 13. Champakulam-Located at 16km from
small coastal fishing village, about 8 km southwest Alappuzha and by the side of Pampa River,
of Cherthala and 22 km north of Alappuzha town on Champakulam was an important centre in the Kingdom
Alappuzha – Chellanam State Highway. Arthunkal is of Chempakassery (Ambalapuzha). Kalloorkadu
famous for the church devoted to St. Sebastian. The (Champakulam) ‘angadi’ was a famous centre of trade
church was originally built by the Portuguese thanks to its nearness to Purakadu, a reputed port of
missionaries in the 16th century and rebuilt in 1640, the Chembakassery Kingdom. The bazaar at
facing west towards the long white-sand beach on the Kalloorkadu was so prominent that the price of
shores of the Arabian Sea. The architecture of the church commodities in the bazaar was considered as the price
is a pointer to the influence of the West. In 1647, the index throughout the Kingdom. ’Kalloorkadan para’ is
idol of St. Sebastian, struck with arrows all over his a souvenir which perpetuates the fame of the bazar.
bleeding body sculptured in Milan, was brought and Kalloorkadu Church by the Pampa River is the
placed in Arthunkal church. Arthunkal St Andrew’s cradle of Christian tradition and life in Kuttanadu. The
Forane Church, the first Parish of the Diocese of church is one of the ancient most Christian churches in
Alappuzha was elevated to the status of Basilica in 2010. Kerala. It belongs to the second generation of churches
The church is a major pilgrim center attracting large in Kerala next to the seven churches established by
number of pilgrims. Devotees on their way to St Thomas, a disciple of Jesus Christ. The foundation
Sabarimala visit this shrine as a routine, thus marking a stone of the first church was laid in 427 A.D. The church
sign of religious harmony. The beach in front of the was rebuilt several times. The present church was
church has every potential to be developed as a rebuilt in 1885. The architecture of the madbaha is a
wonderful tourist spot. typical and excellent model of Portuguese style which
was in vogue in those days. The church is an
endorsement of religious amity of those days.
Champakulam Moolam Boatrace, started in connection
with the consecration of the idol in Ambalapuzha
Temple is a testimony to this. The church is actively
associated with the traditions in the ceremonies of this
historic boat race.
Fig 1.26 St. Andrew’s Church Arthunkal
12. Thottappally- Thottappally was a place of

strategic importance in the vicinity of Purakkad. It was
the scene of battle between the forces of Travancore
and Chempakassery. Now, Thottappally is known for
the spillway over NH-47, planned to divert floodwater
at the upstream itself into the sea and to prevent
floodwater from entering into Lower Kuttanad , thus
promoting agriculture in Kuttanad.
Fig 1.27 St. Mary’s Church Champakulam

14. Chettikulangara -Located about 5km south- Considerable investments have been made
west of Mavelikara, Chettikulangara is famous for the especially in the waterfront areas by private
well known Bhagavathy temple and the “Kettukazcha”. entrepreneurs. These have serious social, economic and
The important festivities associated with the Kumbha- environmental repercussions. The administrators and
Bharani festival are ‘Kettukazhcha’ and ‘Kuthiyottam’. enforcement mechanism in this sector have to keep a
The temple attracts a large number of pilgrims and vigilant eye to keep aloof the unwanted and
tourists from both within the state and outside. undesirable trends and elements. Developments and
investments have to be initiated and regulated with
judicious discretion so that the nature, environment
and ecology are preserved intact and the social fabric
of the area is not affected, thus improving the living
standards of the local people and fostering
development of the area.
1.5 SOCIOECONOMIC ASPECTS

The socio-economic aspects help in assessing the
level of physical quality of life. This helps in evaluating
the district in comparison with the rest of the state.
The following parameters are analyzed in this regard.
· Literacy rate (1991 and 2001)
Fig 1.28 Kumbhabharani festival
· Share of Work-force (1991 and 2001)
Alappuzha has given birth to dignitaries like Raja
· Net State Domestic Product (2008-09) and
Ravi Varma, Thakazhy Sivasankara Pillai, Vayalar
Ramavarma, Guru Gopinath, Champakulam Pachu Pillai, · Per capita Income(2008-09)
Sardar KM Panickar, Kavalam Narayana Panickar,
a) Literacy Rate:
Ayyappapanickar, IC Chacko, Thoppil Bhasi, Ponkunnam
Varkey, AR Rajaraja Varma, P Padmarajan, KM Tharakan As per 2001 census, Kerala with a literacy rate of
etc to name a few. 90.92% is the most literate state in the country. Inter-
There are numerous places of attraction in every district analysis within Kerala reveals that the highest
nook and corner of the district, of interest to people of literacy is recorded in Kottayam district (95.9%) and the
different tastes. Tourism potentials of the area have lowest in Palakkad district (84.3%). The literacy rate of
been given good propaganda internationally by the Alappuzha is 93.66%, above the state average. It
government as well as the non-governmental agencies. occupies 3rd position among the districts.
Kerala in general and Alappuzha Backwaters in b) Share of Workers:
particular is receiving increased attention of both
domestic and foreign tourists. Thanks to the natural The work participation ratio (WPR) indicate the
features unique to the district, Alappuzha is one of the share of workers to total population. The WPR in Kerala
major leisure tourism destinations in the state. Pilgrim has increased from 34.75% to 35.93% from 1991 to 2001.
tourism has much wider scope. New ventures in farm Alappuzha district recorded a WPR of 34.4%, which is
tourism and health tourism have invoked interst in below the state average. However the district is ranked
international tourism. 6th among the districts of the state.
Table 1.5 NSDP and PCI of Alappuzha District and Kerala State
NSDP (at factor cost by industry of origin )- at Constant Price (Base year
1999-2000) Alappuzha District
Primary in Secondary in
Year Tertia ry in lakhs Total in lakhs PCI
lakhs lakhs
2008-09 71934 180841 524011 776786 48549
2007-08 71317 163540 490114 724971 37606
2006-07 73710 147313 433604 654627 28803
2005-06 67348 130357 378945 576650 24198
NSDP at Constant Price (With Base Year:2004-2005) Kerala State

Primary in Secondary in
Year Tertia ry in lakhs Total in lakhs PCI
lakhs lakhs
2008-09 1647681 3079721 9754403 14481805 48655
2007-08 1668131 2920130 8986199 13574460 37507
2006-07 1680597 2698859 8083010 12462466 30044
2005-06 1837492 2529366 7183128 11549986 25657
Source:Economic Review 2010

Tabe.1.6 District-wise per capita income at constant (1999-2000) Prices
Grow th
Sl. N o. District 2008-09(P) Rank 2009-10(Q) Rank Rate (%)
2008-09
1 Thi ruva na ntha pura52266
m 3 57563 3 10.14
2 Kol l a m 44914 10 48795 11 8.64
3 Pa tha na mthi tta 51752 4 56994 4 10.13
4 Al a ppuzha 48549 7 53535 6 10.27
5 Kotta ya m 56190 2 61668 2 9.75
6 Idukki 49705 6 51367 7 3.34
7 Erna kul a m 71548 1 79553 1 11.19
8 Thri ss ur 51071 5 56087 5 9.82
9 Pa l a kka d 44769 11 49825 10 11.29
10 Ma l a ppura m 31900 14 33783 14 5.90
11 Kozhi kode 46585 9 50389 9 8.16
12 W a ya na d 40096 13 38341 13 -4.38
13 Ka nnur 47808 8 50623 8 5.89
14 Ka s a ra god 40013 12 44588 12 11.44
STATE 48655 52984 8.90
P-Provisional
Source:Economic Review 2010
Q-Quick Estimate

c) Net State Domestic Product (NSDP): b) Educational Facilities:

Alappuzha district with 851 schools has 7% of the
NSDP district wise distribution as factor cost
total 12,274 schools in the state and is placed after
shows that the Ernakulam district continues to have
Malappuram (1373), Kannur (1272), and Kollam (1231)
highest income at Rs. 995715 lakhs in 2008-2009. While
districts. The number of schools/1000 persons in Kerala
lowest net domestic product is recorded in Malappuram
is 4, which is true for Alappuzha along with 6 other
district (Rs. 763810 lakhs) the NSDP of Alappuzha district
districts. Pathanamthita district has 6 schools/1000
is Rs. 776786 lakhs (2008-2009)(5.36 % of total NSDP of
persons while Thiruvananthapuram Ernakulam, Thrissur
State) and is ranked 11th in the state.(See Annexe-II).
and Wayanad have 3 schools/1000 persons. In respect
d) Per Capita Income (PCI): of higher education, the district has 12 arts & science
colleges , 2 engineering colleges, 1 medical college,
The per capita income of Alappuzha is Rs 48549
3 polytechnics, I ITI, 37 ITC, 9 TTI and 9 training colleges.
Compared to state average the PCI is above the state
Ernakulam with 25 has highest number of colleges and
(i.e., Rs 48655). With respect to PCI, Alappuzha ranks
Kasargod, the least number of colleges (5).
7th position in the state.
c) Health Institutions:
1.5.1. INFRASTRUCTURE FACILITIES
There are 1280 health institutions in Kerala, of
The availability of infrastructural facilities is an which 203 are in Alappuzha. The maximum number of
indicator of the standard of living in the area. These health institutions is in Malapuram District. With regard
point to the level of development. The comparative to number of beds, Alappuzha district has 243 beds/
analysis helps in assessing the district in comparison lakh persons.
with the rest of the state. The following parameters
d) Water supply:
are analyzed in this regard.
It is seen that 69.99% of the state population is
·Road length
covered by the Government sponsored water supply
·Educational facilities per 1000 population scheme. In comparison, the coverage at Alappuzha is
still higher (85.45%). Maximum coverage is at Ernakulam
·Health institutions per 1000 population and
(94.33%) and the least 51.27%. at Kozhikode.
.Share of population covered by water supply
1.6. INFERENCE
a) Road Length:
The physiography of the district deserves special
Statistics reveal that with a total road length of
mention as Alappuzha is the only district in Kerala with
21937.76 km, Kerala accounts for 3.78% of the total road
no high land or forestland. Considerable area of the
length in India. Alappuzha account for 5.17%
district is water locked. Kuttanad area is below sea level.
(1258.41km) of the state roads. Considering availability
The district boasts of a rich historical and cultural past
of total road length per unit area, Alappuzha is better
The district has fairly good infrastructure facilities in
placed than the rest of the districts in the State. In
education, health and transport sectors. Thanks to the
respect of availability of National Highways and State
abundant natural resources, unique to the district,
Highways, Alappuzha stands next only to Kottayam.
Alappuzha has become an internationally renowned
Considering the vast water bodies and extensive paddy
destination for leisure tourism, especially with regard
fields, road density (with regard to area served or
to waterfront tourism in the state .
population served) is comparatively high.
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District Urbanisation Report - Alappuzha HISTORY AND REGIONAL LINKAGES 17
Chapter-2
HISTORY AND REGIONAL LINKAGES

In this chapter, an introduction on Alappuzha The history of the district in the paleolithic age is
District, its historical background, physical setting, obscure. It is presumed that the coastal taluks of
population and physical features are briefed. Alappuzha Cherthala, Ambalapuzha and Karthikappally were under
is a southern district of Kerala, approximately 150 km water and were later formed by the accumulation of
north of Thiruvananthapuram. Alappuzha was the most silt and sand later than the rest of the district. The sub
developed industrial and commercial center of the soil conditions point to this. Kuttanad was well known
erstwhile princely state of Travancore. even from the early Sangam Age. The Cheras had their
home in Kuttanad and were called ‘Kuttuvans’ named
2.1 HISTORY
after this place. Archeological antiques like stone
Alappuzha is a land marked between the broad inscriptions, historical monuments etc. found here and
Arabian Sea and a net work of rivers flowing into it. literary works like “Unninili Sandesam” give some
Etymologically speaking the word Alappuzha is derived insight into the antiquity of this area. The renowned
from the two words, Ala meaning broad and Puzha travelers Pliny and Ptolemy of the first and second
meaning river. In the early 20th century, Lord Curzon, centuries mentioned about places like Purakkad
the then Viceroy of the British Empire, made a visit to (Barace) in their classical works. Christianity had a strong
Alappuzha. Fascinated by the scenic beauty of the place, foothold in the district even from the 1st century AD.
in joy and amazement it is said, he exclaimed, “Alleppey, The church at Kokkamangalam (Kokkothamangalam)
the Venice of the East”. This sobriquet later found its was one of the seven churches founded by St Thomas,
place in international tourism. The presence of a port a disciple of Jesus Christ.
and a pier, criss-cross roads and numerous bridges, a
long and unbroken sea coast - all these might have
prompted him to make this comparison.
History says it had trade relations with ancient
Greece and Rome. Purakkad an ancient port near
Alappuzha was described as Barace in ancient
travelogues. People of different ethnicity like the
Parsis, the Gujaratis, the Memons and the Anglo Indians
to mention a few, mingled together and lived in
harmony. They built their churches, mosques and
temples of architectural grandeur and existed in peace,
tolerance and religious harmony and enjoyed the
benevolent patronage of the administrators. Fig 2.1 Kokkamangalam Church
18 HISTORY AND REGIONAL LINKAGES District Urbanisation Report - Alappuzha
During 9 th to 12 th century AD, the district Marthandavarma Maharaja had a remarkable role
flourished in the field of religion and culture under the in the progress of the district. He gave special attention
Chera Empire. The famous literary work of this period to the development of Mavelikara as an administrative
was ‘Ascharya Choodamani’ a Sanskrit drama written as well as a commercial centre. The Krishnapuram
by Sakthibhadra, a scholar of Chengannur gramam. Palace, now a protected monument of the State
Archaeology Department, was constructed during that
During 16 th century small principalities like
period. During the reign of Dharmaraja the district
Kayamkulam (presently Karthikapally/Mavelikara
Taluks), Purakkad often called Ambalapuzha or improved by leaps and bounds. Raja Kesava Das, known
as the ‘Maker of modern Alappuzha’ was the then
Chempakasseri (Ambalapuzha/Kuttanad Taluks) and
Diwan of Dharmaraja. He made Alappuzha a premier
Karappuram comprising of two principalities called
Moothedath and Ilayedath ( Cherthala Taluk) emerged port town of Travancore. He constructed several roads
and canals to improve accessibility and communications
into power. When the Portugese came into prominence
and built warehouses and godowns. He gave all
in the district, Christianity became popular and they
built several churches of which the churches at Purakkad facilities to merchants and traders from far and wide.
During the reign of Balaramavarma Maharaja, Velu
and Arthungal are well known. The Chempakasseri
Thampi Dalava took keen interest in the development
Kingdom was at its zenith during the reign of Pooradam
Thirunal Devanarayana, the author of ‘Vedantha of the town and port. His efforts at establishing the
market at Changanacherry had its impact in this area
Retnamala’, a commentary on the first verse of Bhagavat
also. He brought the whole area of the island
Geetha. It is said that Sreekrishna Swami temple at
Ambalappuzha was constructed during this time. Pathiramanal under coconut cultivation. During the 19th
century, the district attained progress in all spheres. A
Eminent scholars like Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri,
harbour was opened at Alappuzha and this was the
Sri Neelakanta Deekshithar and Sri Kumaran
Namboothiri patronized his court. The great satirist poet largest sea port in Travancore. A light house was built
here in 1862. The wooden pier constructed in the 19th
Kunchan Nambiar was associated with the Kings.
century was later rebuilt in iron and extended further
In the 17th century the Portugese power started due to the recession of the sea in the early 20th century.
declining and the Dutch assumed a dominant position One of the five subordinate courts opened in the state
in the principalities of this district. Their interest was in in connection with the reorganization of the judicial
trade and commerce initially but later in politics. As a system by Colonel Munroe was located at Mavelikara.
result of the several treaties signed between the Dutch
and the Rajas of Purakkad, Kayamkulam and
Karappuram, the Dutch were permitted to build
factories and warehouses in various places of the
district for storing pepper, ginger etc. In course of time
they began to interfere in the political and cultural
affairs of the district. It was at that time Maharaja
Marthandavarma, the ‘Maker of modern Travancore’
took interest in the political affairs of the area. The
annexation of the Kingdoms of Kayamkulam,
Ambalapuzha, Thekkumkur, Vadakkumkur and
Karappuram by Travancore was a setback for the Dutch
from the political scene of the district. Fig 2.2 Pier at Alappuzha Port
Raja Kesavadas contributed a lot in making
Alappuzha as one of the busiest ports of the time and
developing a system of inland canals for transportation
and navigation. Because of the geographic and oceanic
features of Alappuzha, he found Alappuzha, a place
ideal for a sea port. Being a far-sighted statesman, he
knew the significance of having a port to trade with the
western countries. He was successful in materialising
his dream and the first ship embarked at Alappuzha in
1786. Two parallel canals, the Commercial Canal and
the Vadai Canal with the ramifying system of waterways
were built for the easy transportation of goods to the
port. Raja Kesavadas made further headway in
attracting people belonging to trading communities
from various parts of the country like Bombay, Gujarat,
Rajasthan etc. He encouraged them to settle in this area
and bestowed upon them every favour that they
required for setting up their business. The native
people and the administrators showed remarkable
tolerance towards these outsiders. Though the port is
no more active due to many a reason, the godowns, the
Fig 2.3 Light House warehouses, the port and the pier stand today as a
symbol of the glorious past.
The credit of having the first post office and first
telegraph office in the Travancore State goes to this This district played a prominent role in the
district. In 1859 James Darragh and Henry Smail freedom struggle of the country. The campaign for the
established the first coir manufacturing firm,M/s eradication of untouchability was organized much
Darragh Smail Ltd., Alleppey, that led others to follow earlier in this district by Sri T.K. Madhavan, a fearless
suit, primarily from Britain and the Netherlands. journalist and in 1925 the approach roads to the temples,
especially Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Swami temple
The history and development of Alappuzha is were thrown open to the Hindus of all castes. The
interlinked with development of coir industry in the district also witnessed the ‘Nivarthana’ movement
area. The easy availability of raw materials, existence which was started as a protest against the constitutional
of backwaters and canals suitable for the wetting of repression of 1932. The first political strike in Kerala
green husk and better accessibility to both sources of was held at Alappuzha in 1938.
raw material and markets for finished goods were the
main factors for the development of coir industry in The historic struggles of Punnapra and Vayalar in
this area. Arabs carried on trade with the region, in coir 1946 stiffened the attitude of the people against Sir CP
products from very ancient times. Raja Kesavadas, the Ramaswamy Iyyer, Diwan of Travancore, which
Diwan of Maharaja, Karthika Thirunal Rama Varma, ultimately led to his exit from Travancore. After India
(Dharmaraja) is considered as the architect of modern becoming independent, a popular ministry was formed
day Alappuzha town. in Travancore on 24th March, 1948.

The district headquarters is at Alappuzha town,

157 km north of the State capital - Thiruvananthapuram,
64km south of Kochi and 260 km south of Kozhikode.
Alappuzha is directly connected to Kozhikode, Kochi,
and Thiruvananthapuram by means of broadguage
railway. There are five municipal towns and six census
town in the district as per 2001 Census. Major important
urban centres in proximity of the district are Kochi,
Coimbatore, Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode. Kochi
the industrial and economic capital of the state lie just
north of the district. These centres are represented in
Fig 2.5 so as to give an understanding on how Alappuzha
is placed geographically. N
KOZHIKODE
L A K
COIMBATORE
200 km
S
H
Fig 2.4 Vayalar Martyr Memorial

AD
E E P
st
On 1 July 1949, Travancore and Kochi states were
integrated as Thirukochi State and it continued till the
S
E A
km
formation of Kerala on 1st November 1956 as per the

0
18
km
KOCHI
States Reorganization Act 1956. The district of Alappuzha
0
10
came into existence as a separate administrative unit

on 1st August 1957. ALAPPUZHA
mk
50
2.2 REGIONAL LINKAGES

KOLLAM
150 km
Regional setting of the study area shows how the

district Alappuzha is positioned within the Sate and how THIRUVANANTHAPURAM
it is connected with the rest of the State. The regional
profile of any defined region is the first guide to reach
the region. Besides, the profile helps to analyse how Fig 2.5 Regional Setting
the district is located with respect to other areas in a 2.2.1 CONNECTIVITY
wider region. Alappuzha is situated between
The connectivity of Alappuzha with other places
9029’ 45" North latitude and 76022’ East longitude. The
by air, rail road and water is described below. The district
district is bounded by districts of Ernakulam on the
does not have any airport or seaport but makes use of
north, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta on the east, Kollam
these facilities in the nearby district.
on the south and Lakshadweep Sea on the west.
2.2.1.1 AIR 2.2.1.4. WATERWAYS
The nearest air port is Kochi, 64 km to the north. The district can boast of a good network of canals,
The international airports at Nedumbasseri is 90 km rivers and backwaters. Many of these water bodies are
north and Thiruvananthapuram is 159 km south of the perennial and navigable during all seasons. Passenger
district. These airports are accessible from Alappuzha and goods traffic depended on water during the past.
by NH 47, MC Road and by Railways. Alappuzha is linked by boat service through the
2.2.1.2. RAIL backwater, rivers and canals to Kollam, Changanacherry,
Kottayam, Kochi, Kumarakom, Kavalam, Chengannur
Alappuzha is linked by rail to cities like etc. State Water Transport Department (SWTD) has the
Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and Kozhikode etc and monopoly over passenger transportation by water.
Mumbai, Bokaro, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkatta, New Alappuzha is the head quarters of SWTD.
Delhi etc outside the state. The two railway lines in the
district. Kayamkulam-Ernakulam (via Chengannur) of
length 115 km and Kayamkulam-Ernakulam (via
Alappuzha)-coastal railway of length 101 km provide
sufficient accessibility by rail to the rest of the country.
Once the doubling works in these two tracks are
completed, the services of railway can be utilized to
the full extent. Alappuzha, Kayamkulam, Chengannur,
Cherthala, Mavelikara and Haripad are the major railway
stations.
Fig 2.6 SWTD Boat Station-Alappuzha
2.2.1.3. ROAD
The SWTD service is losing its significance due to
The road transportation system is fairly well
1. Time consumed-Journey time is more
developed with a rather good network of roads. The
eight State Highways and the National Highway passing 2. Limited accessibility
through the district ensures sufficient linkage with 3. Increased accessibility by roads
other areas. The district is connected with adjoining
Ernakulam and Kollam districts by National Highway 4. Increased dependence on roads/vehicle
NH 47 and Kottayam and Pathanamthitta districts by Distant services like Alappuzha-Kollam,
State Highways. The district is aligned on NH 47 and MC Ambalappuzha- Kottayam, Ernakulam- Chengannur
Road, the major corridors of transportation. During the have almost ceased to become operational. Of late,
last decade, Kuttanad is also considerably brought under SWTD is focusing on short distance trips. Many of the
the road network of the district, thus providing inland canals have become unfit for navigation because
increased accessibility for this area which earlier of silting, weeds and lack of periodical maintenance.
depended solely on water for transportation of goods However certain areas especially in Kuttanadu area and
and passengers. Presence of paddy fields and islands in Vembanadu Lake still remain accessible only
waterbodies limited development of road network by water. Boats are indispensable for ferry services in
here. However considering the geography and transporting people and goods across the water bodies
sensitivity, the district has a fairly good road network. separating main lands.

Fig 2.7 The Port in its days of past glory
Alappuzha was the most important town of the 2.3. INFERENCE

erstwhile princely state of Travancore mainly by virtue Alappuzha boasts of a rich history. It was an
of the port. It had communications and trade with the important town in the erstwhile princely state of
rest of the world, a few decades back. The last ship Travancore. Alappuzha District is well connected to
moored at the port in 1989. The development of a other parts of the State and the Country. Though the
modern port at Kochi, had its backwash effect on significance of water transport is on the decline, it
Alappuzha. With technology and requirements in continues to be the only means of access in certain
shipping undergoing drastic changes, the port at secluded and remote areas of the district. Waterbodies
Alappuzha has become obsolete and is stranded today have leashed a new breath of life to the economy of
in shipping activities and business. Alappuzha lost its the region by way of developments in waterfront
relevance and significance as a port in the region. tourism and related activities.

District Urbanisation Report - Alappuzha POPULATION 23
Chapter-3
POPULATION
Alappuzha district accommodates a total The total male and female population in
population of 2.1 lakh in 2001. Planning is essentially a Alappuzha district are 1014458 and 1094546 respectively.
tool in achieving the justifiable wants and equitable The district is placed at the 9 th position as far as
distribution of the requirements of the population. population is considered. The population comparison
People are the ultimate beneficiaries in any with the state is given in Table 3.1. It is seen that the
development endeavour. Planning is aimed at providing total urban population of Alappuzha district is 7.52% of
maximum good for the maximum number of people. that of State and the rural population is 6.31% that of
Hence, it is imperative to analyse the population by State.
studying the following parameters- size of population, A comparison of total population of the districts
its growth rate, population density, population
surrounding Alappuzha district is shown in Fig.3.1. The
concentration pattern, migration details and population
figure shows that when compared to the surrounding
projection – This is attempted in this chapter. districts Alappuzha is placed in the third position in
3.1 POPULATION SIZE population. The population of Ernakulam and Kollam
districts is higher than Alappuzha.
Total population of Alappuzha district as per 2001
Census is 2109004, which is 6.62 % of total population According to 2001 Census, the total urban
of the state and the district is placed at the 9th position population of Alappuzha district is 621457 which is 29%
as far as population size is considered. Alappuzha is of the total population of the district. A comparison of
the smallest district in the state in terms of area (3.64%). percentage of urban and rural population of Alappuzha
district with surrounding districts is shown in Fig.3.2.
Table 3.1 Population – Comparison with State
Description Kerala Alappuzha % w .r.t. Kerala
Total Population 31841374 2109004 6 .62
Ma l es 15468614 1014458 6 .56
Fema l es 16372760 1094546 6 .69
Urba n Popul a ti on 8266925 621 457 7 .52
Ma l es 4017332 301 662 7 .51
Fema l es 4249593 319 795 7 .53
Rura l Popul a ti on 23574449 1487547 6 .31
Ma l es 11451282 712 796 6 .22
Fema l es 12123167 774 751 6 .39
Source:Census 2001
24 POPULATION District Urbanisation Report - Alappuzha
Fig 3.1 Population -Comparison with surrounding districts

Fig 3.3 Population size of State: Temporal variation
It is clear that urban population of Alappuzha
district (28%) is more than that of Kottayam, Kollam The decadal variation in the size of population of
and Pathanamthitta districts and less than that of the district over the last three decades is shown in
Ernakulam district (48%). Fig.3.4. From the figure, it is clear that though there is
an increase of about 2 lakhs population per decade from
1971 to 1991, the increase of population during 1981-
1991 is only 1.5 lakhs and the increase over the last
decade is only 1 lakhs indicating a decline in the
population growth rate of the district.
The total population is increasing during 1981 -
2001 period in both in Kerala and Alappuzha. But the
growth rate is decreasing for both Kerala and Alappuzha
district during this period. It indicates that Alappuzha
district follows the growth trends exhibited by the
State.
Fig 3.2 Population composition-Comparison with surrounding

districts
The decadal variation in the size of population of

the state over the last three decades is shown in Fig.3.3.
From the figure, it is clear that though there is an
increase of about 36 lakhs population from 1981 to 1991,
the increase of population over the last decade is only
27 lakhs indicating a decline in the population growth
rate of the state. Fig 3.4 Population of District: Temporal variation

N
Kasargod 1981 - 1991 Kasargod 1991 - 2001
Kannur Kannur
Wayanad Wayanad
Kozhikkode Kozhikkode
Malappuram Malappuram
Palakkad Palakkad
Thrissur Thrissur
Ernakulam Ernakulam
Idukki Idukki
Kottayam Kottayam
LEGEND
Alappuzha Alappuzha
GROWTH RATE (%)
Pathanamthitta Pathanamthitta
UP TO 10
10 TO 15
Kollam Kollam
15 TO 20
ABOVE 20
Thiruvananthapuram Thiruvananthapuram
Fig 3.5 District wise distribution of population growth rate -1991-2001
3.2 GROWTH RATE OF POPULATION The temporal variation of the population

The growth rate of population among the districts growth rate of the district and its comparison with the
of the state in 1991 and 2001 is shown in Fig.3.5. The state figures is shown in Fig.3.8 and details are given in
state population has decreased during this decade. It Table.3.2. The figure shows that the population growth
can be seen that there is decline in the population rate of the district as well as that of state is declining.
growth rate of all the districts when compared to the
previous decade (1991). The northern districts
(Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Malappuram
and Palakkad) show higher population growth rate in
1991 and 2001.
Decadal growth rate of population in Alappuzha
is 5.39% in 2001 which is less than the average growth
rate of 9.42% of the state. The comparison of growth
rate of population of district with the state is shown in
Fig.3.6. Comparing the growth rate with the surrounding
districts of Alappuzha, only Pathanamthitta shows a
lower growth rate of 3.84% (See Fig.3.7). Fig 3.6 Population growth rate comparison with State - 2001

Table 3.2 Growth rate of Population –

Comparison with State
GR 1971-1981 1981-1991 1991-2001
Kerala 19.24 14.32 9.43
Alappuzha 12.36 7.26 5.39
Source:Census 2001
During 1971-81 the growth rate is 12.36% for the

district. It is observed that the municipal areas other
than Cherthala exhibit a growth rate of less than 9%.
The higher growth rate around Cherthala area can be
Fig 3.7 Population growthrate- comparison with attributed to the proximity and influence of Kochi. The
surrounding districts coastal region along the NH shows higher growth rate.
The growth rate 1981-91 shows a decline in all
The population growth rate during the last three
the LSGs compared to 71-81. The decline in growth rate
decades among the LSGs of the district are shown in
is maximum in the Kuttanad region. Kuttanad region
Fig.3.9. From the figure it is clear that the growth rates shows a growth rate of less than 3%. The municipal areas
of population of all the local governments of the district
have a moderate growth rate of 3% to 9% other than
are declining from 1981 to 2001. The growth rate is least
Alappuzha Municipality (< 3%). The LSGs adjacent to
in the Kuttanadu region. Higher growth rate is seen in the urban local governments show higher growth rate
the Cherthala region and along the NH and SH. The
indicating possible absorption of the population
municipal areas, other than Alappuzha, exhibit
attracted to the urban areas, by the fringe areas and to
moderate growth rate. a lesser extent the out migration from the urban areas
due to increased land costs. The Cherthala region again
shows higher growth rate.
The spatial distribution of the growth rate of
population during 1991-01 shows a definite spatial
pattern. The population in the LSGs surrounding urban
areas particularly Alappuzha municipality show higher
growth rate. The Kuttanad area shows least growth rate.
Fig.3.10 shows the local governments with
highest growth rate of population. The growth rate of
population in the LSGs adjacent to the urban local
governments (especially Alappuzha and Cherthala
Municipality) is high, indicating possibility of out
migration from the urban areas to the immediate
hinterland as well as the possibility of immigrants
attracted to the urban areas getting settled down in
Fig 3.8 Population growthrate- comparison with state - the surrounding local governments.
Temporal variation
AROOKUTTY AROOKUTTY AROOKUTTY
AROOR AROOR N AROOR N
PERUMBALAM PERUMBALAM PERUMBALAM
N
EZHUPUNNA EZHUPUNNA EZHUPUNNA
PANAVALLY PANAVALLY PANAVALLY

KODAMTHURUTH KODAMTHURUTH KODAMTHURUTH
KUTHIATHODE
KUTHIATHODE
THAIKATTUSSERY
KUTHIATHODE THAIKATTUSSERY THAIKATTUSSERY
THURAVOOR
THURAVOOR THURAVOOR
CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM
CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM
PATTANAKAD
PATTANAKAD PATTANAKAD VAYALAR
VAYALAR VAYALAR
KADAKKARAPPALLY
LEGEND
KADAKKARAPPALLY KADAKKARAPPALLY
CHERTHALA DISTRICT BOUNDARY
CHERTHALA CHERTHALA THANNEERMUKKAM
THANNEERMUKKAM THANNEERMUKKAM CHERTHALA SOUTH
CHERTHALA SOUTH CHERTHALA SOUTH LOCAL BODY BOUNDARY
KANJIKUZHI
NH
KANJIKUZHI KANJIKUZHI MARARIKULAM NORTH
MUHAMMA
MARARIKULAM NORTH
MUHAMMA
MARARIKULAM NORTH MUHAMMA SH
RAILWAY LINE
MANNANCHERY
MANNANCHERY MANNANCHERY MARARIKULAM SOUTH GROWTH RATE (%)
MARARIKULAM SOUTH MARARIKULAM SOUTH
ARYAD UPTO 3
ARYAD ARYAD
KAVALAM
KAVALAM KAVALAM KAINAKARY
3 - 9
ALAPPUZHA
KAINAKARY KAINAKARY
ALAPPUZHA ALAPPUZHA NEELAMPEROOR 9 - 15
NEELAMPEROOR NEELAMPEROOR
PUNNAPRA NORTH PULINKUNNU > 15

PULINKUNNU PULINKUNNU VELIYANAD
PUNNAPRA NORTH PUNNAPRA NORTH
VELIYANAD VELIYANAD
CHAMPAKULAM RAMANKARY
PUNNAPRA SOUTH NEDUMUDI PUNNAPRA SOUTH NEDUMUDI
RAMANKARY RAMANKARY AMBALAPUZHA NORTH
CHAMPAKULAM CHAMPAKULAM
MUTTAR
AMBALAPUZHA NORTH AMBALAPUZHA NORTH
AMBALAPUZHA SOUTH
MUTTAR MUTTAR
AMBALAPUZHA SOUTH AMBALAPUZHA SOUTH THAKAZHY EDATHUA THALAVADY
THAKAZHY EDATHUA THALAVADY THAKAZHY EDATHUA THALAVADY

CHERUTHANA
PURAKKAD THIRUVANVANDOOR PURAKKAD THIRUVANVANDOOR PANDANAD CHENGANNUR
KARUVATTA VEEYAPURAM MANNAR
CHERUTHANA PANDANAD CHERUTHANA PANDANAD PULIYOOR
CHENGANNUR CHENGANNUR
KARUVATTA VEEYAPURAM KARUVATTA VEEYAPURAM MANNAR
MANNAR BUDHANNOOR
PULIYOOR PULIYOOR KUMARAPURAM HARIPAD
CHENNITHALA ALA
BUDHANNOOR BUDHANNOOR THRIKUNNAPUZHA PALLIPPAD MULAKUZHA
KUMARAPURAM HARIPAD KUMARAPURAM HARIPAD CHERIYANAD
CHENNITHALA ALA CHENNITHALA ALA
THRIKUNNAPUZHA THRIKUNNAPUZHA KARTHIKAPPALLY VENMONY
PALLIPPAD MULAKUZHA MULAKUZHA CHEPPAD
CHERIYANAD PALLIPPAD CHERIYANAD CHINGOLI
MAVELIKARA
KARTHIKAPPALLY VENMONY KARTHIKAPPALLY VENMONY THAZHAKARA
CHEPPAD CHEPPAD CHETTIKULANGARA
CHINGOLI CHINGOLI
MAVELIKARA
THAZHAKARA
MAVELIKARA THAZHAKARA MUTHUKULAM THEKKEKARA
CHETTIKULANGARA CHETTIKULANGARA PATHIYOOR
NOORNAD
MUTHUKULAM THEKKEKARA MUTHUKULAM THEKKEKARA ARATTUPUZHA
CHUNAKKARA
PATHIYOOR PATHIYOOR
NOORNAD NOORNAD KANDALLOOR
ARATTUPUZHA ARATTUPUZHA KAYAMKULAM PALAMEL
CHUNAKKARA CHUNAKKARA BHARANIKKAVU
KANDALLOOR KANDALLOOR THAMARAKULAM
KAYAMKULAM PALAMEL KAYAMKULAM PALAMEL
DEVIKULANGARA KRISHNAPURAM
BHARANIKKAVU BHARANIKKAVU
THAMARAKULAM THAMARAKULAM VALLIKUNNAM
DEVIKULANGARA KRISHNAPURAM DEVIKULANGARA KRISHNAPURAM
VALLIKUNNAM VALLIKUNNAM
Fig 3.9 Growth rate of population –LSG wise distribution 1981, 1991, 2001
AROOKUTTY
AROOR
PERUMBALAM
3.3 POPULATION DENSITY
EZHUPUNNA
KODAMTHURUTH
PANAVALLY
N Higher population density puts more pressure on
KUTHIATHODETHAIKATTUSSERY infrastructure and environment but reduces the per
THURAVOOR
CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM
PATTANAKKAD
capita costs of supply of public goods and services. Gross
VAYALAR
KADAKKARAPPALLY population density and net population density of the

CHERTHALA LEGEND
THANNEERMUKKAM
CHERTHALA SOUTH
HIGH GROWTH RATE AREA
district are analyzed. Gross population density is
KANJIKKUZHI
MARARIKKULAM NORTH
MUHAMMA
calculated by dividing the total population with the
geographical area, whereas the net population density
MANNANCHERY
MARARIKKULAM SOUTH
ARYAD
is calculated by dividing the total population with the
ALAPPUZHA
KAINAKARY
KAVALAM
net area which is calculated by subtracting the un-
NEELAMPEROOR

inhabitable areas like water body, forest, paddy, rubber
VELIYANAD
NEDUMUDI
PUNNAPRA SOUTH
RAMANKARY
CHAMPAKKULAM
plantation, marshy and wasteland etc. from the
AMBALAPPUZHA NORTH
MUTTAR
AMBALAPPUZHA SOUTH geographical area.
VEEYAPURAM
CHERUTHANA
MANNAR
PANDANAD CHENGANNUR 3.3.1 GROSS POPULATION DENSITY
KARUVATTA
PULIYOOR
HARIPAD BUDHANNOOR
KUMARAPURAM CHENNITHALA
ALA
THRIKKUNNAPUZHA
KARTHIKAPPALLY
PALLIPPAD CHERIYANAD MULAKUZHA
VENMONY As per 2001 Census, the density of population for
CHEPPAD MAVELIKKARA
THAZHAKARA
CHINGOLI
MUTHUKULAM
CHETTIKULANGARA
THEKKEKARA India is 324 pp sq.km where as in Kerala it is 819 pp
PATHIYOOR NOORANAD
ARATTUPUZHA
KANDALLOOR
KAYAMKULAM
CHUNAKKARA
PALAMEL
sq.km. Among the Indian States, Kerala is third in
BHARANIKKAVU
DEVIKULANGARA
KRISHNAPURAM
THAMARAKKULAM
respect of density, with West Bengal (904) at the top. A
VALLIKUNNAM
comparison of the gross population density among the
districts in the State in 1991 and 2001 is given in Fig.3.11.
Fig 3.10 LSGs with higher growth rate-2001
1991 2001
Kasargod Kasargod
Kannur Kannur
Wayanad Wayanad
Kozhikkode Kozhikkode
Malappuram Malappuram
Palakkad Palakkad
Thrissur Thrissur
Ernakulam Ernakulam
Idukki LEGEND Idukki

Kottayam Kottayam
DENSITY IN PP Sq. km.
Alappuzha UP TO 500 Alappuzha
Pathanamthitta 500 TO 800
Pathanamthitta
800 TO 1100
Kollam Kollam
1100 TO 1400
ABOVE 1400
Thiruvananthapuram Thiruvananthapuram
Fig 3.11 Gross density of population-districts of Kerala

Among the districts in Kerala, Alappuzha has the The comparison of the population density with
highest density with 1489 pp sq.km with Idukki, the the surrounding districts is shown in Fig.3.13. The gross
lowest (252) in 2001. The gross population density population density is highest in Alappuzha, the next
decreased in the southern districts during 1991-2001. highest is Kollam with a density of 1038 pp sq.km
The coastal districts show higher gross population followed by Ernakulam(1012 pp sq.km). Pathanamthitta
density in 1991 and 2001. The comparison of the has the least figures among the group.
population density with the state is shown in Fig.3.12.
Fig 3.13 Population density - comparison with surrounding

Fig 3.12 Population density - comparison with State (2001)
districts (2001)
AROOR
N
All the municipal areas and LSG near Alappuzha
AROOKUTTY
PERUMBALAM
and Cherthala Municipalities also show higher gross
EZHUPUNNA
KODAMTHURUTH
PANAVALLY
population density. This may be due to the better
KUTHIATHODE
THAIKATTUSSERY availability of educational, medical and infrastructural
THURAVOOR
LEGEND
CHENNAM-PALLIPPURAM facilities in the urban areas of the district. Based on the
PATTANAKKAD
VAYALAR
DENSITY IN PP sq. km. range of population density, LSGs of the district can be
KADAKKARAPPALLY
UP TO 750
CHERTHALA grouped as given in Table 3.3.
CHERTHALA SOUTH
THANNEERMUKKAM
750 TO 1250
KANJIKKUZHI 1250 TO 1750 Five gramapanchayats in the Kuttanadu region
MARARIKKULAM NORTH
1750 TO 2250
MUHAMMA
and Perumbalam, an island gramapanchayat, fall within
2250 TO 2750
MANNANCHERY
MARARIKKULAM SOUTH ABOVE 2750

the lowest density range group, with minimum of 600
ARYAD pp sq.km in Perumbalam whereas four LSGs including
KAINAKARY
KAVALAM
ALAPPUZHA
Alappuzha and Kayamkulam Municipalities fall in the
NEELAMPEROOR
highest population density range. Majority of the LSGs

NEDUMUDI
PUNNAPRA SOUTH
VELIYANAD
(35 No.) fall within the population density range of 750-
RAMANKARY
CHAMPAKKULAM
AMBALAPPUZHA NORTH
MUTTAR 1500 pp sq.km. The remaining LSGs have density within
AMBALAPPUZHA SOUTH
EDATHUA
THAKAZHY THALAVADY the range of 1500- 3000 pp sq.km.
CHERUTHANA
VEEYAPURAM PANDANADCHENGANNUR AROOR N
AROOKUTTY
KARUVATTA
MANNAR
PULIYOOR PERUMBALAM
THRIKKUNNAPUZHA HARIPAD BUDHANNOOR
KUMARAPURAM CHENNITHALA EZHUPUNNA
PALLIPPAD ALA
THRIKKUNNAPUZHA MULAKUZHA PANAVALLY
CHERIYANAD KODAMTHURUTH
CHEPPAD
CHINGOLI MAVELIKKARA KUTHIATHODE THAIKATTUSSERY
CHETTIKULANGARA
CHETTIKULANGARA
THAZHAKARA
LEGEND
THEKKEKARA THURAVOOR
MUTHUKULAM
PATHIYOOR
NOORNAD CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM NET DENSITY IN PP sq. km.
ARATTUPUZHA CHUNAKKARA PATTANAKKAD
KANDALLOOR
KAYAMKULAM PALAMEL
VAYALAR
1000 TO 2000
BHARANIKKAVU
KADAKKARAPPALLY
KRISHNAPURAM
DEVIKULANGARA
2000 TO 5000
THAMARAKKULAM CHERTHALA
VALLIKUNNAM
CHERTHALA SOUTH
THANNEERMUKKAM
5000 TO 10000
VALLIKUNNAM
ABOVE 10000
KANJIKKUZHI
MARARIKKULAM NORTH
MUHAMMA
Fig 3.14 Gross Population density 2001

MANNANCHERY
The LSG wise distribution of the gross population MARARIKKULAM SOUTH
ARYAD
density of Alappuzha district is shown in Fig.3.14. It KAVALAM
KAINAKARY
shows a clear distinction between the gross population ALAPPUZHA
NEELAMPEROOR
density in the coastal region, and the low lands of PUNNAPRA NORTH
NEDUMUDI
PULINKUNNU
VELIYANAD
Kuttanadu region of the district. The gross population PUNNAPRA SOUTH
CHAMPAKKULAM
RAMANKARY
AMBALAPPUZHA NORTH
density of the LSGs in the gramapanchayats in the costal AMBALAPPUZHA SOUTH

MUTTAR
belt are the highest (in the range of 1750-4000 pp sq.km), THAKAZHY EDATHUA THALAVADY
whereas the gross population density of the Kuttanadu CHERUTHANA
KARUVATTA
VEEYAPURAM
MANNAR
PANDANAD CHENGANNUR
PULIYOOR
region is in the range of 750 – 1500 pp sq.km. The gross THRIKKUNNAPUZHA
HARIPAD
BUDHANNOOR
ALA
CHENNITHALA
KUMARAPURAM PALLIPPAD
population density is maximum in Kadakkarapally KARTHIKAPPALLY
MAVELIKKARA
CHERIYANAD
MULAKUZHA
VENMONY
CHINGOLI CHEPPAD
Gramapanchayat (4249 pp sq.km) near Cherthala MUTHUKULAM

CHETTIKULANGARA
THAZHAKARA
THEKKEKARA
Municipality lying in coastal area followed by Aryad

PATHIYOOR NOORANAD
ARATTUPUZHA CHUNAKKARA
KANDALLOOR
PALAMEL
Gramapanchayat (4099 pp sq.km) near Alappuzha KAYAMKULAM

BHARANIKKAVU
KRISHNAPURAM
DEVIKULANGARA THAMARAKKULAM
Municipality and the third in density is Alappuzha VALLIKUNNAM
Municipality (3790 pp sq.km). Fig 3.15 Net Population density 2001

Table 3.3 Grouping of Local Governments based on the range of gross population density 2001
Gross Population Density Gross Population
Gramapanchayat/ Municipality Gramapanchayat/ Municipality
(ppsqkm) Density (ppsqkm)
Perumbalam Panavally
Kainakary Kumarapuram
Veliyanad Arookutty
<750
Thakazhy Cheppad
Pulinkunnu Mavelikara - Thekkekara
Champakulam Cheriyanad
Kavalam Haripad
Neelamperoor Vayalar
Ramankary Ambalapuzha South
Cheruthana Mannar
Muhamma Mararikulam North
Edathua Kanjikuzhi
Bharanikkavu 1500-2250 Chengannur
Muttar Ezhupunna
Chennampallippuram Chettikulangara
Venmony Muthukulam
Nedumudi Kodamthuruth
Pandanad Pathiyoor
Noornad Pattanakkad
Krishnapuram Kandalloor
Karuvatta Cherthala South
Mulakuzha Palamel
Mavelikara -Thamarakkulam Thrikkunnapuzha
750-1500 Purakkad Thanneermukkam
Chunakkara Mavelikara
Chennithala -Thriperumthura Punnapra North
Ala Chingoli
Arattupuzha Aroor
Thalavady Ambalapuzha North
2250-3000
Vallikunnam Mararikulam South
Karthikappally Devikulangara
Mannanchery Cherthala
Veeyapuram Punnapra South
Thiruvanvandoor Kayamkulam
Puliyoor Alappuzha
>3000
Thazhakara Aryad
Budhannoor Kadakkarappally
Thaikattussery
Thuravoor
Kuthiathode
Pallippad
3.3.2 NET POPULATION DENSITY institutional care whereas at the country level even 60%
of the deliveries could not be institutionalized so far.
The average net population density of the district
The result is that maternal mortality in the state has
is 2675 pp sq.km. The net population density is given in
come down sharply. For every 3000 deliveries, the
Fig.3.15. Highest net population density range exists
reported maternal mortality is below one.
(above 10000) in the low land of Kuttanad region.
Lowest net population density is seen in Neelamperoor Female life expectancy in Kerala is 74 years which
(less than 648). The net population density is high in is 15 years higher than the national average and almost
Alappuzha Municipality (6504 pp sq.km). Net 6 years above the corresponding figure for men in Kerala
population density of all municipal areas is more than which is 68. Girls and women have access to the health
2000 pp sq.km. This indicates that net population care system in Kerala and primary data based surveys
density in urban areas is more than that of rural areas. show that, in general the rates of immunization of girls
In other words habitable area available per person in are as high as those of boys. Female literacy and
urban areas as well as in some of the LSGs in the education are crucial determinants of child survival,
Kuttanad region of the district is much less compared general health and hygiene. These in turn determine
to the remaining parts of the district resulting in progress in other demographic and health indicators
increased pressure on land in these areas of the district. such as the expectancy of life at birth, the birth and
death rates, the infant mortality rate and general
3.4 SEX RATIO mortality.
The growth and development of women have Among the surrounding districts, Alappuzha has
direct impact on the general well-being of the society. the second highest sex ratio (Fig.3.16). In 1991 census,
Sex ratio is the most credible pointer towards the status Alappuzha district had a sex ratio of 1051 as against 1036
of women in a society. Kerala has a unique position in for the state during the corresponding period. In 2001
regard to sex ratio. Over the last one hundred years, Census, sex ratio of Alappuzha district is 1079, which is
females have been outnumbering males in Kerala, higher than the state figure of 1058. Alappuzha district
which is contrary to all India pattern. The sex ratio of has the 4th rank among the districts in respect of sex
Kerala has gradually increased from 1004 in 1901 to 1028 ratio. The comparison of sex ratio of the district with
in 1951 and then to 1058 in 2001. The 2001 Census shows that of the state in 1991 and 2001 is shown in Fig.3.17.
that Kerala is the only state in India where sex ratio is
above the equality ratio and is a 100-year high with 1058
females per 1000 males. District-wise analysis shows Sex ratio-2001 Census
that sex ratio is highest in Pathanamthitta (1094 ) and 1100
1094
1079
the lowest in Idukki ( 993). 1080 1069
1060
Sex Ratio
The major reason attributed to the increase in

1040 1025
sex ratio is the decline in the female infant mortality 1019
1020
rate and the increase in life expectancy of women. In
1000
Kerala, both access to and utilization of health care 980
particularly among women are quite high compared to Ernakulam Kottayam Alappuzha Pathanamthitta Kollam
the women in the rest of the country. A notable Name of District
achievement of women’s health in the state has been
that over 90% of the deliveries take place under Fig 3.16 Comparison of sex ratio with surrounding districts

The variation in sex ratio of 0-6 age group in the

surrounding districts is less (967-954) than the variation
in general value of sex ratio (1094-1019), indicating that
at birth the sex ratio is more or less uniform irrespective
of districts, but it changes later due to the migration
pattern.
3.4.1 AGE SEX PYRAMID
Age-sex structure is one of the most important

demographic characteristics of a population. This throws
light into the composition of the population and is vital
Fig 3.17 Comparison of sex ratio with State in further forecasting of the population. Age-sex
pyramids (also known as population pyramids)
Within the district, the sex ratio varied from 1050
graphically display this information to improve
in Cherthala and Kuttanad taluks to 1119 in Chengannur
understanding and ease comparison.
taluk in 2001. The highest sex ratio is in Chengannur
taluk (1119), followed by Mavelikara (1117), Age group wise population of Alappuzha district
Karthikappally taluk (1105), Ambalappuzha taluk (1057) is shown in Fig.3.19 The age sex pyramid of Kerala State
and Cherthala and Kuttanad taluks (1050). Typical rural and Alappuzha district are shown in Fig.3.20 and
area of Kuttanad taluk has lower proportion of females Fig.3.21. From the figures it is clear that sex pyramid of
than that of urban areas. A higher value of sex ratio the District is more or less similar to that of the State.
could mean that there is out migration (for jobs etc.) of
3.5 POPULATION CONCENTRATION PATTERN
male population from district. The sex ratio in the age
group of 0-6 (Fig.3.18) of the district is 956 which is less The following methodology is adopted to arrive
than that of the average value of the sex ratio of the at the population concentration pattern.
State (960) in this age group. The reasons for this have 1. The gross population density of each LSG is
to be seriously explored. This aspect deserves serious determined
and immediate attention of social scientists.
2. The LSGs are listed in the descending order of
density
3. The cumulative value of population is calculated
4. The LSGs (from the top of the list)
accommodating 1/3rd of the cumulative total
population is found out.
5. 1/3rd population is concentrated in these LSGs .
6. Similarly, LSGs where ½ and 2/3 population are
concentrated are determined.
The population concentration patterns of
Alappuzha district in 1981, 1991 and 2001 are shown in
Fig 3.18 Comparison of sex ratio age group 0-6 Fig.3.22 ,Fig 3.23 and Fig3.24 respectively.

Fig 3.19 Age group wise population – Alappuzha District
Age Sex Pyramid-Alappuzha

75-79
60-64
45-49
Age
30-34 Females
15--19
Males
0--4
-100,000 -50,000 0 50,000 100,000 150,000

Number of persons
Fig 3.20 Age Sex Pyramid – Alappuzha District

Age sex Pyramid-Kerala State
75-79
60-64
45-49
Females
30-34
Males
15--19
0--4
-2,000,000 -1,500,000 -1,000,000 -500,000 0 500,000 1,000,000 1,500,000 2,000,000
Fig 3.21 Age Sex Pyramid – Kerala State

On analysis of the population concentration Considering the population concentration

pattern of Alappuzha District in 1981 (Fig.3.22), it is pattern of Alappuzha District in 1991 (Fig.3.23), it is seen
observed that one third of the population is contained that one third of the cumulative population is
in 18 local governments which include the four distributed in 18 local governments which include four
municipal towns other than Chengannur Municipality. municipal towns (other than Chengannur), one half of
One half of the population is distributed in 32 local the population is distributed in 31 local governments
governments which include the five municipalities. 47 which include five municipal towns and two third of
local governments accommodate two third of the the population is distributed in 47 local governments.
district population . These local governments (out of 78 These local governments include the existing statutory
local governments) include the existing statutory urban urban areas and are located along coastal areas and the
areas and are located along coastal areas and the major major transportation corridors. On comparison of the
transportation corridors. The analysis gives an insight population concentration with 1981 , it is seen that the
into the spatial distribution and concentration of increase in population is towards the northern portion
population. The rest of the state have a wider of the district. The Aroor area shows a general growth
distribution range with concentration increasing from in population, may be due to the nearness to Kochi.
east towards west.
AROOKUTTY
AROOKUTTY AROOR N
N PERUMBALAM
AROOR
PERUMBALAM
EZHUPUNNA
EZHUPUNNA
THURAVOOR
THURAVOOR
CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM
CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM
PATTANAKAD
PATTANAKAD
VAYALAR
LEGEND
VAYALAR
KADAKKARAPPALLY
LEGEND KADAKKARAPPALLY DISTRICT BOUNDARY
CHERTHALA
CHERTHALA CHERTHALA SOUTH
THANNEERMUKKAM LOCAL BODY BOUNDARY
THANNEERMUKKAM
CHERTHALA SOUTH DISTRICT BOUNDARY NH
LOCAL BODY BOUNDARY KANJIKUZHI SH
MARARIKULAM NORTH
KANJIKUZHI MUHAMMA
MARARIKULAM NORTH
MUHAMMA NH RAILWAY LINE
SH ONE THIRD 1991 POPULATION
MANNANCHERY
MANNANCHERY RAILWAY LINE MARARIKULAM SOUTH
HALF 1991 POPULATION
MARARIKULAM SOUTH
ONE THIRD 1981 POPULATION ARYAD
TWO THIRD 1991 POPULATION
ARYAD
KAVALAM
KAVALAM ONE HALF POPULATION KAINAKARY
ALAPPUZHA
KAINAKARY
ALAPPUZHA TWO THIRD POPULATION NEELAMPEROOR
NEELAMPEROOR
PUNNAPRA NORTH PULINKUNNU VELIYANAD

VELIYANAD PUNNAPRA SOUTH NEDUMUDI
PUNNAPRA SOUTH CHAMPAKULAM RAMANKARY
NEDUMUDI
CHAMPAKULAM RAMANKARY AMBALAPUZHA NORTH
AMBALAPUZHA NORTH MUTTAR
MUTTAR AMBALAPUZHA SOUTH
AMBALAPUZHA SOUTH
PURAKKAD THIRUVANVANDOOR CHERUTHANA PANDANAD CHENGANNUR
CHERUTHANA KARUVATTA VEEYAPURAM
PANDANAD CHENGANNUR MANNAR
KARUVATTA VEEYAPURAM PULIYOOR
MANNAR
PULIYOOR BUDHANNOOR
KUMARAPURAM HARIPAD
BUDHANNOOR CHENNITHALA ALA
KUMARAPURAM HARIPAD THRIKUNNAPUZHA
CHENNITHALA ALA PALLIPPAD MULAKUZHA
CHERIYANAD
THRIKUNNAPUZHA MULAKUZHA
PALLIPPAD CHERIYANAD KARTHIKAPPALLY VENMONY
CHEPPAD
KARTHIKAPPALLY VENMONY CHINGOLI
CHEPPAD MAVELIKARA
CHINGOLI THAZHAKARA
MAVELIKARA CHETTIKULANGARA
THAZHAKARA
CHETTIKULANGARA MUTHUKULAM THEKKEKARA
THEKKEKARA PATHIYOOR
MUTHUKULAM NOORNAD
PATHIYOOR ARATTUPUZHA
NOORNAD CHUNAKKARA
ARATTUPUZHA
CHUNAKKARA KANDALLOOR KAYAMKULAM PALAMEL
KANDALLOOR KAYAMKULAM PALAMEL BHARANIKKAVU
BHARANIKKAVU THAMARAKULAM
THAMARAKULAM DEVIKULANGARA KRISHNAPURAM
VALLIKUNNAM
VALLIKUNNAM
Fig 3.22 Population Concentration Pattern 1981 Fig 3.23 Population Concentration Pattern 1991
Considering the population concentration AROOR
N
AROOKUTTY
pattern of Alappuzha District in 2001 (Fig.3.24), it is seen

EZHUPUNNA
that one third of the population is distributed in 17 KODAMTHURUTH

PANAVALLY
local governments which include four municipal towns KUTHIATHODE

THAIKATTUSSERY LEGEND
THURAVOOR
DISTRICT BOUNDARY
(other than Chengannur), one half of the population is PATTANAKKAD
CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM
VAYALAR NATIONAL HIGHWAY

accommodated in 30 local governments including the KADAKKARAPPALLY RAILWAY LINE
five municipal towns and two third of the district CHERTHALA
CHERTHALA SOUTH
THANNEERMUKKAM
STATE HIGHWAY
ONE THIRD NET POPULATION
population is distributed in 46 local governments. These
KANJIKKUZHI HALF NET POPULATION
local governments include the existing statutory urban MARARIKKULAM NORTH
MUHAMMA
TWO THIRD NET POPULATION

areas and are located along coastal areas and the major MANNANCHERY
MARARIKKULAM SOUTH
transportation corridors. It may be generally stated that ARYAD
character of settlement, proximity to urban areas, and ALAPPUZHA

KAINAKARY
KAVALAM
alignment on the major transportation corridors (mainly NEELAMPEROOR
PULINKUNNU
NH) have a bearing on population concentration. Kochi

PUNNAPRA NORTH
VELIYANAD
PUNNAPRA SOUTH
NEDUMUDI
RAMANKARY
also influences the district. AMBALAPPUZHA NORTH

CHAMPAKKULAM
MUTTAR
AMBALAPPUZHA SOUTH

N
AROOKUTTY
AROOR PURAKKAD THIRUVANVANDOOR
PERUMBALAM
VEEYAPURAM
PANDANAD CHENGANNUR
KARUVATTA CHERUTHANA
MANNAR
EZHUPUNNA PULIYOOR
PANAVALLY BUDHANNOOR
KODAMTHURUTH HARIPAD
THRIKKUNNAPUZHA CHENNITHALA
ALA
PALLIPPAD
MULAKUZHA
CHERIYANAD
KUTHIATHODE THAIKATTUSSERY KARTHIKAPPALLY VENMONY
CHINGOLI
CHEPPAD
THURAVOOR CHETTIKULANGARA THAZHAKARA
PATTANAKAD
CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM LEGEND MUTHUKULAM
PATHIYOOR
THEKKEKARA
NOORANAD
VAYALAR
DISTRICT BOUNDARY ARATTUPUZHA
KANDALLOOR
CHUNAKKARA
KADAKKARAPPALLY KAYAMKULAM PALAMEL
LOCAL BODY BOUNDARY BHARANIKKAVU

CHERTHALA
THANNEERMUKKAM KRISHNAPURAM
CHERTHALA SOUTH
NH DEVIKULANGARA
THAMARAKKULAM
VALLIKUNNAM
SH
KANJIKUZHI
MARARIKULAM NORTH
MUHAMMA RAILWAY LINE Fig 3.25 Population Concentration Pattern 2001 - Net density
ONE THIRD 2001 POPULATION
MANNANCHERY ONE HALF 2001 POPULATION
MARARIKULAM SOUTH
TWO THIRD 2001 POPULATION

3.5.1 POPULATION CONCENTRATION PATTERN BASED
ARYAD
KAINAKARY
KAVALAM ON NET POPULATION DENSITY
ALAPPUZHA
NEELAMPEROOR
PUNNAPRA NORTH PULINKUNNU Net residential density indicates the population

VELIYANAD
CHAMPAKULAM RAMANKARY spread on the effective residential area available. Of
AMBALAPUZHA NORTH
AMBALAPUZHA SOUTH
MUTTAR
the total geographical area of the district, water bodies,
forest, paddy, rubber plantation, marshy and wasteland
CHERUTHANA
KARUVATTA VEEYAPURAM
PANDANAD CHENGANNUR etc. can not be considered as inhabitable areas. The
MANNAR
remaining area account for the area available for

PULIYOOR
BUDHANNOOR
KUMARAPURAM HARIPAD
PALLIPPAD
CHENNITHALA ALA
THRIKUNNAPUZHA
KARTHIKAPPALLY
PALLIPPAD
CHEPPAD
CHERIYANAD
MULAKUZHA
VENMONY residential purposes and the population is actually
CHINGOLI
spread on this area. The net population density is

MAVELIKARA
THAZHAKARA
CHETTIKULANGARA
PATHIYOOR
ARATTUPUZHA
CHUNAKKARA
NOORNAD
arrived at based on this net residential area. As pointed
KANDALLOOR KAYAMKULAM PALAMEL
BHARANIKKAVU
THAMARAKULAM
out earlier, the district does not have forest or hilly
DEVIKULANGARA KRISHNAPURAM THAMARAKULAM
VALLIKUNNAM areas. However there is considerable area under paddy

and waterbodies which render high net residential
Fig 3.24 Population Concentration 2001 density since effective residential area is less.

Kuttanad is an area in the district with very low Migration is the only cause of change in
gross residential density (of less than 750pp sqkm) as population other than natural causes of births and
mentioned earlier. Kuttanad is basically an agricultural deaths. Census in India collects information on
tract of extensive paddyfields and vast waterbodies. It migration based on spatial and temporal aspects. The
may be stated that the share of habitable area is very place of birth and place of last residence of a person
less due to this. Kuttanad has very high net density. provide information on the spatial aspects of
Similar to the methodology adopted earlier in arriving movement, while duration of residence provides data
at population concentration patterns, analysis on on the temporal aspects of migration. The data covers
concentration pattern based on net residential density spatial movement of persons within a state or between
is attempted. The concentration pattern is shown in the states based on crossing geographical/
Fig.3.25. One third of the population is distributed in administrative boundaries. Census, however, does not
19 local governments including the three municipal provide economic characteristics of migration. In
towns of Alappuzha, Kayamkulam and Cherthala. Half Census 2001, the reasons for migration have been
of the district population is distributed in 32 local classified into seven broad groups – work/employment,
governments which include 4 municipal towns other business, education, marriage, moved at birth, moved
than Chengannur and two third of the population is with family and others. It is observed that employment
spread in 46 local governments which include all the among males and marriage among females are the main
municipal towns. This gives an impression of the district reasons for migration. Associational reasons –
in terms of the net residential density. movement on account of accompanying parents or any
other member of the family is elicited second most
3.6 MIGRATION
important reason among both male and female
Kerala is becoming too much dependant on migrants.
migration for employment, sustenance, housing,
Census of India advocates various concepts on
household amenities, institution building, and many
migration such as Birth place migrant, Last residence
other developmental activities. The inherent danger
migrant, In-migrant, Out-migrant, Intra-district migrant,
of such dependence is that migration could stop
Inter-district migrant, Intra-state migrant, Lifetime In-
abruptly as had been shown by incidences in the past
migrant, Lifetime out-migrant etc which have different
with disastrous repercussions for the state.
connotations. Migration includes any movement within
Understanding migration trends and instituting policies
the political boundaries of the census unit which results
to maintain the flow of migration evenly is more
in a change of usual place of residence. It may consist
important today than at any time in the past. Migration
of the crossing of a village or town boundary as a
has been one of the positive outcomes of the ‘Kerala
minimum condition for qualifying the movement as
Model’ of development. The State’s dynamic social
internal migration. Thus, the concept of internal
development in the past half a century and the relative
migration involves implicitly an imposition of boundary
stagnation in its productive sectors have created ideal
lines, which must be crossed before a movement is
conditions for an acceleration of migration from the
counted as internal migration. Migrant is usually defined
state, which had its historical origins in the World War II
as a person who has moved from one politically defined
period. Bombay, Ceylon, Malaya, Gulf, America, Europe
area to another similar area. In Indian context, these
etc had been the destinations of the outmigrants from
areas are generally village in rural area and town in
the State. The accelerated process of migration, had its
urban area as per Census of India.
impact on every facet of Kerala’s economy and society.

Thus a person who moves out from one village Of the total 10740 lakh migrants in Alappuzha
or town to another village or town is termed as a migrant District, 17.41% were from rural to rural, 29.42% were
provided his/her movement is not of purely temporary from urban to urban,13.5% were from rural to urban
nature on account of casual leave, visits, tours, etc. If at and 38.55% were from urban to rural. It may be noted
the time of Census enumeration, there is a change in that the urban to rural component is considerably
the usual place of residence of an individual with significant. This is a pointer to the better living
reference to his/her birth place, he/she is defined as a conditions in the rural areas. Higher land cost in urban
migrant in accordance with ‘birth place’ concept. areas and availability of infrastructural facilities in rural
Migration rate is another important indicator. It is taken areas bolster this trend.
as the ratio of total migrants counted in the Census to
Migration has both direct and indirect impact on
its total population multiplied by 1000. While discussing the demography of the population at origin and
the migration result, the term population mobility is
destinations. The direct effects become visible
taken as a synonym to migration rate. District Census
immediately and are mostly structural in nature. The
Handbook 2001 throws light on certain aspects of indirect consequences work through behavioural
migration pertaining to the district with 1991 as the
changes on fertility, mortality and other demographic
reference year. The total population of Alappuzha
parameters. They might take a generation or more
district in 1991 census was 2001217. Out of this, 182804 before their impact on behavioural changes becomes
persons were inmigrants by place of birth who
visible on demographic parameters.
constituted 9.13% of the total population. The
percentage of total male and female in-migrants by Migrants from Kerala always included more
place of birth was 5.61% and 12.49% respectively. As males than females and migration has been a factor
regards inmigrants by place of birth from other districts contributing to the unique sex ratio (favouring females)
of the state, there were 170234 such in-migrants, who in the state, in clear contrast to other states of India.
constituted 93.12% of the total in-migrants by place of Migration has reduced the working age
birth reported in the district during 1991 census. Among population in the state and consequently increased the
them 87.91% were male in-migrants and 95.35% were proportion of children and the elderly. The increase in
female in-migrants. The percentage of in-migrants by the proportion of the elderly was not only an effect of
place of birth who migrated from other States and Union net out- migration in the working ages, but also the
Territories of India to Alappuzha district was 5.88%. effect of positive return migration at ages above 60
Among them, 10.63% were males and 3.84% were years.
females. There were 1830 inmigrants by place of birth
from other countries, who constituted 1% of the total 3.7 POPULATION PROJECTION (TREND BASED)
inmigrants by place of birth in the district. There were Population of the planning area is a major factor
more female than males in this category i.e 800 males in any planning endeavour since the ultimate
and 1030 females. They constituted 1.46% and 0.81% beneficiary of the exercise is the people. Population
respectively.Based on the flow of migrants among rural growth of an area depends on number of birth, number
and urban areas, the following observation is made. Of of death, number of inmigrants and outmigrants over
the 5 lakh intrastate migrants to Alappuzha District, the period considered for the population projection.
56.53% were migration from rural to urban, 6.28% were The accuracy of projected population depends on the
from urban to urban,17.33% were from rural to urban accuracy with which the above factors are determined.
and 19.83% were from urban to rural. The mathematical expression is as follows;

Sl no Method of population projection Suitability

Suitable where increase in population is uniform and where
1 Arithmetic Increase method
population growth is nearing saturation level.
Suitable where percentage increase in population is uniform
2 Geometrical Increase method
and in old cities
This is modification of the above two methods and gives
3 Incremental increase method
correct result where these two methods are suitable
Most suitable when the rate of increase in population goes on
4 Changing rate of increase method
reducing
Suitable when population data and details of development
5 Graphical Methods
pertaining to similar cities are available
Suitable for any area where extra ordinary changes in death
6 Logistical curve method
rate, birth rate and migration are not expected
Suitable for any area where extra ordinary changes in death
7 Apportionment method
rate, birth rate and migration are not expected
P1 = P0 + B- D + I-O , where P1 and P0 refer to the
In the Geometrical increase method average of
size of population at the beginning and end of a time
the percentage increase in population over each decade
period and B, D,I and O are the number of births, deaths,
is found out. The present population is multiplied by
immigrants and outmigrants respectively in the time
this average percentage increase in population to find
period considered. These figures are not accurately
out the added population over the present population
available. So the future population is projected from
in a decade.
the past population and trends in population growth
using appropriate techniques subject to suitable Incremental increase method is a combination
assumptions and hypotheses. Different methods are of the above two and gives the advantage of both the
there for projecting the population. methods. In this method the average increase of
population per decade and the net incremental increase
1. Arithmetic increase method
of the population per decade are found out. The net
2. Geometric increase method incremental increase in population is added to the
3. Incremental increase method average increase of population to get the corrected
average increase of population and this figure is added
4. Changing rate of increase method (Decrease
to the present population figures to get the future
rate of method)
population figures.
5. Graphical method
In the changing rate of increase method the
6. Logistical curve method percentage increase in population over each decade
7. Apportionment method and the average of the increase or decrease of net
percentage increase in population are found out. The
In the arithmetic increase method, population is
average of the increase or decrease in net percentage
assumed to be increasing at a constant rate. The average
increase in population is added (or subtracted) to the
increase in population is found from the previous
present decade’s percentage increase of population to
decade’s population data. It is added to the present
get the corrected increase of percentage of population
population figures to obtain the population in the
and the future population figures are found out.
following decades.

In the graphical method, towns having conditions 3.7.1 POPULATION PROJECTION OF ALAPPUZHA
and characteristics similar to the town whose future DISTRICT
population is to be estimated are selected. It is then
assumed that the town under consideration will also The population for 2021 is projected using the
undergo the same trends as in these towns. This various methods discussed above and the particulars
method has a logical back ground, and if statistics of are detailed below.
development of similar towns are available, quite
3.7.1.1 DECREASING RATE METHOD:
precise and reliable results are obtained. But the
limitation in this method is that even though the towns The population growth rate of 2011 & 2021 are
exhibited similar trends in growth, there are chances calculated assuming that the same percentage of
of accelerated or deccelerated growths which will decrease in population growth prevails as that of 2001
render the very assumption behind the concept for the succeeding two decades. Based on the
redundant and the projection erroneous. population growth rate calculated, the population of
Logistical curve method assumes that the the District is projected for 2011 and 2021 and the same
population of a limited space follows the growth curve is shown in Table 3.4.
characteristics of living things, provided birth, death
Table 3.4 Projected Population of district –
and migration within the limited space do not produce
Decreasing rate method
extraordinary changes. The curve is S shaped. PF
Change in
Verhulst has put forward a mathematical solution to
Total Population Population
the curve. The population P at any time t from origin Yea r
population Growth rate Growth
(t=0) with Po is the original population. rate(%)
1971 1,660,333
P = PS / (1+ m. loge 1 (nt)),where PS = Saturation
1981 1865580 12.36
Population, m,n =a constant 1991 2001083 7.26 -41.24
PS =2 POP1P2 – P12 (P0+P1)/ (P0 P2 – P12) 2001 2109004 5.39 -25.75
2011 2193459 4.00 -25.75
In the apportionment method, the population 2021 2258679 2.97 -25.75
figures from Census record is expressed as the
percentage of the population of a much wider region. Table 3.5 Projected District Population –
The ratio of the town population under consideration Apportionment method
to the population of this region is calculated for the last
three or four decades. A graph is plotted between these
Total population Ratio District
ratios and time. The extension of the graph will give Change in
Year Kerala Alappuzha to Sate
the ratio corresponding to the future years for which the ratio
x y y/x
forecasting of the population are to be done. This may 1971 21347375 1660333 0.0778
result in more accurate figures. 1981 25453680 1865580 0.0733 -0.004484
1991 29098518 2001083 0.0688 -0.004524
The table analyses the suitability of each of the
2001 31841374 2109004 0.0662 -0.002535
above methods. From the above table, it is seen that
2011 33817196 2154161 0.0637 -0.002535
the most suitable methods of population projection for 2021 35198589 2152944 0.0612 -0.002535
Alappuzha are decreasing rate method, Logistical Curve
method and apportionment method.

3.7.1.2 APPORTIONMENT METHOD: 3.8 INFERENCE
In the apportionment method the ratio of the Demographic study is a vital sector in any planning
District population to the State population is found out endeavour. The population, its characteristics and
and the same is projected to the next two decades distribution, composition, growth, trends etc are
assuming the change in the ratio during 2001 -2011 and analysed in this chapter and a forecast of the projected
2011-2021 is same the value as that during 2001-2011.In population is attempted. The population density of
order to find out the projected population in 2011 and Alappuzha district is 1489 pp sq.km which is higher than
2021, the projected population of the State during the the state figure of 819 pp sq.km. Alappuzha is the
same years are needed. The details of the population smallest district in area and has the highest population
projection of Kerala are elaborated in the Annexe III. density. The growth rate of population in the district
for the last decade is only 5.39% and is significantly
Table 3.6 Final Projected Population - District lower than that of the state (9.43%). The spatial
distribution of population shows that there is
Total population agglomeration of population in and around urban areas.
Year
Decrease rate Apportionment Unlike other districts of the state, Alappuzha does not
Average
method method have forest cover and highlands which have a bearing
2011 2,193,459 2,154,155 2,173,807 on population distribution. Though there is no specific
variation according to direction, two zones can be
2021 2,258,679 2,152,944 2,205,812
identified based on the gross population density. The
Kuttanadu region encompassing mainly of paddy fields
The projected population of the district based and waterbodies is an area of low density (density less
on the apportionment method is shown in Table 3.5. than 750 pp sq.km). The rest of the district constitute
Due to the nonavailability of required data, logistical another zone. The least density is seen at Perumbalam
curve method is not attempted. The projected total gramapanchayat (600 pp sq.km) and the maximum at
population by the two methods differs slightly. The Kadakkarappally gramapanchayat (4249 pp sq.km).
average of these two is taken as the population figures Based on the existing trends it is projected that the
of Alappuzha District. This is shown in Table 3.6 . It is population of the district will increase by 0.65 lakhs by
concluded that the total population of Alappuzha 2011 and further by 0.32 lakhs in 2021 with the
District will be 2173807 by 2011 and 2205812 by 2021. population in 2001 considered as the base year.

District Urbanisation Report - Alappuzha OCCUPATIONAL STRUCTURE 41
Chapter-4
OCCUPATIONAL STRUCTURE
In this chapter the economic base of Alappuzha 4.1 WORKFORCE OF THE DISTRICT
district is analysed to assess the major economic
Population, workforce and employment are
activities in the district and also to identify how people
closely interrelated. Any change in the size,
and resources are geographically distributed with
composition and distribution of population alters the
regard to these economic activities. This helps in
structure of the labour force. In turn, a change in the
identifying the economic sectors which can be taken as
size of the labour force, level of employment and job
activity sectors where attention is to be focused to
opportunities will affect change in the components of
enhance local economy. Moreover it helps in estimating
population.
the underutilisation or overutilisation of resources in
various economic activities as well as the demand for The work participation rate of Kerala is 32% as
facilities and services required for these economic per 2001 Census. Among the districts of the State, work
activities. Hence within the framework of the study, participation rate is maximum (43%) in Idukki and least
the analysis of economic base has a significant role. in Malappuram (24%). The work participation rate
The analysis is done on the following. (34.4%) of Alappuzha district is higher than that of the
state in 2001 (Fig.4.1). Of the total population of
1. Occupation Structure
21.09 lakhs, workers number to 7.24 lakhs. In
2. Primary sector-Agriculture and allied activities. comparison with surrounding districts, WPR of
3. Secondary sector-Industries activities. Alappuzha district is greater than that of Kottayam,
Kollam and Pathanamthitta and less than that of
4. Tertiary Sector-Service and infrastructure Ernakulam (Fig.4.2.). WPR of urban area of Alappuzha
district (36%) is highest among those of the surrounding
districts. This may be seen in Fig.4.3.
Table 4.1 Number of workers in the district

Year
Workers 1981 1991 2001
Total
614058 682172 723306
workers
Total Main
495763 602569 546990
workers
Fig 4.1 Work participation of Alappuzha-2001 Source:Census 2001

42 OCCUPATIONAL STRUCTURE District Urbanisation Report - Alappuzha
Fig 4.2 Work Participation Rate-comparison with surrounding districts
Fig 4.3 WPR of urban areas- Comparison with surrounding districts

4.2. OCCUPATIONAL STRUCTURE
The nine fold classification of workers of
Alappuzha district in 1991 is shown in Fig.4.6. From the
figure it is clear that 24% of workers were agricultural
labourers and 19% workers were engaged in other
services. For the purpose of analysis workers are
classified into primary, secondary and tertiary sector
(Fig.4.7). Primary sector includes agricultural labourers,
cultivators, livestock, forestry, fishing, hunting,
plantation, orchards and allied activities & mining and
Fig 4.4 Main, marginal & nonworkers-Alappuzha -2001 quarrying. Secondary sector includes manufacturing,
The total workers are further classified into main processing, servicing and repairs in household
and marginal workers. Main workers form 26 % of the industries and other than household industries. Tertiary
total population and marginal workers, 8.40 % of the sector includes trade and commerce, transport, storage
total population. (See Fig.4.4.) and communications and other services. As per the
above grouping 41% workers are engaged in primary
The temporal variation in the number of total
sector, 23% of workers in secondary sector and 36% of
workers and main workers is shown in Fig.4.5 and
workers in tertiary sector. (See Fig.4.7).
Table 4.1. The graph shows that, though the total
workers are gradually increasing over last three decades As per Census 2001, main workers are classified
(1981 to 2001), the number of main workers shows a into four categories viz. cultivators, agricultural
decreasing trend between 1991 and 2001 indicating a labourers, household industrial workers and other
grim picture of the current economic base of the district. workers. The other workers include the tertiary sector
Even though the number of total workers of the district workers and workers in fisheries, mining and plantation
shows increase in figures during 1991-2001, the growth etc. The cultivators and agricultural labourers constitute
rate (6.7%) of the workers during this period is less than only 13.45% of the total main workers, Household
the total population growth rate (7.38%). This indicates industry accommodate 6.73%, whereas the lion share
that the employment prospects are not increasing in of the main workers (80.82%) fall under the other
proportion to the population growth. This may be due workers category (See Fig.4.8). As mentioned earlier,
to the shrinking economic base of the district. other workers category include some of the primary
workers like fishermen, workers engaged in mining and
plantation workers. Even after excluding the workers
in primary sector category, the lion share of workers
fall in other workers. These findings pose a contrast
against the national figures where more than 60% of
the total workers are engaged in agriculture and allied
activities.
Alappuzha is one of the districts in the state
where paddy cultivation is intensive. Though the district
has a predominantly agro based economy, share of
Fig 4.5 Decadal variation of main and total workers workers in this sector is decreasing. It was seen in earlier

Fig 4.6 Nine fold classification of workers-Alappuzha-1991 Census
chapter that the land put to paddy cultivation is also

decreasing. This is an indication of the declining trend
of the agricultural sector in Alappuzha district. This is
substantiated by the fact that conversion of paddyfield
is reported in many parts of the district. A comparison
of the occupational structure of districts surrounding
Alappuzha district is shown in Fig.4.9.
Fig 4.8 Classification of main workers-2001
Table 4.2 Workers Classification-Alappuzha-’01
HH
Agr Other
Cultivators industrial
labourers w orkers
w orkers
192 78 4 886 1 36 800 442 051
Fig 4.7 Workers Classification-Alappuzha-1991
Source: Census 2001
Fig 4.9 Occupation structure of the surrounding districts 2001
The share of agriculture labourers and cultivators Certain category of workers in other workers
together constitute 13%, 22%, 21%, 33% and 13.5% of cannot be categorised under tertiary workers. Other
the total workers in Ernakulam, Kollam, Kottayam, workers category as per 2001 Census include category
Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha districts respectively of workers such as fishermen, workers engaged in
(Fig.4.8 and Fig.4.9). The total share of agricultural mining and plantation works etc which would have
labourers and cultivators of Alappuzha district is low naturally been included in primary sector. Assuming this
compared to the neighbouring districts. But the total to be 20 % in other workers, the remaining 67% of the
share of household industrial workers of Alappuzha is total workers can be considered as workers engaged in
highest among the neighbouring districts. Cultivators secondary / tertiary activity. Similar pattern exists with
and agricultural labourers constitute only 13.5% of the respect to workers classification in other districts of the
total workers whereas major share of workers (80.82%) state also. This indicates to the rural areas being less
belongs to the other workers category (See Fig.4.8). rural in character in the district as well as the state.

Fig 4.10 Classification of main workers in urban and rural areas
4.3 OCCUPATIONAL STRUCTURE – VARIATION IN 4.4 OCCUPATIONAL STRUCTURE – ESTIMATION OF

URBAN AND RURAL AREA OF ALAPPUZHA DISTRICT NINE FOLD CLASSIFICATION 2001
The four-fold category of workers in the urban Due to the differences in classification of workers
and rural areas of the district is given in Table 4.3. The in 1991 and 2001, the four fold classification of 2001 is
same values are depicted in Fig.4.10 recast to nine categories of workers to facilitate
comparison and analyse of shifts in sectoral composition
Table 4.3 Workers Classification – Urban and
of workers. This recast is hypothetical only and limited
Rural area-2001
to the purpose of comparison only.
HH ind Other
Cultivators Agri laborers Based on the total number of workers and work
workers workers
participation rate, the nine fold classification in 2001 is
Urban 1118 6115 12904 162080
estimated and is shown in Fig.4.11
Rural 18160 42746 23896 279971
From the comparison of nine fold classification
Source:Census 2001 of 1991 and recast nine fold classification of 2001, it is
Cultivators /agricultural labourers form 4% and seen that work force in household industries, other
16% in urban and rural areas respectively. The than household industries, trade and commerce,
household industrial workers share is nearly the same transport, storage and communication and others show
at 7% in both the urban and rural areas. This indicates an increasing trend where as workers in cultivators and
that majority of the workers (89%) in urban area depend agricultural labourers show decreasing trend. When
on the tertiary sector for their livelihood. However it is grouped into primary, secondary and tertiary sectors
remarked that the share of workers in house hold (Fig.4.11). 28% of the total workers are engaged in
industry is high in the district when compared to other primary sector, 27% of workers in secondary sector and
districts. The district stands at second in the state. 45% of workers in tertiary sector.

Fig 4.11 Nine fold classification of workers (Estimated)-2001

When compared with 1991 census (Fig.4.12) a tertiary sector (8%).It is also observed that the increase
significant shift in the occupational structure of the in share of workers in tertiary sector is twice the
district, from primary to tertiary and secondary sector increase in secondary sector. This indicates to the
is observed for 2001. About 12% decrease is observed relative strengths and weaknesses in these sectors. LSG
in the share of primary sector workers during 1991-2001. wise distribution of primary, secondary and tertiary
This decrease is absorbed by secondary sector (4%) and workers is shown in Fig.4.13. Primary workers are
Workers
Workers classification 2001
classification1991
28%
36% Primary
41% 45%
Secondary
Tertiary
27%
23%
Fig 4.12 Workers Classification-1991 and 2001

Tertiary workers are concentrated more in the

municipal areas and south eastern regions and the
share is least in the Kuttanad region. The share of tertiary
workers in the district is in the range 19%– 81%. The
share of tertiary workers in Kuttanad region is less than
40%. The share of tertiary workers in the municipal
towns is more than 50%. The share of tertiary workers
is more in Mavelikara Municipality (80.81%) and least
in Kainakary Gramapanchayat (19.5%).
4.5 SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF MAJOR CLASS OF

WORKERS
In order to understand the distribution of the
various class of workers and their concentrations, and
to compare these on a platform, the concept of
concentration index is made use of. Concentration
index is an index of the concentration of a particular
category in the area under consideration to that under
a larger area.
AROOKUTTY
AROOR
PERUMBALAM
N
EZHUPUNNA
PANAVALLY
KODAMTHURUTH
KUTHIATHODE
THAIKATTUSSERY
THURAVOOR
Fig 4.13 LSG wise distribution of workers-2001 CHE NNAMPALLIPPURAM

PATTANAKAD
VAY ALAR
KADAKKARAPPALLY
LEGEND
concentrated more in the Kuttanadu region and the CHERTHALA
THANNEERMUKKAM
CHERTHALA SOUTH
CONCENTRATION INDEX
south east portion of the district. The share of primary LESS THAN 1
KANJIKUZHI
MARARIKULAM NORTH
1 - 2
workers in the district is in the range 6%-76%. All the MUHAMMA
2 - 3
five municipal towns show less share of primary MANNANCHERY
MARARIKULAM SOUTH 3 - 4
> 4
workers (less than 15%). Share of primary workers is ARYAD
KAVALAM
KAINAKARY
NH
more in Kainakary Gramapanchayat (76.81%) and least
ALAPPUZHA
NEELAMPEROOR SH
RAILWAY LINE
in Cherthala Municipality (6.13%). Secondary workers
PULINKUNNU
PUNNAPRA NORTH
VELIY ANAD
RAMANKARY
are concentrated more in the northern region and AMBALAPUZHA NORTH

CHAMPAKULAM
MUTTAR
AMBALAPUZHA SOUTH
coastal regions. The share of secondary workers is least THAKAZHY EDATHUA THALAVADY
in the Kuttanad and south eastern region. The share of CHERUTHANA

KARUVATTA V EEYAPURAM
MANNAR
PANDANAD CHENGANNUR
PULIY OOR
secondary workers in the district is in the range 4-60%. KUMARAPURAM

THRIKUNNAPUZ HA
HARIPAD
PALLIPPAD
CHENNITHALA
BUDHANNOOR
ALA
MULAKUZHA
CHERIYANAD
The share of secondary workers in the five municipal KARTHIKAPPALLY

CHINGOLI CHEPPAD
MAVELIKARA
CHETTIKULANGARA
THAZHAKARA
VENMONY
towns is in 12%-40%. Share of secondary workers is MUTHUKULAM
ARATTUPUZHA
PATHIY OOR
THEKKEKARA
NOORNAD
CHUNAKKARA
KANDALLOOR
more in Kanjikuzhi Gramapanchayat (60%) and least in KAY AMKULAM
KRISHNAPURAM
BHARANIKKAVU
PALAMEL
THAMARAKULAM
DEVIKULANGARA
Kainakary Gramapanchayat (3.68%). VALLIKUNNAM
Fig 4.14 Concentration Index of Agricultural labourers

The concentration pattern gives a picture on the AROOR
AROOKUTTY
AR OOKUTTY
N
PERUMBALAM
relative intensity of a particular category among the EZHUPUNNA
PANAVALLY
KODAMTHURUTH
LSGs within the district. The concentration index KUTHIATHODE

THAIKATTUSSERY
[(number of workers of a particular class of workers in a THURAVOOR
CHENNAM PALLIPPURAM
PATTANAKAD
local body /total number of workers)/(number of KADAKKARAPPALLY

VAYALAR
LEGEND
workers of the same class of workers in the district/ CHERTHALA
CHERT HALA SOUTH

THANNEERMUKKAM
CONCENTRATION INDEX
< 1
total number of workers in the district)] of the four KANJIKUZHI
M ARARIKULAM NORTH
1 - 2
MUHAM MA
2 - 3
classes of workers, viz: cultivators, agricultural labourers, > 3
household industrial workers and other workers are
MANNANCHERY
M ARARIKULAM SOUTH
NH
ARYAD
SH
calculated for each LSG and its spatial variation is KAINAKARY
KAVALAM
RAILWAY LINE
ALAPPUZHA
analysed. Fig.4.14 shows the variation of concentration NEELAMPEROOR
PULINKUNNU
PUNNAPRA NORTH
index of agricultural labourers LSG wise. From the figure PUNNAPRA SOUTH
NEDUMUDI
VELIYANAD
RAMANKARY
CHAMPAKULAM
it is clear that agricultural labourers are concentrated AMBALAPUZ HA NORTH
AMBALAPUZHA SOUTH
M UTTAR
in the Kuttanad region and the Onattukara region (south THAKAZHY EDATHUA THALAVADY
T HIRUVANVANDOOR
PURAKKAD
east portion of the district). Fig.4.15 shows the CHERUTHANA

MANNAR
PANDANAD CHENGANNUR
PULIYOOR
BUDHANNOOR
concentration index of cultivators and the distribution THRIKUNNAPUZHA KUMARAPURAM

THRIKUNNAPUZHA
HARIPAD
PALLIPPAD
CHENNITHALA
CHERIYANAD
ALA
MULAKUZHA
KARTHIKAPPALLY VENM ONY
pattern shows the same trend as that of agricultural CHINGOLI CHEPPAD

CHEPPAD MAVELIKARA
CHETTIKULANGARA
THAZHAKARA
MUT HUKULAM THEKKEKARA
labourers. The Kuttanadu region and Onattukara region ARATTUPUZ HA

PATHIYOOR
CHUNAKKARA
NOORNAD
KANDALLOOR
KAYAM KULAM PALAM EL
account for the concentration of cultivators and KRISHNAPURAM

DEVIKULANGARA
BHARANIKKAVU
THAM ARAKULAM
agricultural labourers in this region.

VALLIKUNNAM
AROOKUTTY N
Fig 4.16 Concentration Index of Household Industrial workers
AROOR
PERUMBALAM
AROOKUTTY
AROOR N
EZHUPUNNA PERUMBALAM
PANAVALLY
KODAMTHURUTH
EZHUPUNNA
KUTHIATHODE PANAVALLY
THAIKATTUSSERY KODAMTHURUTH
THURAVOOR
KUTHIATHODE
THAIKATTUSSERY
CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM
PATTANAKAD THURAVOOR
VAYALAR
KADAKKARAPPALLY
LEGEND PATTANAKAD
CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM
VAYALAR
CHERTHALA
THANNEERMUKKAM
CONCENTRATION INDEX KADAKKARAPPALLY
LEGEND
CHERTHALA SOUTH
LESS THAN 1 CHERTHALA

CONCENTRATION INDEX
THANNEERMUKKAM
CHERTHALA SOUTH
KANJIKUZHI 1 - 2 0 - 0.5
MARARIKULAM NORTH
MUHAMMA
2 - 3 KANJIKUZHI 0.5 - 1
MARARIKULAM NORTH
MUHAMMA
3 - 4 1 - 1.5
MANNANCHERY
MARARIKULAM SOUTH
> 4 NH
MANNANCHERY
ARYAD
NH MARARIKULAM SOUTH
SH
KAVALAM
KAINAKARY
SH ARYAD
RAILWAY LINE
ALAPPUZHA
NEELAMPEROOR
RAILWAY LINE KAVALAM
KAINAKARY
ALAPPUZHA
PULINKUNNU NEELAMPEROOR
PUNNAPRA NORTH
VELIYANAD
PUNNAPRA SOUTH
NEDUMUDI PULINKUNNU
PUNNAPRA NORTH
RAMANKARY
CHAMPAKULAM VELIYANAD
AMBALAPUZHA NORTH
MUTTAR
RAMANKARY
AMBALAPUZHA SOUTH CHAMPAKULAM
AMBALAPUZHA NORTH
MUTTAR
AMBALAPUZHA SOUTH
PURAKKAD THIRUVANVANDOOR THAKAZHY EDATHUA THALAVADY
CHERUTHANA PANDANAD CHENGANNUR

MANNAR PURAKKAD THIRUVANVANDOOR
PULIYOOR
CHERUTHANA PANDANAD
BUDHANNOOR CHENGANNUR
KUMARAPURAM HARIPAD CHENNITHALA MANNAR
THRIKUNNAPUZHA ALA
PALLIPPAD PULIYOOR
MULAKUZHA
CHERIYANAD BUDHANNOOR
VENMONY KUMARAPURAM HARIPAD CHENNITHALA
KARTHIKAPPALLY
THRIKUNNAPUZHA ALA
CHINGOLI PALLIPPAD
CHEPPAD
MULAKUZHA
MAVELIKARA CHERIYANAD
THAZHAKARA
CHETTIKULANGARA VENMONY
KARTHIKAPPALLY
CHINGOLI CHEPPAD
PATHIYOOR MAVELIKARA
THAZHAKARA
NOORNAD CHETTIKULANGARA
ARATTUPUZHA CHUNAKKARA MUTHUKULAM THEKKEKARA

KANDALLOOR PATHIYOOR
KAYAMKULAM PALAMEL NOORNAD
BHARANIKKAVU
KRISHNAPURAM KANDALLOOR
THAMARAKULAM KAYAMKULAM PALAMEL
DEVIKULANGARA
BHARANIKKAVU
VALLIKUNNAM
KRISHNAPURAM
THAMARAKULAM
DEVIKULANGARA
VALLIKUNNAM
Fig 4.15 Concentration Index of Cultivators Fig 4.17 Concentration Index of Other workers
Fig.4.16 shows the concentration index of AROOKUTTY
AROOR N
household industrial workers. From the figure it is clear EZHUPUNNA

PERUMBALAM
that the household industrial workers are concentrated KODAMTHURUTH

PANAVALLY
in the Cherthala area and the coastal areas around THURAVOOR
CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM
Purakkad. PATTANAKAD
VAYALAR
KADAKKARAPPALLY
LEGEND
Fig.4.17 illustrates the varying intensities of CHERTHALA
CHERTHALA SOUTH
THANNEERMUKKAM
CONCENTRATION INDEX
concentration index of other workers among the LSGs MARARIKULAM NORTH
KANJIKUZHI
LESS THAN 1
MUHAMMA
GREATER THAN OR EQUAL TO 1
of the district. It is evident that LSGs in the Kuttanadu NH
MANNANCHERY
SH
area exhibit least index of concentration of other MARARIKULAM SOUTH
RAILWAY LINE
ARYAD
workers. All the municipal towns and LSG in Local ALAPPUZHA

KAINAKARY
KAVALAM
Governments.
NEELAMPEROOR

VELIYANAD
4.6 ACTIVITY PATTERN BASED ON CONCENTRATION CHAMPAKULAM RAMANKARY
AMBALAPUZHA NORTH
MUTTAR
INDEX
AMBALAPUZHA SOUTH
For analyzing the activity pattern of the district, CHERUTHANA

MANNAR
PANDANAD CHENGANNUR
PULIYOOR
the concentration index of primary sector workers, KUMARAPURAM HARIPAD

THRIKUNNAPUZHA
PALLIPPAD
CHENNITHALA
BUDHANNOOR
ALA
CHERIYANAD
MULAKUZHA
secondary sector workers and tertiary sector workers CHINGOLI

CHEPPAD
MAVELIKARA
CHETTIKULANGARA
THAZHAKARA
are calculated for each LSG (see Annexe IV) and the ARATTUPUZHA
PATHIYOOR
CHUNAKKARA
NOORNAD
KANDALLOOR
spatial variation is analysed (Fig.4.18, 4.19, 4.20, 4.21).

KAYAMKULAM PALAMEL
BHARANIKKAVU
THAMARAKULAM
VALLIKUNNAM
Fig 4.19 Concentration of workers in secondary sector

AROOKUTTY
AR OOR N
PERUMBALAM
AROOKUTTY
AROOR
EZHUPUNNA PERUMBALAM N
PANAVALLY
KODAMTHURUTH
EZHUPUNNA
KUTHIATHODE PANAVALLY
THAIKATTUSSERY KODAMTHURUTH
T HURAVOOR
KUTHIATHODE
THAIKATTUSSERY
CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM
PATTANAKAD THURAVOOR
VAYALAR
CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM
KADAKKARAPPALLY LEGEND PATTANAKAD

VAYALAR
CHERT HALA
CHERTHALA SOUTH
THANNEERMUKKAM
CONCENTRATION INDEX KADAKKARAPPALLY LEGEND
CHERTHALA
LESS THAN 1 CHERTHALA SOUTH
THANNEERMUKKAM
CONCENTRATION INDEX
KANJIKUZHI
MARARIKULAM NORTH
MUHAMMA GREATER THAN OR EQUAL TO 1 LESS THAN 1
KANJIKUZHI
NH MARARIKULAM NORTH
MUHAMMA
MANNANCHERY SH NH
MARARIKULAM SOUTH
RAILWAY LINE MANNANCHERY

SH
ARYAD MARARIKULAM SOUTH
KAVALAM RAILWAY LINE

ARYAD
K AINAKARY
ALAPPUZ HA
KAVALAM
NEELAMPEROOR
KAINAKARY
ALAPPUZHA
PULINKUNNU NEELAMPEROOR
PUNNAPRA NORTH
VELIYANAD
PUNNAPRA SOUTH NEDUMUDI PULINKUNNU
PUNNAPRA NORTH
RAMANKARY
CHAMPAKULAM VELIYANAD
AMBALAPUZHA NORTH
MUTT AR
RAMANKARY
AMBALAPUZHA SOUTH CHAMPAKULAM
AMBALAPUZHA NORTH
MUTTAR
THAKAZ HY EDATHUA THALAVADY
AMBALAPUZHA SOUTH
PUR AK KAD THIRUVANVANDOOR THAKAZHY EDATHUA THALAVADY

KARUVAT TA VEEYAPURAM MANNAR PURAKKAD THIRUVANVANDOOR
PULIYOOR
CHERUTHANA PANDANAD
BUDHANNOOR CHENGANNUR
HARIPAD KARUVATTA VEEYAPURAM
KUMARAPURAM CHENNIT HALA MANNAR
THRIKUNNAPUZ HA ALA
PALLIPPAD PULIYOOR
MULAKUZHA
CHERIYANAD BUDHANNOOR
KUMARAPURAM HARIPAD
KARTHIKAPPALLY VENMONY CHENNITHALA
THRIKUNNAPUZHA ALA
CHINGOLI PALLIPPAD
CHEPPAD
MULAKUZHA
MAVELIKARA CHERIYANAD
THAZHAKARA
CHETTIKULANGARA VENMONY
KARTHIKAPPALLY
THEKKEKARA CHINGOLI CHEPPAD
MUTHUKULAM
PATHIYOOR MAVELIKARA
THAZHAKARA
NOOR NAD CHETTIKULANGARA
ARATTUPUZ HA CHUNAKKARA MUTHUKULAM THEKKEKARA

KANDALLOOR PATHIYOOR
KAYAMKULAM PALAMEL NOORNAD
BHARANIKKAVU
KR ISHNAPURAM KANDALLOOR
THAMARAKULAM KAYAMKULAM PALAMEL
DEVIKULANGARA
BHARANIKKAVU
VALLIKUNNAM
KRISHNAPURAM
THAMARAKULAM
DEVIKULANGARA
VALLIKUNNAM
Fig 4.18 Concentration of workers in primary sector Fig 4.20 Concentration of workers in tertiary sector
Fig 4.21 Activity Pattern of LSG’s evolved based on concentration pattern of workers
It is seen that primary workers are concentrated 4.7 OCCUPATIONAL STRUCTURE -TEMPORAL
more in the region of Kuttanad and LSGs on the VARIATION
southeast part of the district. Secondary workers are The number of various categories of workers
concentrated in the northern region and some coastal from 1981 to 2001 in the district is shown in the Table
LSGs and the tertiary workers are concentrated more in 4.1. Cultivators and agricultural labourers show drastic
and around the urban areas and the southern part of decrease in total number (a decrease of approximately
the district. Overlaying the above concentration pattern 50%) during the period from 1981 to 2001, whereas the
of primary, secondary and tertiary workers an activity other workers show an increase of 20%. This is a clear
pattern based on work force can be evolved as below. indication of the weakening of the primary sector, mainly
Primary Activity the agricultural sector, in the district.
Secondary Activity
Table 4.4 Number of various category of workers
Tertiary Activity in urban area
Combination of Primary & Secondary Activities Agri H H Ind
Year Cultivators Others
Combination of Primary & Tertiary Activities Labourers Workers
1981 1671 8009 4689 66039
Combination of Secondary & Tertiary Activities 1991 5064 20455 22878 135916
The activity pattern evolved in this manner is 2001 1118 6115 12904 162080
illustrated in Fig.4.21 Source:Census 2001

Fig.4.22 and Table 4.4 show the variation of the
From the above analysis, it is seen that primary
number of urban workers in different category from
activity is predominant in 21 LSGs, secondary activity in
1981 to 2001. There is significant increase in the category
14 LSGs and tertiary activity in 11 LSGs. The remaining
of other workers during this period, meanwhile the
32 LSGs have varying combinations of the above activity
category of workers in cultivators and agricultural
patterns. (3 LSGs have combination of primary and
labourers are in the decline during the same period.
secondary activity, 18 LSGs with combination of primary
and tertiary and 11 LSGs with combination of secondary
and tertiary activity). The district is a mix of LSGs of
predominance of varying sectors of occupation.
However a spatial pattern indicating the area of
predominance can be observed. The list of LSGs and
the various combinations of activities of predominance
is given at Annexe IV.
These observations are important as far as the
occupational structure of the district is concerned. The
traditional occupationl structure of the district is Fig 4.22 Variation in the number of workers in different
susceptible to changes in light of the existing trends in category in urban area
development and living habits of the people. This can The Fig.4.23 and Table 4.5 show the variation of
be best understood from the analysis of the different category of workers in the rural area during
occupational structure and changes in landuse. the period from 1981- 2001. The pattern of change in
Agriculture and coir industries influenced the economy the number of workers in different categories show
of the district in the past. that the rural area also exhibits the same pattern as
Table 4.5 Number of various category of workers
in rural area
Agri H H Ind
Year Cultivators Others
Labourers Workers
1981 37500 119120 46513 211320
1991 42955 125163 35639 214499
2001 18160 42746 23896 279971
Fig 4.23 Variation in the number of workers in rural area Source:Census 2001
1981 1991 2001

2% 3%
0.61% 3.89%
8% 5%
8.06%
17%
Cultivators
Agri laborers
11%
HH Ind workers
69% Others
87.44%
85%
Fig 4.24 Changes in the occupational structure in urban areas of the district
1981 1991 2001
5.21%
Cultivators
9% 11%
18.02% Agri laborers

49%
30% 28% 6.83%
52% HH Ind
69.93% Workers
9% Others
12%
Fig 4.25 Changes in the occupational structure in rural areas of the district
that of the urban area. This indicates that the primary Alappuzha is an agriculture dominant district and
sector activity, mainly agricultural activity is on the hence cultivators and agricultural labourers constituted
decline in rural areas of the district. a considerable share of the workforce. Paddy cultivation
is labour intensive and employs male and female
The occupational structure of the urban areas of
specialisations of activities. Labourers from other parts
the district over 1981, 1991 and 2001 is given in Fig 4.24.
of the district and even other neighbouring districts
This illustrates the shift in the urban occupational
used to find employment in the agricultural tracts of
structure over this period. The occupational structure
the district. Since there is a mismatch in the escalating
of the rural areas of the district over 1981, 1991 and
production costs in agriculture and the price of
2001 is given in Fig 4.25. This illustrates the shift in the
agriculture produces, agriculture is becoming less
rural occupational structure over this period.
profitable and attractive. Paddyland filling and
conversions for other uses accentuate this trend.

Fishing accounts for around 10% of the work It may be stated that during the last few decades,
force, dominated by those involved in marine fisheries. there has been a marked shift in the occupational
There has been a steady decline in the marine fish pattern of the district. This can be assigned to many
landings indicating severe resource depletion crisis. factors as mentioned earlier. The change in attitude of
Rising level of pollution and disruption of natural fish people, change in economic status, availability of
migration cycle due to Thannermukkom barrage have transport facilities, ease in transport and
had devastating impact on inland fisheries. Sand and communication, better linkages with the rest of the
shell mining constitutes another minor occupation in world, exposure to other employment opportunities,
the primary sector. The lime shells in the backwaters, developments in other economic sectors like tourism,
which is amenable to manual mining, are getting rapidly social and political atmosphere etc have contributed
exhausted. The traditional shell miners are unable to to this shift in occupational pattern.
compete with mechanical dredgers or imports of The shift in the occupational structure of the
cheaper substitutes. Similarly most of the sand dunes district during the last decades will certainly reflect in
in Cherthala-Pallippuram area have already been the landuse pattern also since activities are manifested
mined. Given the crisis in the primary sectors, majority on land and the change in occupational structure and
of the people depends upon industrial and service change in landuse are interdependent.
sectors for livelihood. A considerable share of the work
force is employed in the manufacturing sector mainly 4.8 INFERENCE
in coir yarn spinning and coir products manufacturing The backbone of the economy of any region is
industry. The coir yarn spinning and coir yawn weaving the production sector. The analysis of the occupational
are predominantly female occupation and carried structure of the district depicts a not so bright picture
entirely in the household sector. Coir weaving is mainly of the economic base of the district. The production
a male occupation with women employed in ancillary sector including agriculture and industrial sectors shows
activities. Coir hand spinning in which the region used declining trends of growth. The service sector which is
to specialise in the past is losing ground gradually. The to supplement the production sector shows growth.
coir weaving sector faces severe unemployment due Majority of the urban population depends on the
to over capacity, mechanisation, and fluctuations in service sector for their livelihood. It is observed that
demand. Coconut processing for making Copra has been rural area of the district is also slowly withdrawing from
an important occupation in areas adjoining Alappuzha primary sector and is leaning more on service sector.
town . Most of the copra yards are today closed down. The shift in occupational structure is conspicuous.

District Urbanisation Report - Alappuzha LANDUSE 55
Chapter-5
LANDUSE
Land and use thereon form a major determinant 5.1 LANDUSE PATTERN OF KERALA STATE
in spatial planning. The entire process of planning is Based on the landuse data from the Natural
focused finally at preservation or regulated change in Resources and Environmental Data Base, the landuse
landuse of the constituent parcel of land in the area for of Kerala is categorized under nine major categories
which planning is conceived. To understand the existing and the percentage share of these categories is shown
situation and to plan for the future, the exact share of in Table 5.1 and Fig.5.1. Accordingly, the predominant
the land to which each of the predominant activity (use) landuse of the state is a mix of residential and
such as agriculture, residential, commercial, etc, are put agricultural uses which constitute 48.38% of the total
to, has to be determined. The analysis of the existing land area. It can be further seen that forest area of the
landuse is inevitable in understanding the predominant state contribute nearly 23.18 % of the total area making
economic activities of an area as well as the likely the forest landuse the second highest landuse of the
availability of land for future economic activities. The state. The landuse in agriculture and plantations
analysis of the landuse pattern and economic activity together constitute 20.18% (Agricultural 10.17% and
as well as linkages between these on a spatial platform plantation 10.01%) of total area. The above analysis
is done for the LSGs in the district. This would have further support the peculiar scenario of the state in
been more realistic had the data been procured through terms of urban rural continuum, highly scattered
primary survey. Since the collection and compilation of settlement pattern, and traditional homestead type of
data through such a process is time consuming, the development.
satellite imagery data from IRS P6 LISS-IV Mx/LISS-III/
PAN of 2003-04 (Indian Satellite Data) which forms part 5.2 LANDUSE BREAK UP OF ALAPPUZHA DISTRICT
of Natural Resources and Environmental Database, The total geographical area of the district is
procured from State Landuse Board is made use of. 1422sq.km. The breakup of share of individual landuse
This data base is basically agriculture oriented and hence of the district is shown in Table 5.2 and Fig5.2. The
the analysis has a limitation to this extent. landuse map of the district is given in Fig.5.3. The largest
Land undergoes tremendous transformations share of landuse falls under the category Residential /
due to sprawls in urbanization, industrialisation, and Agricultural mix, which includes mainly dry agriculture
agriculturalisation even though the impact of these lands wherein residential and agriculture
have varying effects. The changes in landuse affect the developments coexist. The district has 215.10sq km of
ecosystem in terms of land cover, land quality and agricultural land and 2.13sq km of land under intense
capability, weather and climate, quantity of land that residential landuse. There is no forest in the district.
can be sustained and in short the whole population and Waterbodies have a significant share (182.8sq km) in
socio-economic determinants. the landuse of the district as per NRE Data base.

56 LANDUSE District Urbanisation Report - Alappuzha
Table 5.1 Landuse breakup -Kerala Table 5.2 Landuse breakup - Alappuzha
Share in % to Area
SI No Landuse Sl No Landuse Percentage
total area (sqkm)
1 Forest 23.20 1 Forest 0.00 0.00
2 Water bodies 3.01 2 Water bodies 182.83 12.85
3 Marshy Land 0.34 3 Marshy Land 3.17 0.22
4 Residential 3.86 4 Residential 2.13 0.15
5 Agriculture 9.72 5 Agriculture 215.10 15.12
6 Plantation 10.93 6 Plantation 0.00 0.00
7 Res/Agr Mix 40.69 7 Res/Agr Mix 1003.47 70.55
8 Other Built up Landuse 0.65 8 Other Built up Landuse 8.96 0.63
9 Others 7.60 9 Others 6.75 0.47
Total 100.00 Total 1422.41 100.00
Source: NREDB Source: NREDB
Fig 5.1 Landuse break up -Kerala state Fig 5.2 Landuse break up -Alappuzha district
Table 5.3 Comparison of Landuse break up of Alappuzha District and Kerala State
% share for the

Sl No Landuse Category Area(sqkm) % share of the district corresponding area for
state
1 Fore st 0.00 0.00 23.20
2 Water bodie s 182.83 12.85 3.01
3 Marshy Land 3.17 0.22 0.34
4 Reside ntial 2.13 0.15 3.86
5 Agriculture 215.10 15.12 9.72
6 Plantation 0.00 0.00 10.93
7 Res/Agr Mix 1003.47 70.55 40.69
8 Other Built up Landuse 8.96 0.63 0.65
9 Others 6.75 0.47 7.60
Total 1422.41 100.00 100.00
Source: NREDB
N LEGEND
From the analysis of landuse of the district, it is Backwaters
clear that, the major portion of the total land area of AROO R AROOKUTTY
PE RUMBALAM Banana
Banana & Tapioca
the district comes under three major uses– Residential/
EZHUPUNNA
KO DAMTHURUTH
PANAVALLY
Beaches
Agricultural mix (70.55 %), Agriculture (15.12 %) and KUTHIATHO DE

THAIKATTUSSERY
Canal
THURAVO OR Coconut
Waterbody (12.85 %). The noteworthy feature of the PATTANAKAD
VAYALAR
CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM
Coconut dominant mixed crop

Commercial
landuse is that the district is blessed with potential KAD AKKARAPPALLY
Current fallow
CHERTHALA
resources- paddy land for agricultural development and

THANNEERMUKKAM
CHERTHALA SOUTH
Double crop
Land with scrub
perennial navigable and interconnected waterbodies MARARIKULAM NORTH
KANJIKUZHI
MUHAMMA
Marshy
ideal for waterfront tourism development. Mixed built-up

Mixed crop
MANNANCHERY
MARARIKULAM SO UTH
Perennial
5.3 REGIONAL LANDUSE
ARYAD
KAVALAM
Residential
KAINAKARY
A
ALAPPUZHA
Residential (Converted from Paddy)
S E
NEELAMPERO OR
To analyse and to understand the landuse PULINKUNNU

Rubber
P
Sands/riverine
composition of the district, the situations at the
V ELIYANAD
E E
PUNNAPRA SOUTH
NED UMUDI
RAMANKARY
CHAMPAKULAM
Viruppu(1st crop)
A D
AMBALAPUZHA NO RTH
macrolevel and regional level are to be probed. The

MUTTAR
Water bodies
H
AMBALAPUZHA SO UTH
S
THAKAZHY ED ATHUA THALAVADY
landuse of Kerala and neighbouring districts of

A K
THIRUVANV AND OO R
PURAKKAD
Alappuzha (Kollam, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and L

CHE RUTHANA PAND ANAD CHENGANNUR
VEE YAPURAM
KARUV ATTA
MANNAR
PUL IYOO R
BUD HANNO OR
HARIPAD
Ernakulam) are studied and the analysis of the district

ALA
THRIKUNNAPUZHA PALLIPPAD
MULAKUZHA
CHERIYANAD
KARTHIKAPPALLY VENMO NY
landuse against this backdrop leads to meaningful

CHINGOL I
CHEPPAD
MAV ELIKARA
CHETTIKUL ANGARA THAZ HAKARA
MUTHUKULAM THEKKE KARA
PATHIYO OR
observations and inferences. An attempt is made to ARATTUPUZHA
KANDALLO OR
CHUNAKKARA
NOORNAD
KAYAMKULAM PALAMEL
compare the landuse pattern of Alappuzha with the

BHARANIKKAVU
KRISHNAPURAM THAMARAKULAM
D EVIKULANGARA
V ALLIKUNNAM
state as well as surrounding districts. Landuse pattern

of Alappuzha in comparison with Kerala is shown in
Table 5.3. As may be seen, the predominant landuse in
the district is a mix of residential and agriculture uses.
Fig 5.3 Landuse map -Alappuzha district
Table 5.4 Comparison of Landuse break up of Alappuzha and surrounding districts
Sl Alappuzha Ernakulam Kottayam Pathanamthitta Kollam

Landuse Category
No
area % area % area % area % area %
1 Fores t 0.00 0 .00 6 61.02 21 .71 1 9.3 0 0.8 8 12 03 .73 45 .34 5 96 .48 2 3.6 4
2 W a ter bodi es 1 82.8 3 12 .85 1 74.58 5 .74 8 0.1 1 3.6 5 3 1.6 0 1 .19 1 05 .88 4 .20
3 Ma rs hy La nd 3.17 0 .22 0.0 0 0 .00 1 4.7 4 0.6 7 3 1.5 1 1 .19 33 .86 1 .34
4 Res i denti a l 2.13 0 .15 2 33.53 7 .67 2 07 .92 9.4 7 20 0.2 0 7 .54 2 45 .68 9 .74
5 Agri cul ture 2 15.1 0 15 .12 2 75.26 9 .04 1 98 .15 9.0 3 9 0.2 5 3 .40 1 39 .02 5 .51
6 Pl a nta ti on 0.00 0 .00 1 74.82 5 .74 14 11 .85 64.33 8 2.3 0 3 .10 5 56 .08 2 2.0 3
7 Res /Agr Mi x 10 03 .47 70 .55 1 483 .61 48 .74 5.6 2 0.2 6 90 9.1 4 34 .24 7 64 .98 3 0.3 1
8 O ther Bui l t up La ndus e 8.96 0 .63 3.4 0 0 .11 1 3.7 1 0.6 2 0 .01 0 .00 81 .67 3 .24
9 O thers 6.75 0 .47 37.8 7 1 .24 2 43 .34 11.09 10 6.2 7 4 .00 0.0 0 0 .00
Tota l a rea i n s qkm 14 22 .41 10 0.0 0 3 044 .09 10 0.0 0 21 94 .74 100 .00 26 54 .99 10 0.00 2 52 3.6 5 10 0.0 0
Source: NREDB
The comparison of category wise landuse with

that of Kerala shows that the share of total agriculture
land is high in Alappuzha district. The share of
Residential / Agricultural landuse category is also high
compared to state.
The comparison of landuse pattern of Alappuzha
district with neighbouring districts (Kollam, Kottayam,
Pathanamthitta and Ernakulam), is made in Table 5.4.
Fig 5.5 Comparison of the share of Residential landuse in the
Alappuzha district is the only district in the state
surrounding districts
without forest land.
In case of wet agriculture landuse, Ernakulam
The share of various categories of landuse of the shows dominance (7.28%) in the State and Alappuzha
district to the state is illustrated here. Residential has a share of 5.69% of agricultural land in the state
landuse which include landuses categorised as Mixed (Fig.5.6).
built-up/Mixed built-up converted from paddy,
Residential, and Residential (Converted from paddy)
shows higher concentration in Kollam District with
16.38% of the total area under this category in the state.
The corresponding share for Alappuzha District is only
0.14%. The value is least among the surrounding
districts(Fig.5.4).This shows the spread of the total
residential area of the state among the districts.
Fig 5.6 Comparison of the districtwise share of Agricultural
landuse of the state
The comparison of percentage of agriculture
landuse of each district is shown in Fig.5.7. The figure
shows that Alappuzha district has the highest
percentage (15.12%) followed by Ernakulam (9.04%) and
Kottayam (9.03%).
Fig 5.4 Comparison of the districtwise share of Residential

landuse of the state
A comparison on the share of residential landuse
in Alappuzha and surrounding districts is shown in
Fig.5.5 The figure shows that Kollam district shows
highest share (9.74%) followed by Kottayam(9.47%),
Ernakulam(7.67%) and Pathanamthitta (7.54%).
Alappuzha has the lowest share of only 0.15% (Fig.5.5).
As may be seen, the vast backwaters and extensive Fig 5.7 Comparison of the share of Agricultural landuse in the
paddyfields lead to this. surrounding districts

Res / Agri mix category include mainly dry Concentration index is an index of the
agriculture landuses. Compared to the other districts concentration of a particular activity/landuse in the
of Kerala, Ernakulam shows dominance among the area under consideration to that under a larger area.
surrounding districts (9.38%) and Alappuzha is second The concentration pattern of a landuse gives a clear
highest (6.34%) (Fig.5.8) in the concentration of mix of picture on the relative intensity and concentration of
residential and agricultural landuses. the particular landuse among the LSGs within the
district. LSG with Concentration Index greater than one
indicates that the intensity of the landuse under
consideration is on the higher side in the LSG when
compared to other LSGs in the district.
Using the above concept, concentration indices
of major categories of landuse (Water Bodies, Marshy
Land, Residential, Agriculture, Resi/Agri Mix, Other built
up landuse and Others) are analysed.
Fig 5.8 Comparison of the districtwise share of Resi/Agri mixed
landuse of the state The regional landuse study shows a general
The percentage share of Resi/Agri mixed landuse observation that Alappuzha stands at the second
of each district is shown in Fig.5.9. The figure shows position in comparison with the surrounding districts
that Alappuzha district shows highest percentage of in both urban components of landuse (residential,
Resi/ Agri mix land(70.55%) followed by Ernakulam mixed builtup, resi/agri mix, other built up etc.) and
(48.74%), Pathanamthitta (34.24%), Kollam(30.31%) and rural components of the landuse Agriculture.) (Ref
Kottayam(0.26%) . Fig.5.6 and 5.8). The district is the only one without
forest cover.
AROOKUTTY
AROOR
PERUMBALAM N
EZHUPUNNA
PANAVALLY
KODAMTHURUTH
THURAVOOR
CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM
PATTANAKAD
VAYALAR
KADAKKARAPPALLY
CHERTHALA
THANNEERMUKKAM
LEGEND
CHERTHALA SOUTH
CONCENTRATION INDEX
KANJIKUZHI
LESS THAN 1
MARARIKULAM NORTH
MUHAMMA
NH
MANNANCHERY
SH
MARARIKULAM SOUTH
RAILWAY LINE
ARYAD
Fig 5.9 Comparison of the share of Resi/Agri mixed landuse in ALAPPUZHA

KAINAKARY
KAVALAM
NEELAMPEROOR
the surrounding districts PUNNAPRA NORTH

PULINKUNNU
VELIY ANAD
PUNNAPRA SOUTH
NEDUMUDI
5.4 CONCENTRATION PATTERN OF LANDUSE AMBALAPUZHA NORTH

CHAMPAKULAM
RAMANKARY
MUTTAR
AMBALAPUZHA SOUTH
In order to arrive at a reasonable picture of the PURAKKAD THIRUVANVANDOOR
distribution of the various landuses and their KARUVATTA
KUMARAPURAM
VEEYAPURAM
HARIPAD
MANNAR
BUDHANNOOR
PULIY OOR
CHENNITHALA
THRIKUNNAPUZHA ALA
PALLIPPAD
intensities, and to compare these on a platform, the KARTHIKAPPALLY

CHINGOLI CHEPPAD
CHERIYANAD
MULAKUZHA
VENMONY
MAVELIKARA
THAZHAKARA
CHETTIKULANGARA
concept of concentration index is made use of. The MUTHUKULAM

PATHIY OOR
THEKKEKARA
NOORNAD
concentration index helps in evaluating the relative

KANDALLOOR
KAYAMKULAM PALAMEL
BHARANIKKAVU
KRISHNAPURAM
THAMARAKULAM
DEVIKULANGARA
intensities of various landuse among the various local VALLIKUNNAM
governments in the district. Fig 5.10 Concentration Pattern of Agricultural landuse

AROOK UT TY AROOKUTTY
AROOR N AROOR
N
PERUM BALAM PERUMBALAM
EZHUPUNNA EZHUPUNNA
PANAVALLY PANAVALLY
KODAMT HURUTH KODAMTHURUTH
KUTHIAT HODE KUTHIATHODE

THAIKATT USSERY THAIKATTUSSERY
T HURAVOOR THURAVOOR
PAT TANAKAD
PATTANAKAD
VAYALAR
LEGEND VAY ALAR
KADAK KARAPPALLY
CHERTHALA
CONCENTRATION INDEX
KADAKKARAPPALLY
LEGEND
THANNEER MUKKAM CHERTHALA
CHERTHALA SOUT H THANNEERMUKKAM
0 - 0.1 CHERTHALA SOUTH
CONCENTRATION INDEX
0.1 - 1
KANJIKUZ HI
1 - 2 KANJIKUZHI
LESS THAN 1
M ARARIKULAM NORTH
MUHAMMA MARARIKULAM NORTH
MUHAMMA
2 - 4 GREATER THAN OR EQUAL TO 1
> 4
NH
MANNANCHERY
MARARIKULAM SOUTH
SH MANNANCHERY
MARARIKULAM SOUTH SH
NH
ARYAD
RAILWAY LINE ARYAD RAILWAY LINE
KAVALAM
KAVALAM
KAINAKARY
ALAPPUZ HA KAINAKARY
ALAPPUZHA
NEELAMPEROOR
NEELAMPEROOR
PULINKUNNU
PUNNAPRA NORTH
PULINKUNNU
VELIYANAD PUNNAPRA NORTH
PUNNAPRA SOUT H VELIYANAD

NEDUMUDI
RAM ANKARY PUNNAPRA SOUTH
NEDUMUDI
CHAM PAKULAM
RAMANKARY
AM BALAPUZ HA NORTH CHAMPAKULAM
M UTTAR AMBALAPUZHA NORTH
AMBALAPUZHA SOUTH MUTTAR
AMBALAPUZHA SOUTH
PURAKKAD T HIRUVANVANDOOR
KARUVATT A VEEYAPURAM M ANNAR CHERUTHANA PANDANAD CHENGANNUR
PULIYOOR KARUVATTA VEEYAPURAM MANNAR
BUDHANNOOR PULIY OOR
KUMARAPURAM HARIPAD
CHENNIT HALA
THRIKUNNAPUZ HA ALA BUDHANNOOR
PALLIPPAD
KUMARAPURAM HARIPAD CHENNITHALA
MULAKUZHA ALA
CHERIYANAD THRIKUNNAPUZHA PALLIPPAD
KARTHIKAPPALLY VENM ONY MULAKUZHA
CHERIYANAD
C HINGOLI CHEPPAD
MAVELIKARA
THAZHAKARA CHINGOLI CHEPPAD
CHETTIKUL ANGAR A
MAVELIKARA
THAZHAKARA
MUT HUKULAM THEKKEKARA CHETTIKULANGARA
PAT HIYOOR
NOORNAD MUTHUKULAM THEKKEKARA
PATHIYOOR
ARAT TUPUZHA CHUNAKKARA NOORNAD
KANDALLOOR
KAYAM KULAM PALAMEL ARATTUPUZHA CHUNAKKARA
BHARANIKKAVU KANDALLOOR
KAYAMKULAM PALAMEL
KRISHNAPUR AM BHARANIKKAVU
THAMARAKULAM
DEVIKULANGARA
KRISHNAPURAM
VALLIKUNNAM THAMARAKULAM
DEVIKULANGARA
VALLIKUNNAM
Fig 5.11 Concentration Index of Agricultural landuse Fig 5.12 Concentration Pattern of Other builtup landuse
5.4.1 AGRICULTURAL LANDUSE
The Agricultural landuse consists of Cashew/

AROOKUTTY
N
pepper/ pineapple, Viruppu (1st Crop)/ Mundakan, AR OOR
PER UMBALAM
EZHUPUNNA
Land without scrub, Double Crop, Agriculture farm, K ODAMTHURUTH

PANAVALLY
KUTHIATHODE
THAIKATTUSSERY
Agriculture farm (Orchards) and Mixed trees categories THUR AVOOR
CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM
LEGEND
of landuse as demarcated in the landuse map generated
PATTANAKAD
VAYALAR
KADAKK ARAPPALLY
CONCENTRATION INDEX
out of NREDB. The concentration pattern of agricultural C HERTHALA
CHERTHALA SOUTH
THANNEER MUKK AM
0
0 - 0.5
landuse (Fig.5.10) shows that agricultural area of the KANJIKUZHI
MARAR IKULAM NORTH
MUHAM MA
0.5 - 1
1 - 10
district is concentrated mainly in Kuttanadu and MANNANCHERY > 10
MAR ARIKULAM SOUTH
Onattukara regions. Tracts of agriculture intense areas AR YAD
KAVALAM
NH
SH
are seen also in the north- west area of the district. The
KAINAKARY
ALAPPUZHA RAILWAY LINE
NEELAM PEROOR
concentration pattern of agricultural landuse is PUNNAPRA NORTH

PULINKUNNU
VELIYANAD
RAM ANKARY
C HAM PAK ULAM
influenced by water bodies. AMBALAPUZHA NORTH
AMBALAPUZHA SOUTH
M UTTAR
The variation of concentration index of PURAKKAD
C HERUTHANA
KARUVATTA
THIRUVANVANDOOR
PANDANAD CHENGANNUR
VEEYAPURAM MANNAR
Agricultural landuse among the LSGs where

PULIYOOR
BUDHANNOOR
KUM ARAPURAM HARIPAD
CHENNITHALA
THRIK UNNAPUZHA ALA
PALLIPPAD
M ULAKUZHA
CHERIYANAD
concentration index of agricultural landuse is greater KAR THIK APPALLY

CHINGOLI CHEPPAD
M AVELIKARA
CHETTIKULANGARA
THAZHAKARA
VENM ONY
than 1 is shown in Fig.5.11. The list of LSGs with

M UTHUKULAM THEKK EK AR A
PATHIYOOR
NOORNAD
ARATTUPUZHA CHUNAKKAR A
KANDALLOOR
KAYAM KULAM PALAMEL
concentration index of agricultural landuse is given in KR ISHNAPURAM

DEVIK ULANGAR A
BHARANIKK AVU
THAMARAKULAM
VALLIKUNNAM
Annexe VI. The highest concentration of agricultural

landuse is seen in the gramapanchayats of Pulinkunnu,
Fig 5.13 Concentration Index of Other builtup landuse
Kavalam, Kainakary and Ezhupunna.
5.4.2 OTHER BUILT-UP LANDUSE 5.4.3 RESIDENTIAL LANDUSE
Other built-up landuse include Commercial, The concentration pattern of Residential landuse
Industrial /Industrial Park and Educational Institutions. shows (Fig.5.14) that residential area of the district is
Fig.5.12 shows the distribution of the concentration concentrated mainly in the northern and southern LSGs
pattern of the other built-up landuse. From the figure of the district. Muthukulam is characterised with the
it is clear that the concentration index of the other built- highest concentration index for residential landuse of
up landuse in urban LSG and LSG along the major 8.53. The LSG wise concentration index of residential
transport corridors is comparatively high. It is also landuse and list of LSGs where residential landuse is
observed that LSG in Kuttanad area have lower concentrated are given in Annexe V. The concentration
concentration index of other built-up landuses even in pattern is shown in Fig.5.15.
LSG along main transportation corridors indicating that AROOKUTTY
AROOR
PERUMBALAM N
the economic activity of the area is not considerably EZHUPUNNA
KODAMTHURUTH
PANAVALLY
dependent on secondary / tertiary sectors. The list of KUTHIATHODE
THURAVOOR
THAIKATTUSSERY
LSG with concentration index of the other built-up

CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM
PATTANAKAD
LEGEND
VAYALAR
landuse is given in Annexe V and the list of LSG with

KADAKKARAPPALLY
CHERTHALA
THANNEERMUKKAM
CONCENTRATION INDEX
CHERTHALA SOUTH
0
high concentration of the other built-up landuse (i.e. KANJIKUZHI 0 - 1
MARARIKULAM NORTH
MUHAMMA
1 - 2.5
concentration index of other built-up landuse greater 2.5 - 5
MANNANCHERY
than one) is given in Annexe V. The variation of MARARIKULAM SOUTH
ARYAD
>
NH
5
concentration index of other built-up landuse among ALAPPUZHA

KAINAKARY
KAVALAM
SH
NEELAMPEROOR RAILWAY LINE
the local governments is illustrated in Fig.5.13. PUNNAPRA NORTH
PULINKUNNU
VELIYANAD
PUNNAPRA SOUTH
NEDUMUDI
RAMANKARY
CHAMPAKULAM
AMBALAPUZHA NORTH
MUTTAR
AMBALAPUZHA SOUTH
AROOKUTTY EDATHUA THALAVADY

THAKAZHY
AROOR N
PERUMBALAM
EZHUPUNNA CHERUTHANA PANDANAD CHENGANNUR

PANAVALLY
KODAMTHURUTH PULIYOOR
BUDHANNOOR
KUMARAPURAM HARIPAD
CHENNITHALA
KUTHIATHODE THAIKATTUSSERY THRIKUNNAPUZHA ALA
PALLIPPAD
MULAKUZHA
CHERIYANAD
THURAVOOR KARTHIKAPPALLY VENMONY
CHINGOLI CHEPPAD
CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM MAVELIKARA
THAZHAKARA
PATTANAKAD CHETTIKULANGARA
VAYALAR MUTHUKULAM THEKKEKARA
KADAKKARAPPALLY
LEGEND ARATTUPUZHA
PATHIYOOR
CHUNAKKARA
NOORNAD
KANDALLOOR
CHERTHALA PALAMEL
CHERTHALA SOUTH
THANNEERMUKKAM CONCENTRATION INDEX KAYAMKULAM
BHARANIKKAVU
KRISHNAPURAM
THAMARAKULAM
LESS THAN 1 DEVIKULANGARA
VALLIKUNNAM
KANJIKUZHI
MARARIKULAM NORTH
MUHAMMA
NH Fig 5.15 Concentration Index of Residential landuse
SH
MANNANCHERY
MARARIKULAM SOUTH
RAILWAY LINE
5.4.4 RESIDENTIAL / AGRICULTURE MIXED LANDUSE
ARYAD
KAVALAM
KAINAKARY
Resi/Agri mixed landuse consists of landuse

ALAPPUZHA
NEELAMPEROOR
PULINKUNNU
categories of Arecanut, Banana, Banana & Tapioca,

PUNNAPRA NORTH
VELIYANAD
PUNNAPRA SOUTH
NEDUMUDI
RAMANKARY
CHAMPAKULAM
Coconut/coconut & arecanut/coconut & tapioca,

AMBALAPUZHA NORTH
MUTTAR
AMBALAPUZHA SOUTH
Coconut dominant mixed crop, Current fallow, Mixed
BUDHANNOOR
PULIYOOR Crop, Rubber, Mixed and Tapioca as per the landuse
KUMARAPURAM HARIPAD
CHENNITHALA
THRIKUNNAPUZHA ALA
data of NREDB. Resi / Agri landuse is concentrated in

PALLIPPAD
MULAKUZHA
CHERIYANAD
CHINGOLI CHEPPAD
MAVELIKARA
THAZHAKARA
most part of the district. The concentration pattern of

CHETTIKULANGARA
PATHIYOOR
NOORNAD
KANDALLOOR
KAYAMKULAM
BHARANIKKAVU
PALAMEL
Resi/Agri landuse is shown in Fig.5.16. The
KRISHNAPURAM
THAMARAKULAM
DEVIKULANGARA
VALLIKUNNAM
concentration of Res/Agr/Landuse in the Kuttanadu
area and Onattukara area is illustrated. The
Fig 5.14 Concentration Pattern of Residential landuse
concentration pattern is shown in Fig.5.17.
AROOKUTTY
AROOR
PERUMBALAM
N 5.4.5 WATER BODIES
EZHUPUNNA
Water bodies include perennial rivers, canals,

PANAVALLY
KODAMTHURUTH
KUTHIATHODE
THAIKATTUSSERY
THURAVOOR
CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM
backwaters etc. The district has more than one tenth of
its area under water. The landuse is concentrated
PATTANAKAD
V AYALAR
KADAKKARAPPALLY
LEGEND
CHERTHALA
CHERTHALA SOUTH
THANNEERMUKKAM
CONCENTRATION INDEX
among the major backwaters of Vembanadu lake and
KANJIKUZ HI
LESS THAN 1 Kayamkulam lake and portions of Pampa, Manimala and
MARARIKULAM NORTH
MUHAMMA GREATER THAN OR EQUAL TO 1
NH Achenkovil rivers. Fig.5.18 shows concentration pattern
SH
based on extent of land under water bodies in LSGs of
MANNANCHERY
MARARIKULAM SOUTH
ARYAD
RAILWAY LINE
KAINAKARY
KAVALAM
Alappuzha.
ALAPPUZHA
NEELAMPEROOR
PULINKUNNU
PUNNAPRA NORTH AROOKUTT Y
AR OOR
N
VELIY ANAD
PERUMBALAM
PUNNAPRA SOUTH
NEDUMUDI
RAMANKARY
CHAMPAKULAM
AMBALAPUZHA NORTH EZHUPUNNA
MUTTAR
PANAVALLY
KODAMTHURUTH
AMBALAPUZHA S OUTH

KUTHIATHODE
THAIKATTUSSERY
PURAKKAD THIRUVANVANDOOR T HURAVOOR
CHERUTHANA PANDANAD CHENGANNUR CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM

KARUVATTA VEE YAPURAM
MANNAR PATTANAKAD
PULIYOOR VAYALAR
KUMARAPURAM HARIPAD
CHENNITHALA
BUDHANNOOR
ALA
LEGEND
THRIKUNNAPUZHA PALLIPPAD KADAKKARAPPALLY
MULAKUZHA
KARTHIKAPPALLY
CHERIYANAD
VENMONY
CHERTHALA
THANNEERMUKKAM
CONCENTRATION INDEX
CHINGOLI CHEPPAD CHERTHALA SOUTH
MAVELIKARA
CHETTIKULANG ARA
THAZHAKARA LESS THAN 1
PATHIYOOR
NOORNAD
KANJIKUZHI GREATER THAN OR EQUAL TO 1
MARARIKULAM NORTH
MUHAMMA
KANDALLOOR NH
KAYAMKULAM PALAME L
BHARANIKKAVU
SH
KRISHNAPURAM
THAMARAKULAM MANNANCHERY
DEVIKULANGARA
MARARIKULAM SOUTH
VALLIKUNNAM
RAILWAY LINE
ARYAD
KAVALAM
Fig 5.16 Concentration Pattern of Resi/Agri mixed landuse ALAPPUZHA

KAINAKARY
NEELAMPEROOR
PULINKUNNU
AROOKUTTY PUNNAPRA NORTH
AROOR VELIYANAD
PERUM BALAM
N PUNNAPRA SOUTH
NEDUMUDI
RAMANKARY
CHAMPAKULAM
EZ HUPUNNA AMBALAPUZ HA NORT H
MUTTAR
PANAVALLY
KODAMTHURUT H AMBALAPUZ HA SOUTH
T HAKAZ HY EDATHUA THALAVADY

KUTHIATHODE
T HAIKATT USSERY
THURAVOOR PURAKKAD THIRUVANVANDOOR
CHER UT HANA PANDANAD

CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM CHENGANNUR
PAT TANAKAD MANNAR
VAYALAR PULIYOOR
BUDHANNOOR
HARIPAD
KADAKKARAPPALLY LEGEND KUMAR APURAM
THRIKUNNAPUZ HA PALLIPPAD
CHENNITHALA
ALA
MULAKUZ HA
CHERIYANAD
CHERTHALA
CHERTHALA SOUTH
THANNEERMUKKAM
CONCENTRATION INDEX KART HIKAPPALLY
CHINGOLI C HEPPAD
VENMONY
MAVELIK ARA
T HAZ HAK ARA
CHETTIKULANGARA
0 - 0.5 THEKKEK ARA
MUTHUKULAM
KANJIKUZHI PAT HIYOOR
M ARARIKULAM NORTH
MUHAM MA
0.5 - 1 NOOR NAD
ARATTUPUZ HA CHUNAKKARA
KANDALLOOR
1 - 1.25 KAYAMKULAM PALAMEL
BHAR ANIKKAVU
MANNANCHERY
> 1.25 KRISHNAPURAM
DEVIKULANGARA
THAMARAKULAM
MARARIKULAM SOUTH
NH VALLIKUNNAM
ARYAD
SH
Fig 5.18 Concentration Pattern of Waterbodies landuse
KAVALAM
ALAPPUZHA
KAINAKARY
RAILWAY LINE
NEELAM PEROOR
PUNNAPRA NORTH
PULINKUNNU
VELIYANAD
5.4.6 MARSHY LAND
PUNNAPRA SOUT H NEDUM UDI
RAMANKARY
CHAMPAKULAM
AM BALAPUZHA NORTH
Land parcels which are categorised as temporarily

MUTTAR
AM BALAPUZ HA SOUTH
marshy land / marshy land/permanently marshy land
CHERUT HANA PANDANAD CHENGANNUR
as per NREDB is included under marshy land/Kole land.

KARUVATT A VEEYAPURAM
MANNAR
PULIYOOR
BUDHANNOOR
KUM ARAPURAM HARIPAD CHENNITHALA
Fig.5.19 shows the concentration index of marshy land

THRIKUNNAPUZHA ALA
PALLIPPAD
MULAKUZ HA
CHERIYANAD
CHINGOLI CHEPPAD
in Alappuzha district. The gramapanchayts of

MAVELIKARA
THAZHAKARA
CHETT IKULANGARA
MUTHUKULAM T HEKKEKARA
PATHIYOOR
NOORNAD
ARATTUPUZHA
KANDALLOOR
KAYAMKULAM
CHUNAKKARA
PALAM EL
Neelamperoor, Pandanad, Palamel, Puliyoor,
BHARANIKKAVU
KRISHNAPURAM
DEVIKULANGARA
VALLIKUNNAM
THAM ARAKULAM
Budhannoor and Cheruthana have a concentration
index greater than one. These LSGs are located on the
Fig 5.17 Variation of Concentration Index of Resi/Agri landuse eastern side of the district.
AROOKUTTY
AROOR
PERUMBALAM
N
5.4.7 OTHER LANDUSE
EZHUPUNNA
Following landuse of NREDB are grouped to form

PANAVALLY
KODAMTHURUTH
KUTHIATHODE
THAIKATTUSSERY
THURAVOOR
CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM
the category Other Landuse – Barren Rocky/ Stone
PATTANAKAD
VAY ALAR
LEGEND waste/ sheet rock, Coastal Sand, Sands/ riverine/Flood
KADAKKARAPPALLY
CONCENTRATION INDEX
CHERTHALA
CHERTHALA SOUTH
THANNEERMUKKAM
0
plain, Beaches, Harbour / Port, Mining / Industrial waste
KANJIKUZHI
0 - 5
land, Airport, Playground, Dam wall, Mining. Other
MARARIKULAM NORTH
MUHAMMA
5 - 10
10 - 25 Landuse is spread along the coastal area of the district.
> 25
The concentration pattern is shown in Fig.5.20.
MANNANCHERY
MARARIKULAM SOUTH
NH
ARY AD
KAVALAM
SH
5.5 ACTIVITY PATTERN BASED ON LANDUSE

KAINAKARY
ALAPPUZHA RAILWAY LINE
NEELAMPEROOR
PUNNAPRA NORTH
PULINKUNNU
VELIYANAD
CONCENTRATION PATTERN
PUNNAPRA SOUTH
NEDUMUDI
RAMANKARY
CHAMPAKULAM
AMBALAPUZHA NORTH
AMBALAPUZHA SOUTH
MUTTAR Activity pattern based on land use concentration
THIRUVANVANDOOR
pattern shows that urban activity is concentrated mainly
PURAKKAD
CHERUTHANA
MANNAR
PANDANAD CHENGANNUR
PULIYOOR
in existing municipal towns and a few LSGs. The other
BUDHANNOOR
LSGs show a predominance of agricultural activity.

KUMARAPURAM HARIPAD
CHENNITHALA
THRIKUNNAPUZHA ALA
PALLIPPAD
MULAKUZHA
CHERIYANAD
KARTHIKAPPALLY VE NMONY
CHINGOLI CHEPPAD
MAVELIKARA
CHETTIKULANGARA
THAZHAKARA Accordingly the whole district can be classified into two
Activity zones namely Agricultural and Non Agricultural-

PATHIYOOR
NOORNAD
KANDALLOOR
KAY AMKULAM PALAMEL
Urban. (See Fig.5.21). This is an indicator of the basic

BHARANIKKAVU
KRISHNAPURAM
THAMARAKULAM
DEVIKULANGARA
VALLIKUNNAM
nature of activities in these areas.

Fig 5.19 Concentration Index of Marshy landuse
AROOKUTTY
AROOR
AROOKUTTY
PERUMBALAM N
AROOR
PERUMBALAM
N
EZ HUPUNNA
EZHUPUNNA
PANAVALLY
KODAMTHURUTH
PANAVALLY
KODAMTHURUTH
KUTHIATHODE
THAIKATTUSSERY
KUTHIATHODE
THAIKATTUSSERY
THURAVOOR
THURAVOOR
CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM
CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM PATTANAKAD
PATTANAKAD VAYALAR
VAYALAR
KADAKKARAPPALLY
LEGEND KADAKKARAPPALLY
CHERTHALA
CHERTHALA
CONCENTRATION INDEX CHERTHALA SOUTH
THANNEERMUKKAM
CHERTHALA SOUTH
THANNEERMUKKAM
LEGEND
LESS THAN 1
KANJIKUZHI DISTRICT BOUNDARY
KANJIKUZHI
MARARIKULAM NORTH
GREATER THAN OR EQUAL TO 1 M ARARIKULAM NORTH
MUHAM MA
MUHAMMA
LOCAL BODY BOUNDARY
NH
NH
SH MANNANCHERY
MANNANCHERY MARARIKULAM SOUTH
MARARIKULAM SOUTH SH
RAILWAY LINE
ARYAD
ARYAD
RAILWAY LINE
KAVALAM
KAVALAM
KAINAKARY
KAINAKARY AGRICULTURE
ALAPPUZHA
ALAPPUZHA
NEELAMPEROOR
NEELAMPEROOR
URBAN
PULINKUNNU PULINKUNNU
PUNNAPRA NORTH PUNNAPRA NORTH
VELIYANAD VELIYANAD
PUNNAPRA SOUTH PUNNAPRA SOUTH

NEDUMUDI NEDUM UDI
RAMANKARY RAMANKARY
CHAMPAKULAM CHAM PAKULAM
AMBALAPUZ HA NORTH AM BALAPUZHA NORTH
MUTTAR M UTT AR
AMBALAPUZHA SOUTH AMBALAPUZHA SOUTH
THAKAZHY EDATHUA THALAVADY THAKAZHY EDATHUA THALAVADY
PURAKKAD THIRUVANVANDOOR PURAKKAD THIRUVANVANDOOR
CHERUTHANA PANDANAD CHERUTHANA

CHENGANNUR PANDANAD CHENGANNUR
KARUVATTA VEEYAPURAM KARUVATTA
MANNAR VEEYAPURAM
MANNAR
PULIYOOR PULIYOOR
BUDHANNOOR BUDHANNOOR
KUMARAPURAM HARIPAD HARIPAD
CHENNITHALA KUMARAPURAM
ALA CHENNITHALA
THRIKUNNAPUZHA PALLIPPAD ALA
MULAKUZHA
CHERIYANAD M ULAKUZHA
CHERIYANAD
CHINGOLI CHEPPAD CHINGOLI CHEPPAD
MAVELIKARA
THAZHAKARA M AVELIKARA
CHETTIKULANGARA THAZHAKARA
CHETTIKULANGARA
M UTHUKULAM THEKKEKARA
PATHIYOOR
NOORNAD PATHIYOOR
NOORNAD
KANDALLOOR
KAYAMKULAM PALAMEL KANDALLOOR
BHARANIKKAVU KAYAMKULAM PALAMEL
BHARANIKKAVU
KRISHNAPURAM
THAMARAKULAM KRISHNAPURAM
DEVIKULANGARA
THAM ARAKULAM
DEVIKULANGARA
VALLIKUNNAM
VALLIKUNNAM
Fig 5.20 Concentration Pattern of Other landuse Fig 5.21 Activity pattern based on Landuse concentration
5.6 ANALYSIS OF AGRICULTURAL LANDUSE 5.6.1 CONCENTRATION PATTERN OF AGRICULTURE
The agricultural landuse is analyzed further for LANDUSE

all crops. The total agricultural area of the district is
The concentration pattern of Agricultural landuse
1393.22sqkm. The breakup of the agricultural landuse
gives an idea of concentration of crops. The area under
of Alappuzha is shown in Table 5.5 and Fig.5.22. Dry
major crops viz: coconut, mixed crop and paddy –
agriculture constitute an area of 1178.12 sqkm and wet
predominant in the district is analysed here.
agriculture constitute an area of 215.10 sqkms.
5.6.1.1 CONCENTRATION PATTERN OF COCONUT
Table 5.5 Break up of Agricultural landuse - LANDUSE
Alappuzha district - 2003-2004
Fig.5.23 shows the distribution of the
Sl no Type Area in sqkm % concentration index of the coconut landuse. From the
figure it is clear that the high concentration of coconut
1 Ba na na 1.08 0.08
2 Coconut 29.45 2.11 landuse is in the gramapanchayats of northern areas
3 Mi xed crop(Coconut) 540.58 38.80 and coastal region. Kuttanadu area have a
4 Current Fa l l ow 230.83 16.57 concentration index less than one indicating poor land
5 Mi xed Crop 200.59 14.40 cover of coconut. From the figure, it can be seen that
6 Pa ddy 215.10 15.44 coconut cultivation is intense at Chennithala,
7 Perenni a l 174.65 12.54 Champakulam, Pallippad, Pulinkunnu and Palamel
8 Rubber 0.94 0.07
Gramapanchayats of the district. When compared to the
Tota l 1393.22 100.00
rest of the district, coconut cultivation is concentrated
Source: NREDB more in the LSGs in Mavelikara Taluk
It is seen that major contributor among various
AROOKUTTY N
crops in the district is coconut (41.91%) followed by

AROOR
PERUMBALAM
EZHUPUNNA
paddy (15%), mixed crops (14.40%). Other crops KODAM THURUTH

PANAVALLY
KUT HIATHODE THAIK AT TUSSERY
contribute only minor share. The agricultural landuse THURAVOOR
CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM
LEGEND
is analyzed considering these three main crops
PATTANAKAD
VAYALAR
KADAKKARAPPALLY
CONCENTRATION INDEX
(Coconut, Mixed Crops and Paddy). The breakup of the CHERTHALA
T HANNEER MUKKAM
C HERT HALA SOUTH 0 - 1
1 - 2
agricultural landuse of the district considering these K ANJIKUZ HI
MARARIKULAM NORT H
MUHAMMA
2 - 3
main crops is shown in Table 5.5, Fig.5.22 and Fig.5.26. 3 - 5

> 5
M ANNANCHERY
MARARIKULAM SOUT H
NH
ARYAD
SH
KAVALAM
ALAPPUZHA
KAINAKARY
RAILWAY LINE
NEELAM PEROOR
PULINKUNNU
PUNNAPRA NORTH
VELIYANAD
RAMANKARY
C HAM PAKULAM
AM BALAPUZ HA NORTH
MUTT AR
AM BALAPUZHA SOUT H
CHERUT HANA PANDANAD CHENGANNUR

KARUVAT TA VEEYAPURAM M ANNAR
PULIYOOR
BUDHANNOOR
KUMARAPUR AM HARIPAD
CHENNITHALA
THRIKUNNAPUZHA ALA
PALLIPPAD
MULAKUZ HA
C HERIYANAD
KARTHIKAPPALL Y VENMONY
CHINGOLI CHEPPAD
MAVEL IKARA
THAZ HAKARA
CHET TIKULANGARA
PATHIYOOR
NOORNAD
KANDALLOOR
KAYAMK UL AM PALAMEL
BHARANIK KAVU
KRISHNAPURAM
THAMARAKULAM
DEVIKULANGARA
VAL LIKUNNAM
Fig 5.22 Breakup of Agricultural landuse Alappuzha district Fig 5.23 Concentration Index of Coconut landuse
5.6.1.2 PADDY
AROOKUTTY
N
AROOR
PERUMBALAM
Fig.5.24 shows the distribution of the EZHUPUNNA
PANAVALLY
KODAMTHURUTH
concentration index of the Paddy landuse. Highest KUTHIATHODE THAIKATTUSSERY
THURAVOOR
concentration index of the paddy area is found in LSGs PATTANAKAD

CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM
VAY ALAR
LEGEND
in Kuttanad. The low lying Kuttanad paddy fields KADAKKARAPPALLY
CHE RTHALA CONCENTRATION INDEX

support paddy cultivation. The Onattukara tracts also
THANNEERMUKKAM
CHERTHALA S OUTH
0 - 0.5
0.5 - 1
have higher concentration of paddy lands. Coastal areas
KANJIKUZHI
MARARIKULAM NORTH
MUHAMMA
1 - 2
2 - 3
have very poor concentration of paddy lands. MANNANCHERY
MARARIKULAM SOUTH
> 3
ARY AD NH
AROOKUTTY KAVALAM
AROOR
N
KAINAKARY
SH
PERUMBALAM ALAPPUZHA
NE ELAMPEROOR RAILWAY LINE

EZHUPUNNA
PANAVALLY PULINKUNNU
KODAMTHURUTH PUNNAPRA NORTH
VELIYANAD
RAMANKARY
CHAMPAKULAM
THURAVOOR AMBALAPUZHA NORTH
MUTTAR
CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM
PATTANAKAD
VAYALAR
LEGEND AMBALAPUZHA SOUTH
KADAKKARAPPALLY CONCENTRATION INDEX PURAKKAD THIRUVANVANDOOR
CHERTHALA
CHERTHALA SOUTH
THANNEERMUKKAM 0 - 0.1 CHERUTHANA
KARUVATTA VE EYAPURAM
PANDANAD CHENGANNUR
MANNAR
PULIY OOR
0.1 - 1 BUDHANNOOR
KUMARAPURAM HARIPAD
CHENNITHALA
KANJIKUZHI
1 - 2 THRIKUNNAPUZHA PALLIPPAD
ALA
MULAKUZHA
MARARIKULAM NORTH MUHAMMA CHERIYANAD
2 - 5 KARTHIKAPPALLY
CHINGOLI CHEPPAD
VENMONY
MAVELIKARA
THAZHAKARA
MANNANCHERY
> 5 CHETTIKULANG ARA
MARARIKULAM SOUTH
NH PATHIYOOR
NOORNAD
ARYAD ARATTUPUZHA CHUNAKKARA

SH KANDALLOOR
KAVALAM KAY AMKULAM PALAMEL
BHARANIKKAVU
ALAPPUZHA
KAINAKARY RAILWAY LINE
KRISHNAPURAM
THAMARAKULAM
NEELAMPEROOR DEVIKULANGARA
VALLIKUNNAM
PULINKUNNU
PUNNAPRA NORTH
VELIYANAD
PUNNAPRA SOUTH
Fig 5.25 Concentration Index of Mixed crop

NEDUMUDI RAMANKARY
CHAMPAKULAM
AMBALAPUZHA NORTH
MUTTAR
AMBALAPUZHA SOUTH
THALAVADY
PURAKKAD
THAKAZHY EDATHUA
THIRUVANVANDOOR
5.7 MAJOR AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES
KUMARAPURAM HARIPAD
CHENNITHALA
PULIYOOR
BUDHANNOOR
ALA
In the above analyses, the areas of concentration
THRIKUNNAPUZHA PALLIPPAD MULAKUZHA
of the major agriculture landuses in the district are

CHERIYANAD
KARTHIKAPPALLY
VENMONY
CHINGOLI CHEPPAD
MAVELIKARA
THAZHAKARA
CHETTIKULANGARA
identified in consideration of the land put to various

MUTHUKULAM
THEKKEKARA
PATHIYOOR
NOORNAD
ARATTUPUZHA
CHUNAKKARA
KANDALLOOR
KAYAMKULAM
BHARANIKKAVU
THAMARAKULAM
PALAMEL
crops such as coconut, mixed crop and paddy. By

KRISHNAPURAM
DEVIKULANGARA
VALLIKUNNAM
combining the concentration pattern of major

Fig 5.24 Concentration Index of Paddy lands
agricultural landuses spatially and analysing the
5.6.1.3 MIXED CROP resulting pattern, areas of major agricultural activity
(based on the existing landuse) can be identified. The
Fig.5.25 shows the concentration index of the
area of specialization in each local self government of
mixed crop landuse. Concentration of mixed crop is
the district against various agriculture landuses is
found high in local governments located along main
given in Annexe VI. Fig. 5.26 shows the combined
transportation corridors. Considering the unique
concentration pattern of all the three major agriculture
dispersed settlement pattern prevalent in Kerala, the
landuses together. From the figure, the areas of
local governments located near the major
specialisation can be identified. It is seen that
transportation corridors usually have small land
15 gramapanchayats do not exhibit specialisation in
holdings together with built up landuse which lead to
any agriculture activity. It may be due to low fertility of
mixed crop cultivation instead of specialized single crop
soil or water scarcity in these LSGs. The exact reasons
cultivation. Urban and semi urban areas support mixed
contributing to this can be infewred only on a thorough
crop cultivation. Kuttanad area has less concentration
analysis requiring vast database.
of mixed crops since paddy is specialised there.
Fig 5.26 Concentration Index of landuse under various crops

A major change in landuse that has occurred in rice growing agricultural wetland ecosystem. It is unique
Kerala and Alappuzha in general and Kuttanad in with regard to farming practices, geography, elevation,
particular during the last few decades is the conversion inhabitation etc. Due to the sudden spurt in road
of paddy fields to other uses jeopardising the food developments and tourism activities in last two
security of the State, when it is designated as a decades, the region has started attracting increased
‘Statutory Ration State’ with over 60% of the demand attention. In this context, it is worthwhile to mention a
in food grain met by imports. The area of paddy fields few observations from a study by Centre for
in Kerala has reduced considerably. The district is worst Environment and Development , to analyse the causes
affected by this, because of the multidimensional and consequences of landuse changes in selected
impacts on the health, socio-economic and living panchayats in Kuttanad. It is felt that observations of
conditions of the people and the ecology and the study are of high significance, relevance and
environment. Kuttanad, the ‘rice bowl of Kerala’ is a applicability to Alappuzha in general .
Excerpts from the Study “Landuse Change Analysis of Three Selected Panchayats in Kuttanad Using
Remote Sensing data and GIS ” by Sri.John C. Mathew Centre for Environment and Development
Thiruvananthapuram
Major environmental issues identified : Major observations on the landuse comparison:
1. Degradation in the quantity and quality of 1. The actual paddy cultivating area has been
water due to water pollution and stagnant na- reduced considerably over the years with
ture or lack of flow, leading to increasing incidence increased pace during recent times.
of water borne diseases. 2. The habitational landuse classes represented
2. Problems due to lack of tidal flushing and sa- by settlement with mixed trees and mixed crops
linity intrusion - weed menace, increase of poi- have increased considerably.
sonous snakes etc. 3. The new category of landuse system like
3. Lack of fertility and productivity of both wet- aquaculture along with paddy has already found
land and dryland soil. a place in the Kuttanad region recently.
4. Agricultural pollution - pesticide and fertiliser. Causes for the rampant land conversion:
Nutrient enrichment of water bodies, weed men- 1. Non remunerative nature and other
ace and eutrophication - inland destruction of constraints of paddy cultivation.
earthworms.
2. Huge demand for land for habitational
5. Frequent floods and droughts. purposes due to increasing population.
6. Conversion of traditional natural freshwater 3. Lack of awareness of people on the serious
ponds and other water bodies acting as the local consequences of the conversion/reclamation.
source of safe drinking water.
4. Developmental activities making the land
7. Threats of biologically rich zones of the area unsuitable for farming.
like mangroves and the consequent reduction of
5. Commercialization of cultivation in virippu
Biodiversity.
fields instead of the earlier sustenance farming.

6. Tourism industry and related activities. 4 The conversion of fresh water ponds, which
7. Proximity of transportation facilities. were drinking water sources in the earlier times in
many places, has led to scarcity of drinking water.
8. Lack of serious support from the government
and society at large to the paddy farmers. 5 The landuse changes have its own impact in
contributing to the weed menace and the
Consequences due to change in landuse : narrowing of natural canals leading to serious
1 The most important and immediate impact of consequences on water transport, water flow and
paddy land conversion is the adverse effect on giving extra pace to the on going eutrophication
the rice production in the State and also the socio- of water bodies.
economic conditions of the farmers and farm 6 The total number of species of natural
workers. There should be a mechanism to vegetation has decreased considerably. A drastic
conserve the existing paddy lands and also to reduction in the density of population in each
implement an action programme for increasing species is also noted, especially in the case of
the production and productivity of paddy by aquatic medicinal plants. The study also reports
providing essential science and technology input. the over-population of aquatic weeds.
2 The paddy fields have several ecological 7 The pest and invader problem is also the
functions also. They act as a very viable ecosystem
consequences of landuse changes. The change in
for innumerable number of organisms. In addition environmental conditions, microclimate and
to this they act as a good drainage basin, to collect quality of water has resulted in the sudden out
the rain water and run off and slowly penetrating
break of diseases and pests and the invasion of
it in to the ground water aquifer, thus helping for new exotic species of plants and animals.
ground water recharging. The loss of high
productivity and nutrient export to other regimes, Major areas of interventions required :
supporting very complex food web and acting as 1. Programme for identifying and solving the
natural nurseries and breeding grounds of native constraints in the paddy sector like reducing the
fishes, molluscs and crustaceans which have very cost of cultivation, marketing, increase in
high nutritive and food value led to the decrease production and productivity and thus to make
in fish catches. The destruction of mangrove paddy cultivation profitable to the farmers.
ecosystem also results in the loss of wind breaking
2. Conversion and reclamation of paddy lands
action and checking of soil erosion and the natural
should be banned; except for some specific cases,
land building capabilities.
which should be done after detailed
3 The loss of drainage facilities and water environmental impact assessment.
logging has led to the increased run off, soil
3. A Biodiversity Registration Programme should
erosion, and frequent floods and droughts. This
be initiated by each panchayat and a detailed
also increased concentration of pollutants in the
Biodiversity Register should be prepared, with
water, like the pesticide residues, which resulted
people’s participation and with the help of
in fish diseases in Kuttanad, and the frequently
technical and scientific institutions and experts in
occurring water borne diseases in the area.
this field.

4. All the activities related to paddy cultivation 8. A local ‘gene bank’ of all types of agricultural
carried out by different agencies should be and wild, native and medicinal flora and fauna
integrated and the activities of Krishi Bhavans should be established, it is worth to mention in
should be restructured to make it more useful for this connection, the conservation, protection and
getting the technical assistance to farmers. restoration of the small sacred groves.
5. Above all the popularisation of the great 9. The government and society should extend
progressive step in landuse practices initiated by maximum support to farmers and farm workers
the farmers itself called the Integrated in the form of both financial as well as technical
Farming which combine paddy cultivation with assistance.
aquaculture in ‘polders’ or ‘padasekharams’ and
10.Existing fresh water ponds should be preserved
animal husbandry, piggery, duck and chicken
to assure the self-sufficiency and sustainability in
farming in garden land or ‘raised beds’ popularly
drinking water sector.
known as the ‘bund homesteads should be given
urgent attention. This will increase the total 11.Clean and deepen the criss-crossing canals in
economic return several folds and help to all the panchayats, to increase the water flow and
overcome most of environmental problems being drainage and reduce the pollution levels. An action
experienced by the region as these problems had plan and Land Policy should be prepared by each
arisen from the pattern of cultivation and its back panchayats based on the study and management
ground facilities. Special care should be given to options. But all the options should be considered
identify the probable impacts of these activities in an integrated manner and not in a fragmented
and the activity should be carried out only after manner.
the impact assessment. 12.A detailed landuse plan should be prepared for
6. Make the local people aware about the serious each panchayats before implementing any Land
consequences of the conversion of paddy fields. and Water management activities.
This can be done through the neighbourhood 13.A task force should be set up by the
groups (NHG), schools and other NGO units government to look into the various aspects of
working in the panchayat. landuse management and to evolve a proper
7. The tendency of riverside people to reclaim the landuse policy for Kerala.
river should be strictly banned.
Since land is the base on which all urban activities There have been compartmentalised attempts
take place, it is important that Urban land management by various stakeholders in this direction. The traditional
is made more effective. A comprehensive urban data system of acquisition and processing of data is time
base is a prerequisite for effective urban land consuming and liable to errors and is difficult for
management. The National Commission on retrieval when necessary. The State Government have
Urbanisation has emphasized this point in the attempted through different agencies to develop
recommendations. The Government shall make database using remote sensing, GIS and latest computer
required arrangements to build up Urban Land application technologies and Management Information
Information System (ULIS) in a phased manner. System for effective Urban and Regional Planning.

Land represents an important resource for the 5.8 INFERENCE

economic life. The way people handle and use land Landuse detection using remote sensing data
resource is decisive for their social and economic well- (satellite and aerial) and analysis using GIS has been
being as well as for the sustained quality of land
employed to analyse existing landuse of the district.
resources. Land resources are used for a variety of
Alappuzha is the smallest district in the state but with
purposes which interact and may compete with one
the highest population density. The vast extent of
another. For human requirements to be met in a
paddyfields and spread of waterbodies attach another
sustainable manner, it is essential to resolve these
conflicts and move towards more effective and dimension to the landuse of the district. An analysis of
efficient use of land and natural resources. Therefore, the nature and rates of environmental change over
it is desirable to plan and manage all uses in an recent decades is essential for a proper understanding
integrated manner. Integrated physical landuse of the root-causes of the present environmental
planning and management is an eminently practical problems. Formulation of accurate productive models
way to achieve this. By examining all uses of land in an of environmental change is essential. Information on
integrated manner, it makes it possible to minimize the existing landuse/land cover pattern, its spatial
conflicts, to make the most efficient trade-offs and to distribution and changes in the landuse pattern is a
link social, economic and physical development with prerequisite for planning, and formulation of policies
environmental protection and enhancement, thus and programmes in any developmental plan. Landuse
helping to achieve the objectives of sustainable however is not only a realm of those directly using it; it
development. The essence of the integrated approach is exposed to a part of the wider reality of social,
finds expression in the coordination of the sectoral economic and physical development and change.
planning and management activities concerned with
Landuse therefore is a highly dynamic process. This
the various aspects of landuse and land resources.
implies that policy discussion and development
Integrated consideration facilitates appropriate choices
planning need to be based on a sound understanding
and trade-offs, thus maximizing sustainable
of these dynamics.
productivity and use.

District Urbanisation Report - Alappuzha FUNCTIONAL CHARACTER OF SETTLEMENTS 71
Chapter-6
FUNCTIONAL CHARACTER OF SETTLEMENTS

The function of a settlement is a derivative of 6.1.1 Urban and Rural area in the Kerala Context
the major activity in the settlement, be it primary
activities (rural), secondary sector/tertiary activities A clear distinction exists between the rural and
(urban activities) or a combination of these. The urban areas elsewhere in India. The distinction is
activities in a settlement are interrelated with the visually felt at a glance. Rural area consists of vast areas
landuse pattern which in turn determines the average of agricultural land with hamlets distributed. An urban
plot size in a settlement. Here an attempt is made to area is dense with people, buildings and activities. But
determine the major function of a settlement by in Kerala, rural area cannot be easily distinguished from
studying the major land use and the average plot size urban area. Urbanization in Kerala is not limited to the
in the settlement. designated cities and towns alone. Barring a few
gramapanchayats in the hilly tracts and a few isolated
6.1 CHARACTER OF SETTLEMENTS IN THE KERALA areas, the entire state depicts the picture of an urban
CONTEXT rural continuum. The dispersed settlement pattern is a
An urban area can be defined in a number of ways result of historical trends, availability of comparatively
– legal, demographic or economic – but all urban areas developed infrastructure in urban and rural areas, a
have the basic characteristics of being spatial liking for homestead development, availability of water
concentrations of people and activities. Census defines etc. An examination of the land use pattern reveals
a settlement as rural or urban as per the demographic that there are only a few areas in the State which can
characteristics of population, density and share of male be termed as either truly urban or truly rural. The
working population engaged in pursuits other than remaining areas can be described to be in stages of
agriculture. This concept is generated on a national level transition between urban and rural areas. Mixed land
which has aberrations as far as the applicability to use , where a combination of residential and
Kerala is concerned. The State is unique in terms of agricultural land use exists, is a general feature. This
its settlement pattern, population distribution, land character of the land use makes it difficult to classify
use distribution etc when compared to the rest of the a LSG as either urban or rural. The truly urban or truly
country. Hence these also have to be accounted in rural is only a minor share of the total area. The
identifying the character of an area . An attempt is made remaining area is of mixed land use. Since the mixed
to identify the nature of the settlements based on landuse constitute a considerable share under landuse,
population and land use. The methodology employed the character of the mixed landuse area determines
is successfully tested to satisfaction in Kollam District the total character of the area. The mixed landuse area
in formulation of Integrated District Development Plan is to be again classified to precisely ascertain the exact
and Local Development Plan for Kollam. character of the landuse of the area.

72 FUNCTIONAL CHARACTER OF SETTLEMENTS District Urbanisation Report - Alappuzha
As mentioned earlier, mixed landuse is the major The character of an area can be termed as urban
determinant in assessing character of an area. Average 1.If the pucca urban land use is more than
plot size of the mixed landuse is taken as the criterion or equal to 25 % of the total area, then the area can be
for classifying the mixed landuse area because in most termed as an urban area. (The analysis of the landuse
cases this determines the type of activity to be of various urban local governments and the share of
introduced thereon and consequently the character of various land uses of an urban area as specified in the
the mixed landuse area. If the average plot size (total UDPFI guide lines shows that an urban area has a
area/ number of houses) is such that reasonable income residential land use of the same share as that of pucca
can be earned from agricultural activity alone (without urban landuse (commercial, industrial, public & semi
considering the present status of landuse), it can be public etc.) This is actually the residential landuse
classified as a rural area. If the average plot size is such attached to the urban landuse. So if the pucca urban
that the income from the agricultural activity thereon landuse is 25% then by adding the residential share of
partly meets the financial requirement of a family, it 25% the total urban landuse share becomes 50%.
can be termed as semi urban or semi rural area. The
2.The urban landuse (taking into account the
share between the agricultural and non agricultural
classification of mixed landuse) percentage of 50% of
activity determines whether it is a semi urban or semi
the total area of a region can be taken as the lower limit
rural area. If the plot size is such that a family has to
to term it as an urban area.
earn major share of their livelihood from rural
activity but has to resort to some urban activity also to An area can be termed as Rural,
fill the gap (in the earnings) it can be termed as semi 1.If the pucca rural landuse share is more than
rural area. A reversed situation indicates a semi urban 50% it is a rural area.
area. Those plots with size not at all sufficient
2.If the rural landuse (taking into account, both
for any productive agriculture activity, can be treated
pucca rural landuse and the classification of mixed
as urban area. From the above, it is concluded that the
landuse) share is greater than or equal to 50 % of the
mixed land use area can be classified as rural, urban,
total area, then it can be termed as a rural area.
semi urban or semi rural based on the average plot size
An area can be termed as Semi-urban,
6.1.2 CLASSIFICATION OF AN AREA INTO URBAN,
SEMI-URBAN, SEMI- RURAL OR RURAL. 1.If the mixed landuse area is classified as semi -
urban and the sum of urban landuse share and semi -
A settlement (LSG) is either pucca urban area, urban residential landuse is greater than or equal to 50%
pucca rural area or mixed (Residential cum of the total area.
agricultural) use area. The mixed land use area can be
An area can be termed as Semi-rural,
further classified into- Urban, semi urban, semi rural
or rural as noted above. When the total area of LSG is 1.If the mixed landuse area is classified as semi
concerned, the predominance of any of the four rural area and the sum of rural land use share and semi
(urban, rural, semi-urban or semi-rural) landuses rural mixed land use land use is greater than or equal
determines the character of the area. While this holds to 50% of the total area.
good, certain other conditions, from the practical point 2.If the pucca rural landuse share is at least 1/3rd
of view, are also incorporated for refining the process of the total area and the mixed landuse is not urban
of categorising the area. This is to account for the or semi-urban, then also the area can be termed as semi
ground realities. -rural area.
District Urbanisation Report - Alappuzha FUNCTIONAL CHARACTER OF SETTLEMENTS 73
AROOKUTTY
AROOR N
PERUMBALAM
EZHUPUNNA
PANAVALLY
KODAMTHURUTH
THURAVOOR
CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM
PATTANAKAD
VAYALAR
LEGEND
KADAKKARAPPALLY
CHERTHALA
THANNEERMUKKAM DISTRICT BOUNDARY
CHERTHALA SOUTH
LOCAL BODY BOUNDARY
MARARIKULAM NORTH
KANJIKUZHI NH
MUHAMMA
SH
RAILWAY LINE
MANNANCHERY
MARARIKULAM SOUTH
RURAL
ARYAD
SEMI RURAL
KAVALAM
KAINAKARY SEMI URBAN
ALAPPUZHA
NEELAMPEROOR
URBAN
PULINKUNNU
PUNNAPRA NORTH
VELIYANAD
PUNNAPRA SOUTH
NEDUMUDI RAMANKARY
AMBALAPUZHA NORTH CHAMPAKULAM

MUTTAR
AMBALAPUZHA SOUTH

PULIYOOR
BUDHANNOOR
KUMARAPURAM HARIPAD
CHENNITHALA ALA
CHERIYANAD
CHEPPAD
CHINGOLI
MAVELIKARA
THAZHAKARA
CHETTIKULANGARA
PATHIYOOR
NOORNAD
ARATTUPUZHA
CHUNAKKARA
BHARANIKKAVU
THAMARAKULAM
VALLIKUNNAM
Fig 6.1 Functional character of settlements

74 FUNCTIONAL CHARACTER OF SETTLEMENTS District Urbanisation Report - Alappuzha
Table 6.1 Functional Character of Settlements

URBAN SEMIURBAN SEMI RURAL RURAL
Aroor Ezhupunna Thuravoor Perumbalam Pallippad
Kuthiathode Kodamthuruth Arookutty Kumarapuram Haripad
Ambalapuzha
Pattanakkad Nedumudi Thaikattussery Vallikunnam
North
Kanjikkuzhi Karthikappally Chennam-Pallippuram Chingoli
Mararikulam
Arattupuz ha Kadakarappally Cheppad
South
Aryad Mannar Cherthala South Pathiyoor
Punnapra North Puliyoor Mararikulam North Veliyanad
Cherthala Thazhakara Chettikulangara Kandalloor
Alappuzha Thrikkunnapuzha Thanneermukkam Panavally
Kayamkulam Muhamma Ramankary
Mavelikara Mannanchery Budhannoor
Punnapra South Pandanad
Based on the above concepts, the LSGs are Ambalapuzha South Vayalar
analysed to determine the character and the findings
Thiruvanvandoor Ala
are illustrated in Fig.6.1.
Devikulangara Mulakuzha
6.2 CHARACTER OF SETTLEMENTS Kainakary Venmony
As described earlier, the function of a settlement Pulinkunnu Cheriyanad

cannot be limited to the usual classification of urban or Bharanikkavu Purakkad
rural. There are settlements exhibiting combination of Thalavady Thakazhy
the two characters. Analysis based on landuse and Neelamperoor Kavalam
average plot size reveal that there are LSGs exhibiting Champakulam Chengannur
semi-urban, semi-rural, urban or rural character. The
Vee yapuram Chunakkara
functional character of all the settlements of the district
Mavelikara -Thamarakulam Noornad
derived based on the methodology is shown in Fig.6.1
Chennithala -Thriperumthura Palamel
and Table 6.1.
Mavelikara - Thekkekara Edathua
6.3 INFERENCE Krishnapuram Muttar
The spatial distribution of the settlements based Muthukulam Karuvatta
on character shows a pattern of the development. All Cheruthana
municipal towns other than Chengannur show urban
character. Some of coastal LSGs also show urban
character. Semi urban character is exhibited by LSGs that character is seen in those LSGs which are in a transition
have urban influence like Ezhupunna , Kodamthuruth zone between LSGs of urban and rural character. It is
and Ambalapuzha North. LSGs in the Kuttanad region seen that the majority of the LSGs in the district exhibits
of the district exhibit rural character. Semi-rural rural character.

District Urbanisation Report - Alappuzha HIERARCHY OF SETTLEMENTS 75
Chapter-7
HIERARCHY OF SETTLEMENTS
In this chapter the hierarchy of settlements (LSGs) Cumulative Functional Index method is used to
based on the number and order of facilities existing find out the hierarchy of settlement. The Cumulative
thereon are assessed and hierarchy is determined. One Functional Index (CFI) of a settlement is assessed based
of the basic objectives in regional planning is to reduce on the number and type of facilities in it with regard to
the imbalances and inequalities in developments in a the following sectors.
region. Opportunities and requirements in interference 1. Education
and investment options in various settlements are not
2. Health
alike. Considering the limited and scarce resources
available, prioritisation in this is essential. 3. Market
Determination of hierarchy of settlements assumes 4. Agriculture
higher significance in this context. The hierarchy of
5. Physical infrastructure
settlements is derived based on factors like the trend
of physical development, locational importance, 6. Transportation
administrative status, trend of urbanization etc. Though The weightage of each of these facilities in the
Crystallor’s Central Place Theory was advised for the district and CFI calculated based on this are given in
study at the state level for the districts of the state, the Annexe VIII. CFI is plotted against the number of
basic assumptions in the theory met with many settlements. The hierarchy of the settlement in the
limitations, as far as this district is concerned. Hence district is determined from the plot of CFI against
the concept of Centrality which was advocated for the settlements. This graph is shown in Fig.7.1.
rest of the state was not fully adopted for the
identification of hierarchy of settlements, This chapter CFI vs Number of settlements
attempts to identify the existing and proposed
60 54
hierarchy of various settlements of the District.
50
Number of settlements
7.1 EXISTING HIERARCHY OF SETTLEMENT 40

IV III II I
Hierarchy value of a settlement is an indication 30
19
on the extent of concentration of facilities and the 20
relative distribution among the LSGs of the district. 10 2 2 1
The spatial distribution of settlement with different 0
hierarchies and the probe on its matching or
mismatching with population distribution is an issue composite functional index
needed to be addressed in any strategic planning.
Fig 7.1 CFI Vs Number of Settlements
76 HIERARCHY OF SETTLEMENTS District Urbanisation Report - Alappuzha
III Order Settlement-19

I Order, II Order, III Order, and IV Order
Ambalapuzha North, Ambalapuzha South,
settlements are identified from the plot of CFI in the
Haripad, Chunakkara, Thuravoor , Nooranad,
graph. One I Order settlement, Four II Order
Champakulam, Bharanikkavu, Pallippad,
settlements, Nineteen III Order settlements and Fifty
Thazhakkara, Pulinkunnu, Mannar, Pattanakkad,
four IV Order settlements are identified in the district
Aroor, Cherthala South, Edathua,
as per this plot. The settlements in the various
Thaneermukkam, Muthukulam, and
hierarchies as identified above are listed in Annexe VIII
Chennampallippuram
AROOR
PERUMBALAM
IV Order Settlement-54
AROOKUTTY
N
EZHUPUNNA
Remaining gramapanchayats - See Annexe VIII
KUTHIYATHODU
THURAVOOR
THAIKATTUSSERY
The spatial distribution of the settlements is
PATTANAKKAD
CHENNAMPALLIPURAM
VAYALAR
shown in the Fig.7.2. The national highway(NH-47) and
KADAKKARAPALLY
LEGEND state highway (SH-11, SH-40 & SH-66) pass through
CHERTHALA MUNICIPALITY
CHERTHALA SOUTH
THANNEERMUKKAM
FIRST ORDER Alappuzha Municipality (I Order settlement). All the
SECOND ORDER
KANJIKUZHI
MARARIKULAM NORTH
MUHAMMA
THIRD ORDER
II Order and III Order settlements are situated along
MANNANCHERY
FOURTH ORDER either National highway or State Highways in the
MARARIKULAM SOUTH
district. It is observed that the hierarchy of settlement
ARYAD
ALAPPUZHA MUNICIPALITY
KAINAKARY
KAVALAM
is related to the connectivity since higher order facilities
NEELAMPEROOR
tend to get located in areas of better accessibility and

VELIYANAD
RAMANKARY
location of higher order facilities have centripetal force
CHAMPAKULAM
AMBALAPUZHA NORTH
AMBALAPUZHA SOUTH
MUTTAR on other facilities to agglomerate in proximity thus
increasing the Composite Functional Index of the
CHERUTHANA
KARUVATTA
VEEYAPURAM
MANNAR
PANDANAD CHENGANNUR settlement.
PULIYOOR
BUDHANNOOR
ALA
7.2 SUGGESTED HIERARCHY OF SETTLEMENTS-

MULAKUZHA
CHERIYANAD
KARTHIKAPPALLY
VENMONY
MAVELIKKARA MUNICIPALITY
CHINGOLI
MUTHUKULAM
CHEPPAD
THAZHAKARA
METHODOLOGY ADOPTED
THEKKEKARA
PATHIYOOR NOORANAD
KANDALLOOR
KAYAMKULAM MUNICIPALITY
BHARANIKAVU
PALAMEL 7.2.1 ALAPPUZHA DISTRICT –SALIENT FEATURES
KRISHNAPURAM
DEVIKULANGARA
THAMARAKULAM
VALLIKUNNAM
On close examination of the geography and

geometry of Alappuzha District the following
Fig 7.2 LSGs according to existing hierarchy of settlements
observations are made
 The district is the smallest district in the state.
The settlements of the district can be classified in
to four groups as follows.  Geographically the district is highly
asymmetrical.
I Order Settlement-1
 The district has a length of around 80 km in
Alappuzha municipality
the N-S direction. However the spread of the
II Order Settlement-4 district in the E-W direction is limited.
Municipal towns of Mavelikara, Chengannur,  Cherthala, Alappuzha and Kayamkulam
Kayamkulam and Cherthala towns lie almost collinear along NH-47.
 Kayamkulam, Mavelikara and Chengannur
7.2.2 HIERARCHY OF SETTLEMENTS
towns are closely spaced and collinear.
 The northern part of district is slender in Considering the spatial distribution of the LSGs
shape and has an average width of 5 km only in the district, geographical constraints, spatial
(E-W direction). Since surrounded by waterbodies distribution of urban local governments, geometry, etc,
on three sides, this portion has limited linkages the methodology suggested for the other districts of
with the rest of the State. This peninsular part is the state was not advised for the district. Limited
further split by Vayalar Lake, a gulf like portion of application of Crystallor’s Central place theory is made
the Vembanad Lake. use of. The applicability is limited to the spatial spread
of group of gramapanchayats confined to a
 The major part of Kuttanadu is located in
blockpanchayat. The concept as per the Crystallor’s
Alappuzha district. It is an area of low population
Central place theory in identifying the hierarchy of the
growth and low density. The continuous spread
settlements is that spatial distribution of settlements
of paddy fields together with the Vembanadu
of various hierarchies should be centrally located (as
Lake constitutes a highly environmentally and
far as possible) with respect to the service area or
ecologically sensitive area in the State.
service population served. Theoretically speaking,
there will be one I order settlement serving the entire
region (District). The service area of a settlement is
assumed to be hexagonal in shape. But practically in
the district, the service area of the I order settlement
(Alappuzha being the only one) cannot be taken as
hexagonal but is actually the entire district. Since, as
mentioned earlier, Crystallors Central Place Theory has
limited application due to the peculiar geographic
characteristics of the district, spatial location of the
higher order settlements is determined based on the
CFI value of the settlements and also using
Blockpanchayat as a basic unit for the spatial distribution
of the higher order settlements.
Ranking of the settlements of the district based
on CFI is attempted here and hierarchy of settlements
established. The five municipal towns of the district,
by virtue of the availability of higher order facilities
have very high CFI compared to the other settlements
of the district as illustrated in Table 7.1. Alappuzha is
obviously the only I Order settlement. Though the
other four towns (II Order) are not spatially distributed
uniformly, these towns because of their higher CFI are
assigned the status of II Order in the hierarchy. Final
settlements of III Order are determined based on each
Fig 7.3 Spatial features of the district of the blockpanchayats considered as a unit.
Table 7.1 Settlements with higher value of CFI

Sl no Name of LSG Blockpanchayat CFI Identified Hierarchy
1 Alappuzha Municipality 551.87 I order
2 Chengannur Municipality 367.99 II order
3 Mavelikara Municipality 302.78 II order
4 Cherthala Municipality 257.08 II order
5 Kayamkulam Municipality 235.85 II order
6 Ambalapuzha North Gramapanchayat Ambalapuzha 96.71 III order
7 Ambalapuzha South Gramapanchayat Ambalapuzha 77.62 III order
8 Haripad Gramapanchayat Haripad 77.05 III order
9 Chunakkara Gramapanchayat Bharanikavu 71.63 III order
10 Thuravoor Gramapanchayat Pattanakkad 63.76 III order
11 Nooranad Gramapanchayat Bharanikavu 61.58 III order
12 Champakulam Gramapanchayat Champakulam 61.04 III order
13 Bharanikavu Gramapanchayat Bharanikavu 56.78 III order
14 Pallippad Gramapanchayat Haripad 54.9 III order
15 Thazhakkara Gramapanchayat Mavelikkara 54.6 III order
16 Pulinkunnu Gramapanchayat Veliyanad 54.42 III order
17 Mannar Gramapanchayat Chengannur 54.25 III order
18 Pattanakkad Gramapanchayat Pattanakkad 54.1 III order
19 Aroor Gramapanchayat Pattanakkad 50.88 III order
20 Edathua Gramapanchayat Champakulam 50.73 III order
21 Cherthala South Gramapanchayat Kanjikuzhi 50.68 III order
22 Thanneermukkam Gramapanchayat Kanjikuzhi 50.33 III order
23 Muthukulam Gramapanchayat Muthukulam 48.56 III order
24 Chennampallippuram Gramapanchayat Thaikattussery 45.64 III order
25 Mararikulam North Gramapanchayat Kanjikuzhi 43.98 III order
26 Karuvatta Gramapanchayat Haripad 41.97 III order
27 Nedumudi Gramapanchayat Champakulam 41.47 III order
28 Punnapra North Gramapanchayat Ambalapuzha 40.18 III order
Table:7.2 Identified third order settlements as

For this analysis, only the existing III Order per CFI
settlements (Settlements with CFI of more than 40) are
Sl no Name of LSG Name of Block
considered. There are 12 blockpanchayats in the district.
1 Ambalapuzha North Ambalapuzha
Table 7.1 lists the settlements with CFI more than 40.
2 Nooranad Bharanikkavu
Settlements in Aryad Blockpanchayat in close proximity 3 Champakulam Champakulam
of Alappuzha Municipality do not figure in the above 4 Mannar Chengannur
list. One III Order settlement in each blockpanchayat 5 Haripad Haripad
is generally identified as a service settlement of 6 Cherthala South Kanjikuzhi
III Order. However in Bharanikkavu Blockpanchayat 7 Thazhakkara Mavelikara
Chunakkara happens to be a lower order 8 Muthukulam Muthukulam
9 Thuravoor Pattanakkad
gramapanchayat and hence Nooranadu, with a status
10 Chennampallipuram Thaikattussery
of special grade is selected for the consideration.
11 Pulinkunnu Veliyanad
Table 7.2 lists the modified III order settlements.

From the analysis of the density pattern of the AROOR AROOKUTTY
PERUMBALAM
N
settlements, it can be seen that there are two zones of EZHUPUNNA
PANAVALLY
densities( Fig.7.4). Zone II is identified with a density

KODAMTHURUTH
KUTHIYATHODU THAIKATTUSSERY
less than 12.5pph. This is essentially the Kuttanadu area THURAVOOR
CHENNAMPALLIPURAM
which comprises of paddy fields, water bodies etc. The

PATTANAKKAD
VAYALAR
Te xt
KADAKKARAPALLY
FIRST ORDER SERVICE CENTRE
remaining area falls in Zone I (density >12.5pph. CHERTHALA SOUTH
CHERTHALA
THANNEERMUKKAM
SECOND ORDER SERVICE CENTRE
Average density in Zone I is 17.26pph and Zone II is KANJIKUZHI
THIRD ORDER SERVICE CENTRE
MARARIKULAM NORTH
7.13pph. Considering the population of the settlements,

MUHAMMA
average area served by a III order settlement in Zone I MANNANCHERY

MARARIKULAM SOUTH
is 77.25sqkm and Zone II is 169.95sqkm. ARYAD
KAVALAM
KAINAKARY
ALAPPUZHA
AROOR
AROOKUTTY
N NEELAMPEROOR
PERUMBALAM
PULINKUNNU
PUNNAPRA NORTH
EZHUPUNNA
VELIYANAD
PANAVALLY PUNNAPRA SOUTH NEDUMUDI
KODAMTHURUTH RAMANKARY
CHAMPAKULAM
KUTHIATHODE AMBALAPUZHA NORTH
THAIKATTUSSERY MUTTAR
AMBALAPUZHA SOUTH
THURAVOOR
LEGEND THAKAZHY EDATHUA THALAVADY
CHENNAM-PALLIPPURAM
PATTANAKKAD
VAYALAR
DENSITY IN PP sq. km. PURAKKAD CHERUTHANA
THIRUVANVANDOOR
VEEYAPURAM PANDANAD
KADAKKARAPPALLY
UP TO 750 KARUVATTA MANNAR
CHENGANNUR
CHERTHALA PULIYOOR
CHERTHALA SOUTH 750 TO 1250 KUMARAPURAM HARIPAD CHENNITHALA BUDHANNOOR
ALA
THANNEERMUKKAM PALLIPPAD
THRIKUNNAPUZHA
KANJIKKUZHI
1250 TO 1750 KARTHIKAPPALLY VENMONY
MAVELIKKARA
MARARIKKULAM NORTH CHINGOLI CHEPPAD
MUHAMMA
1750 TO 2250 THAZHAKARA
CHETTIKULANGARA
2250 TO 2750 PATHIYOOR NOORANAD
MANNANCHERY
MARARIKKULAM SOUTH ABOVE 2750 KANDALLOOR
PALAMEL
KAYAMKULAM
BHARANIKAVU
ARYAD
KAINAKARY KRISHNAPURAM
KAVALAM DEVIKULANGARA
THAMARAKULAM
ALAPPUZHA VALLIKUNNAM
NEELAMPEROOR
PUNNAPRA NORTH
NEDUMUDI
ZONE II
PULINKUNNU
VELIYANAD
Fig 7.5 Service area of III order settlements as hexagons
PUNNAPRA SOUTH
RAMANKARY
CHAMPAKKULAM
AMBALAPPUZHA NORTH
AMBALAPPUZHA SOUTH
MUTTAR · Thuravoor of Pattanakkad blockpanchayat
EDATHUA
THAKAZHY THALAVADY
and Chennampallippuram of Thaikattussery
CHERUTHANA
KARUVATTA
VEEYAPURAM
MANNAR
PANDANADCHENGANNUR
PULIYOOR
blockpanchayat have their service area
THRIKKUNNAPUZHA HARIPAD
overlapping. Gap in other areas is also seen. Hence

BUDHANNOOR
PALLIPPAD ALA
THRIKKUNNAPUZHA MULAKUZHA
CHERIYANAD
CHINGOLI
CHEPPAD
MAVELIKKARA
THAZHAKARA
in order to ensure better service of the areas Aroor
CHETTIKULANGARA
CHETTIKULANGARA
THEKKEKARA
MUTHUKULAM
ZONE I
ARATTUPUZHA
PATHIYOOR
NOORNAD
CHUNAKKARA
(the next Settlement in CFI) is identified instead of
KANDALLOOR
PALAMEL
Thuravoor.
KAYAMKULAM
BHARANIKKAVU
KRISHNAPURAM
DEVIKULANGARA
THAMARAKKULAM
VALLIKUNNAM
VALLIKUNNAM
· Cherthala South of Kanjikuzhy block-

Fig 7.4 Gross Density pattern of the district panchayat and Cherthala Municipality have their
The service area is represented by hexagon of service areas overlapping. It is seen that there is
size proportionate to the area served. Fig.7.5 shows the gap in other areas. Hence to ensure better service
identified settlements along with the service area. It is of these areas Mararikulam North (the next in CFI)
seen that there is overlap of service area in certain areas is identified instead of Cherthala South.
as well as gap in some other areas. Ideally all areas shall · Pulinkunnu of Veliyanad blockpanchayat and
be served without any overlap. The spatial distribution Champakulam of Champakulam blockpanchayat
is then adjusted taking into consideration the area have their service area overlapping. It is seen that
served by the settlement and gaps in area served. there is gap in other areas. Hence to ensure better
Modifications are made with regard to the geographical service of these areas Edathua (the next in CFI) is
position of III order settlements as follows. identified instead of Champakulam.
The proposed hierarchy of settlements is given

· It is seen that there is gap in Ambalapuzha
in table 7.3 below. In considering the service area it is
area. Hence to ensure better service of the areas
assumed that all the area in a local self government is
Ambalapuzha South is considered instead of
served by a III order centre. The service area and service
Ambalapuzha North.
population of each of the higher order service centres
are also given. See fig 7.7 below and Annexe - X.
N
AROOR AROOKUTTY
P ERUMBALAM
EZHUP UNNA
AROOR AROOKUTTY
KODAMTHURUTH P ANAVALLY
PERUMBALAM
N
KUTHIYATHODU EZHUPUNNA
THAIKATTUS S ERY FIRST ORDER SERVICE CENTRE
PANAVALLY
THURAVOOR KODAMTHURUTH
CHENNAMP ALLIP URAM

PATTANAKKAD
VAYALAR THIRD ORDER SERVICE CENTRE
THURAVOOR
KADAKKARAP ALLY
CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM
CHERTHALA
PATTANAKAD
THANNEERM UKKAM VAYALAR
CHERTHALA S OUTH
KADAKKARAPPALLY
KANJIKUZHI CHERTHALA
MARARIKULAM NORTH MUHAMMA THANNEERMUKKAM
CHERTHALA SOUTH
M ANNANCHERY KANJIKUZHI
MARARIKULAM S OUTH MARARIKULAM NORTH
MUHAMMA
ARYAD
KAVALAM
MANNANCHERY
KAINAKARY
ALAPP UZHA MARARIKULAM SOUTH
NEELAMP EROOR
ARYAD
PUNNAP RA NORTH P ULINKUNNU
VELIYANAD KAVALAM
P UNNAP RA S OUTH NEDUMUDI KAINAKARY
RAMANKARY ALAPPUZHA
CHAMP AKULAM
NEELAMPEROOR
AM BALAP UZHA S OUTH
PULINKUNNU
PUNNAPRA NORTH
THAKAZHY EDATHUA THALAVADY VELIYANAD
RAMANKARY
P URAKKAD THIRUVANVANDOOR
CHERUTHANA CHAMPAKULAM
AMBALAPUZHA NORTH
VEEYAP URAM P ANDANAD
MUTTAR
M ANNAR CHENGANNUR
KARUVATTA AMBALAPUZHA SOUTH
P ULIYOOR
HARIP AD CHENNITHALA BUDHANNOOR

KUMARAP URAM THAKAZHY EDATHUA THALAVADY
P ALLIP P AD ALA
THRIKUNNAP UZHA MULAKUZHA
CHERIYANAD
KARTHIKAP P ALLY VENMONY PURAKKAD THIRUVANVANDOOR
MAVELIKKARA
CHINGOLI CHERUTHANA
CHEP P AD
THAZHAKARA PANDANAD CHENGANNUR
VEEYAPURAM
CHETTIKULANGARA MANNAR
MUTHUKULAM THEKKEKARA KARUVATTA PULIYOOR
P ATHIYOOR NOORANAD KUMARAPURAM BUDHANNOOR
HARIPAD CHENNITHALA
ARATTUP UZHA CHUNAKKARA THRIKUNNAPUZHA PALLIPPAD ALA
KANDALLOOR MULAKUZHA
P ALAMEL CHERIYANAD
KAYAMKULAM BHARANIKAVU KARTHIKAPPALLY VENMONY
CHINGOLI CHEPPAD
KRIS HNAPURAM
DEVIKULANGARA THAZHAKARA
CHETTIKULANGARA
THAMARAKULAM
VALLIKUNNAM
PATHIYOOR NOORNAD
Fig 7.6 Adjusted lll order settlements KANDALLOOR

KAYAMKULAM
BHARANIKKAVU
PALAMEL
DEVIKULANGARA
VALLIKUNNAM
The adjustments as above are incorporated in the
Fig.7.6. Service area in hexagons are also indicated Fig 7.7. Service area of lll order settlements
schematically. The proposed III order settlements
A map of the district showing the LSGs and the
identified on this analysis are as below. The
proposed hierarchy of settlement deduced is given in
methodology adopted for the study may be seen at
Fig.7.8. Limited use of the Central Place Theory is made
Annexe -IX for better understanding.
use of in deriving higher order settlements. The theory
1 Haripad 7 Ambalapuzha South is generally criticized for being static since it does not
2 Mannar 8 Mararikulam North incorporate the temporal aspects in the development
3 Pulinkunnu 9 Muthukulam of central places. The theory is applicable in agricultural
4 Aroor 10 Chennampallippuram tracts but finds limitation in areas of varied
5 Nooranadu 11 Thazhakara developmental status and diversified distribution of
6 Edathua natural resources.

N
AROOR AROOKUTTY
PERUMBALAM
EZH UPUNNA
THURAVOOR
CHEN NAM PALLIPURAM

P ATTANAKKAD
VAYALAR
KADAKKARAPALLY LEGEND
CHERTH ALA
CHERTHALA SOUTH
THAN NEERMUKKAM
KANJIKUZHI
MARARIKULAM NORTH M UHAMMA THIRD ORDER SERVICE CENTRE
M ANN ANC HERY

MARARIKULAM SOUTH
ARYAD
KAVALAM
KAINAKARY
ALAPPUZHA
NEELAM PEROOR
VELIYANAD
PUNNAPRA SOUTH NEDUM UDI
RAMANKARY
CHAM PAKULAM
AMBALAPUZHA N ORTH MUTTAR
AMBALAP UZHA SOUTH
TH AKAZHY EDATHUA THALAVAD Y
CHERUTHANA
VEEYAP URAM PANDANAD
M ANNAR CHENGANNUR
KARUVATTA
P ULIYOOR
HARIPAD CHENNITHALA BUD HANNOOR

KUMARAPURAM
P ALLIPPAD ALA
TH RIKUNNAPUZHA
KARTHIKAPPALLY VENMON Y
M AVELIKKARA
C HINGOLI CHEP PAD
THAZHAKARA
CHETTIKULANGARA
PATHIYOOR NO ORANAD
ARAT TUPUZHA CHUNAKKARA
KANDALLOOR
PALAMEL
KAYAMKULAM BHARANIKAVU
KRISHNAP URAM
D EVIKULANGARA
THAM ARAKULAM
VALLIKUNNAM
Fig 7.8. Proposed Hierarchy of Settlements- Alappuzha District

Table:7.3 Hierarchy of Settlements- Service area and population (as third order settlement)
Area Density
Sl No LSG Order Local governments served Population
sqkm p/sqkm
Al appuzha Al appuzha, Ma nnancherry, Nedumudy,
1 I 175.57 321362 1830
Municipal i ty Kai na kary, Aryad, Punna pra North
Cherthal a Cherthal a, Pattanakka d, Tha nneermukkam,
2 II 11.80 189265 1693
Municipal i ty Vaya l ar, Kadakkarappa l ly, Thuravoor
Kayamkula m Kaya mkula m, Va ll i kunnam, Kri shnapura m,
3 II 93.72 179778 1918
Municipal i ty Bha rani kavu, Devi kula ngara
Chenga nnur Chengannur, Mul a kkuzha, Panda na d,
4 II 81.75 113625 1390
Municipal i ty Thi ruva nvandoor, Ala , Pul i yoor
Maveli ka ra Mavel i ka ra- Thekkekkara , Cheppa d,
5 II 65.90 116796 1772
Municipal i ty Chetti kul a nga ra,
Aroor Aroor, Arookutty, Perumbal am, Panava l l y,
6 III 97.56 161845 1659
Gra mapa nchayat Kodamthuruth, Kuthi yathode, Ezhupunna
Chenna mpa l li ppuram
7 III Chenna mpa ll i ppura m , Thai ka ttusserry 41.26 47359 1148
Gra mapa nchayat
Mara rikul am N Cherthal a South, Muhamma , Ka nji kuzhy,
8 III 94.87 171187 1804
Gra mapa nchayat Marari kul am South, Mara rikul am North
Amba l apuzha S Amba la puzha South, Ambal apuzha North,
9 III 87.00 125630 1444
Gra mapa nchayat Thakazhy, Purakkad, Punnapra South
Pul i nkunnu Cha mpakul am, Pul inkunnu, Ra mankary,
10 III 156.29 94816 607
Gra mapa nchayat Kava l am, Neela mperoor, Veli yana d
Eda thua
11 III Edathua, Thal avady, Mutta r 47.69 52134 1093
Gra mapa nchayat
Mannar Mannar , Veeyapura m, Budhannoor,
12 III 67.17 89083 1326
Gra mapa nchayat Thri perunthura
Haripad Hari pad, Pa ll i ppad, Ka ruvatta, Kumara puram,
13 III 91.04 141804 1557
Gra mapa nchayat Cherutha na,Thri kkunna puzha, Ka rthi kappa ll y
Tha zhakara
14 III Thazhaka ra , Venmony, Cheriyanad 58.00 79658 1373
Gra mapa nchayat
Nooranadu Nooranad , Thama rakkul am, Chuna kka ra,
15 III 84.47 106394 1260
Gra mapa nchayat Pal amel
Muthukul a m Muthukul a m, Chi ngol i, Pa thi yoor,
16 III 67.29 118368 1759
Gra mapa nchayat Kandal l oor , Arattupuzha
7.3 INFERENCE
Though Crystallor’s Central Place Theory has the I order and II order settlements comprise of the
some inherent limitations and specifically with regard existing urban centres. Eleven III order settlements with
to the district, the theory is made use of in deriving higher CFI values are identified, so that not more than
higher order settlements of the district. As per the one settlement is identifed from any blockpanchayat
suggested hierarchy of settlements, there is one I order and the spatial distribution is such that no area in the
settlement, four II order settlements and eleven district remain unserved by a III order centre. These
III order settlements in the district. The character-wise centres form the higher order centres in the proposed
analysis of these higher order settlements show that hierarchy of settlements.

District Urbanisation Report - Alappuzha URBAN POFILE 83
Chapter-8
URBAN PROFILE
In this chapter the trend of urbanization in There is an increase of about 400% in the total
Alappuzha District is assessed and is compared with population of Kerala during the century. Rural popula-
the level of urbanization of the State. This exercise gives tion has increased by 300 %. But the rural population
a picture of the urbanization in the district. content has declined from 92.89% to 74% meanwhile.
This is an indication on the trend of urbanization in Kerala
8.1 TREND OF URBANISATION –KERALA over a period of 100 years. The urbanization trend in
At the turn of the 20 th century, Kerala had a the immediate past is analysed below. The population
population of 63.96 lakhs, of which 59.42 lakhs were in figures of the last three decades are given in Table 8.2.
its rural areas (source Census 2001). This constitutes There is a steady decline in the population growth rate.
92.89 % of the total population of the State. At the end Population growth rate in 1971-’81 was 19.24% and it
of the 20th century the total population in Kerala has reduced to 9.42 % during 1991-’01. During the period
increased to 3.18 crores (31841374) of which rural 1981-91 population of 36.45 lakh were added to the pre-
population is 2.36 crores. The rural population vious decade’s population, whereas during the period
constitutes about 74 % of the total population of the 1991-2001, only 27.4 lakh were added. The growth rate
State on 2001. The population figures of the State as of urban population of Kerala over the last three
per Census 2001 are shown in the Table 8.1. decades shows that it is in a transition phase. Over the
last two decades (1971-81 and 1981-91) growth rate in
Table 8.1 Population of the state at a urban population was on the rise, 37.64% in 1981 and
glance(2001) 60.97% in 1991.
Person Male Female Growth rate The urban population growth rate has increased
Total 31841374 15468614 16372760 9.42
from 37.64% to 60.97% during 1981 to 1991 and then
Rural 23574449 11451282 12123167 10.08
drastically declined to 7.68% in 2001. This indicates that
Urban 8266925 4017332 4249593 7.68
over the last decade, the increase in population in the
Source: Census 2001 rural area is more than that of the urban area. This is an
Table 8.2 Urban Population-Kerala-1981-2001 issue to be addressed in planning of rural areas.
Total urban Urban population Growth rate

Year Total population
population content % Total population Urban population
1981 25453680 4771275 18.74 19.24 37.64
1991 29098518 7680294 26.39 14.32 60.97
2001 31838619 8267135 25.97 9.42 7.68
Source: Census 2001

84 URBAN PROFILE District Urbanisation Report - Alappuzha
AROOR 8.2 CENSUS URBAN AREA IN ALAPPUZHA DISTRICT

AROOKUTTY N
Census defines an area as urban according to
population, density and share of male working
population dependent on non agricultural activities. Of
the total population of Alappuzha district, urban
KOKKOTHAMANGALAM
CHERTHALA
population account for 621457 persons in 2001. ie 29.52
CT
THANNEERMUKKAM
MUNICIPALITIES
% of the total population is accommodated in the Census
KANJIKKUZHI
MUHAMMA OG urban areas of the district. The Census Urban Areas of
the District are mapped in Fig.8.1 and listed in Table 8.3.
KOMALAPURAM
8.3 URBAN POPULATION -EXISTING AREAS

ALAPPUZHA
KALARKOD
The process of urbanization is related to increase
PUNNAPRA in urban population: this can be attributed to increase
in population of existing urban areas or due to
population in increased urban areas or both. The urban
CHENGANNUR
population content of Kerala is 26%, whereas that of
the District is 29.36%. On comparing the urban content
MAVELIKKARA of all the districts of the State, Alappuzha District stands
at 5th (See Table 8.4. and Fig.8.2). A comparison of the
KAYAMKULAM
urbanisation trends exhibited by the various districts
of the State can be made from this. This indicates to a
Fig 8.1 Census Urban area of Alappuzha District faster urbanisation process in Alappuzha District.
Table 8.3 Census Urban Areas of Alappuzha District 2001

Sl No Urban Area Type Area in Sqkm Population
1 Aroor Census Town 15.04 35283
2 Arookutty Census Town 12.86 17393
3 Kanjikuzhy Census Town 12.86 22127
4 Cherthala Urban Agglomeration 91.61 141558
i Cherthala Municipal Town 16.19 45105
ii Vayalar Urban Outgrowth 14.45 24216
iii Thanneermukkam Urban Outgrowth 23.91 30866
iv Kokkothamangalam Census Town 10.30 16853
v Muhamma Census Town 26.76 24518
5 Alappuzha Urban Agglomeration 85.37 282675
i Alappuzha Municipal Town 46.71 177029
ii Kalarkod Urban Outgrowth 11.06 26964
iii Punnapra Urban Outgrowth 13.95 35398
iv Komalapuram Census Town 13.65 43291
6 Kayamkulam Municipal Town 21.79 68585
7 Mavelikara Municipal Town 12.65 28439
8 Chengannur Municipal Town 14.60 25397
Source: Census 2001
Table 8.4 Districtwise Percentage of Urban Population ’01
Population 2001 Urban Content
District
Urban Rural Total % Urban Rank 2001
Kannur 1212898 1196058 2408956 50.30 1
Ernakulam 1477085 1628713 3105798 47.60 2
Kozhikode 1101157 1777974 2879131 38.20 3
Thiruvananthapuram 1091661 2142695 3234356 33.80 4
Alappuzha 621457 1487703 2109004 29.50 5
Thrissur 839433 2134799 2974232 28.20 6
Kasaragod 233700 970378 1204078 19.40 7
Kollam 465978 2119230 2585208 18.00 8
Kottayam 299808 1653838 1953646 15.30 9
Palakkad 356575 2260907 2617482 13.60 10
Pathanamthitta 123798 1110218 1234016 10.00 11
Malappuram 356170 3269301 3625471 9.80 12
Idukki 57593 1071628 1129221 5.10 13
Wayanad 29612 751007 780619 3.80 14
Source: Census 2001
Fig 8.2 Comparison of Urban content of Population
8.4 DECADAL VARIATION IN URBAN POPULATION Table 8.5 Decadal Variations in the Urban
CONTENT VS URBAN AREA Population of Alappuzha District
The decadal variation in the urban content of
Alappuzha District is given in Table 8.5. The increase in
Total Urban Share of Urban
urban population is due to increase in population as Year
Population Population Population
well as increase in urban areas. Fig.8.4 shows that urban
content of the population has increased from 16.92% 1971 1660333 321129 19.34
to 29.36% over a period of three decades. It is to be 1981 1865580 344287 18.45
noted that the variation during the decades is not
1991 2001083 609610 30.46
uniform. In 1982 Pathanamthitta district was formed
2001 2109004 621457 29.47
carving out portions from Alappuzha, Kollam and Idukki
districts. Thiruvalla Taluk was annexed from Alappuzha. Source: Census 2001
8.5 GROWTH RATE OF URBAN POPULATION

The graph (see Fig 8.5) shown below depicts the
growth rate of urban population against the growth rate
of population over the last three decades in the
district. While the population growth rate of the District
has shown a gradual decline from 12.36% to 7.26% and
then to 5.39%, the urban population growth rate has
increased from 7.21%, to 77.06% and then shows a steep
decline from 77.06% to 1.94%. This variation in urban
growth rate is due to the change in the census urban
Fig 8.3 Decadal Variation in Urban area areas during 1991 and 2001 (see Fig.8.6). There were 16
The urban area of the district during this period urban areas in 1991 and in 2001 it fell to 15.
(1981-1991) shows an increase of 160.21 sqkm (Fig.8.3).
A decrease of 27.45 Sq km in the urban area is also noted
during the period from 1991 to 2001 though there is
only a slight decrease in the urban population content
of the district during this period. There is a steep
increase (From 16.92 % to 29.5 %) in the urban content
of the total population for a period from 1971 to 2001.
A slight decrease in the urban population content is
noted during the period from 1991 to 2001. The plot Fig 8.5 Comparison of Growth rate of urban population with
(see Fig.8.4) shows the decadal variation in the urban District Population
population of Alappuzha District from 1971 to 2001.The
total Urban population of the District has increased from
359696 to 621457 in a period of four decades. The
variation during this period was not uniform. A sudden
increase in the urban population is observed during
1981 to 1991, but during the decade from 1991 to 2001
there is only a slight increase in the urban population.
Fig 8.6 Decadal variation in urban area
This is a pattern of urban growth contrary to the

general belief that urban areas attract more population
to them with the better infrastructural facilities, better
employment opportunities and increased living
standards. This is not an isolated case of Alappuzha
District alone. The growth of urban population of the
State shows the same pattern of shrinking of urban
Fig 8.4 Decadal Variation in District urban Population population growth rate figures during 1981 to 2001.

Growth rates of urban population of the state and AROOKUTTY
AROOR N
PERUMBALAM
the districtare detailed in Table 8.6. This shows that EZHUPUNNA
there is a huge decline in the growth rate of urban KODAMTHURUTH PANAVALLY
population of Kerala, more or less the same pattern is THURAVOOR
CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM
seen here in Alappuzha also. PATTANAKAD

VAYALAR
KADAKKARAPPALLY
LEGEND
DISTRICT BOUNDARY
Table 8.6 Growthrate of Urban Population -
CHERTHALA
THANNEERMUKKAM
CHERTHALA SOUTH
LOCAL BODY BOUNDARY
Comparison with State MARARIKULAM NORTH

KANJIKUZHI
MUHAMMA
NH
SH
Area 1971-1981 1981-91 1991-2001 RAILWAY LINE
MANNANCHERY
GROWTH RATE (%)
Kerala 37.64 60.89 7.68 MARARIKULAM SOUTH
ARYAD UPTO 3
Alappuzha 7.21 77.06 1.94 ALAPPUZHA
KAINAKARY
KAVALAM
3 - 9
NEELAMPEROOR 9 - 15
Source: Census 2001 PULINKUNNU > 15
PUNNAPRA NORTH
VELIYANAD
Variation in the population growth rate of various CHAMPAKULAM RAMANKARY
AMBALAPUZHA NORTH
MUTTAR
AMBALAPUZHA SOUTH
local governments of the district is represented in figure THAKAZHY EDATHUA THALAVADY
(Fig.8.7). It is observed from the figure that the growth PURAKKAD

CHERUTHANA PANDANAD
THIRUVANVANDOOR
CHENGANNUR
rate of population of the urban local governments of KUMARAPURAM HARIPAD

PULIYOOR
BUDHANNOOR
CHENNITHALA ALA
the district is less than that of the surrounding

CHERIYANAD
CHEPPAD
CHINGOLI
MAVELIKARA
Gramapanchayats. This indicates that the population MUTHUKULAM

CHETTIKULANGARA
THEKKEKARA
THAZHAKARA
PATHIYOOR
NOORNAD
which are attracted to the urban areas is resisted by ARATTUPUZHA
KANDALLOOR KAYAMKULAM
CHUNAKKARA
PALAMEL
BHARANIKKAVU
some other forces: the high land value in urban areas DEVIKULANGARA KRISHNAPURAM
THAMARAKULAM
VALLIKUNNAM
and the better infrastructural facilities in the hinterland

Fig 8.7 Population Growthrate 2001- LSG wise
may be the reason for increased hinterland population.
It may also be seen that the increase in population in 8.6 URBAN SETTLEMENTS – FROM 1971 TO 2001
the northern part of the district is rather more than the
The number of urban settlement of the district
rest of the district. This is due to the spread effect of
increased during the period from 1981 to 2001 ( Table
developments at Kochi.
8.8 and Table 8.9). As per the 2001 Census, the
There is decrease in the total urban population population of Alappuzha District is 21, 09,004, which
of the district. The concentration pattern of the urban forms 6.62 % of the state population. Of the total
population in the district is probed here. The spatial population of the district 6, 21,457 is urban population
distribution of the Taluk wise urban population is shown (29.46%). The Census urban areas of the District
in the following table 8.7. comprises of 5 municipalities- Alappuzha, Mavelikara,
Table 8.7 Population details Talukwise-Year 2001

Sl no Taluk Area sqkm Total population Urban Population Urban Content (%)
1 Karthikappally 224.66 407281 68585 16.84
2 Ambalappuzha 178.81 440792 282675 64.13
3 Cherthala 319.80 518555 216361 41.72
4 Chengannur 142.19 205244 25397 12.37
5 Mavelikkara 230.37 332969 28439 8.54
6 Kuttanad 265.93 204380 Nil Nil
Source: Census 2001

Table 8.8 Number of Census Urban settlements Kayamkulam, Chengannur and Cherthala, 2 urban
from 1971-2001 agglomerations –Cherthala and Alappuzha, 6 census
Total
N on Urban Total towns – Aroor, Arookutty, Kokothamangalam,
Census num be r of Municipal
ye ar Urban Tow ns
m unicipal out are a Muhamma, Kanjikuzhi and Komalapuram and 4
tow ns grow th (sq km )
are a outgrowths- Thanneermukkam Vayalar, Punnapra, and
1971 6 4 2 11 6 .40 Kalarkod as per Census 2001. The classifications were
1981 6 5 1 11 7 .27
different in the last decades and a few of the Census
1991 16 5 9 2 28 8 .08
2001 15 5 6 4 26 0 .63 urban areas as on 2001 were not classified so in 1971,
Source: Census 2001 1981, 1991 and 2001. This is illustrated in table 8.9 below.
Table 8.9 Census Urban Settlements from 1971-2001
Census Statutory Town

Urban Agglomeration Total No
Year Municipal town Non Municipal town Census town
Alappuzha
Cherthala Chengannur
1971 Nil 6
Kayamkulam Haripad
Mavelikara
Alappuzha
Cherthala
1981 Nil Kayamkulam Pathirappally 6
Mavelikara
Chengannur
Kalarkod OG
Alappuzha Alappuzha Komalapuram
Punnapra OG
Vayalar
Kokothamangalam
Cherthala Cherthala
1991 Thanneermukkam 16
Muhamma
Kayamkulam Mannanchery
Mavelikara Aroor Arookutty
Chengannur Kodamthuruth
Kalarkod OG
Alappuzha Alappuzha Komalapuram
Punnapra OG
Vayalar OG Kokothamangalam
Cherthala Cherthala
2001 Thanneermukam OG Muhamma 15
Kayamkulam Aroor
Mavelikara Arookutty Kanjikuzhi
Chengannur
Source: Census 2001

8.7 FUTURE URBANISATION PROFILE past data and the share of the workforce in each
The future urban profile is a topic of interest as category is estimated. Settlements with more than 75%
far as an urban planner is concerned. This is of interest male workforce engaged in pursuits other than
to demographers, administrators and social scientists agriculture are considered to exhibit more urban
as well. Urbanisation is a process and hence the future character. The 46 gramapanchayats satisfying this
urban profile is derived in continuation of the present criterion in addition to the existing municipalities are
trends. The analysis of the occupational structure of listed overleaf and mapped at Fig.8.8. It is seen that but
the district shows that the production sectors- ie, the for the agriculture tracts of Kuttanad and Onattukara,
agriculture and industrial sectors show declining trend the entire district satisfies this criteria.
in the district. The only sector, which shows growth, is The classification of an area into urban based on
the service sector. More than 75% of the total urban the extrapolated share of male workers in non
population depends on the service sector for their agricultural activities based on the past data may not
livelihood. It is observed that rural area of the district is be very accurate. Though it gives a near accurate picture
also slowly withdrawing from the productive sector and about the trend of urbanisation, other factors like the
has started depending more on the service sector. extent of physical and economic development,
Because of this shift in the occupational structure some prospects in development projects which can induce
of the rural areas are likely to have more than 75% of urbanisation in future and existing hierarchy of
the male workers in the non-agricultural category in settlements need also be considered in evolving a finer
the near future and hence can be categorized as census picture of future urbanisation profile.
urban. There will be significant increase in the urban
AROOKUTTY
population as well as in the extent of urban areas of AROOR

PERUMBALAM
N
the district in the immediate future, though the urban EZHUPUNNA
population content of the existing urban areas show a KUTHIATHODE THAIKATTUSSERY
THURAVOOR
decreasing trend. An attempt is made here to identify CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM

PATTANAKAD
VAYALAR
the future probable urban local governments. This is KADAKKARAPPALLY
made on the three fold census classification as per CHERTHALA

CHERTHALA SOUTH
THANNEERMUKKAM
Census 2001, and the results are further iterated with MARARIKULAM NORTH
KANJIKUZHI
MUHAMMA
factors like impact of proposed urban development

MANNANCHERY
projects, grade of the local governments and hierarchy MARARIKULAM SOUTH
ARYAD
of settlements. KAINAKARY
KAVALAM
ALAPPUZHA
NEELAMPEROOR
8.7.1 CRITERIA-1: CENSUS URBAN AREA PUNNAPRA NORTH PULINKUNNU
VELIYANAD
AMBALAPUZHA NORTH
As per Census of India, an urban area is AMBALAPUZHA SOUTH

MUTTAR
characterized by the participation of male workforce in

nonagricultural activities. The shift in character of a CHERUTHANA

PANDANAD CHENGANNUR
PULIYOOR
BUDHANNOOR
settlement from rural to urban is essentially indicated KUMARAPURAM

THRIKUNNAPUZHA
HARIPAD
CHENNITHALA
PALLIPPAD
ALA
CHERIYANAD
MULAKUZHA
by the shift in the workforce from primary to other CHINGOLI

CHEPPAD
MAVELIKARA
CHETTIKULANGARA
THAZHAKARA
activities. A study on the existing occupational structure ARATTUPUZHA

PATHIYOOR
CHUNAKKARA
NOORNAD
in the settlements of the district throws light on the

BHARANIKKAVU
THAMARAKULAM
settlements likely to become urban shortly. The VALLIKUNNAM
workforce is projected for the year 2021 based on the Fig 8.8 Urban areas by Census criterion-workforce
1 Aryad 24 Punnapra North 1 Cherthala 11 Pattanakkad

2 Muhamma 25 Thuravoor 2 Mavelikkara 12 Mararikkulam North
3 Aroor 26 Chennampallippuram 3 Alappuzha 13 Punnapra North
4 Arattupuzha 27 Kandalloor 4 Kayamkulam 14 Kodamthuruth
5 Cherthala 28 Kodamthuruth 5 Chengannur 15 Pathiyoor
6 Mararikulam South 29 Devikulangara 6 Aroor 16 Ambalappuzha North
7 Vayalar 30 Krishnapuram 7 Mararikkulam South 17 Haripad
8 Thanneermukkam 31 Chengannur 8 Thanneermukkam 18 Ambalappuzha South
9 Mannanchery 32 Punnapra South 9 Mannanchery 19 Mannar
33 10 Ezhupunna 20 Chettikulangara
10 Mavelikara Kumarapuram
11 Arookutty 34 Pathiyoor
AROOKUTTY
AROOR
12 Thrikkunnapuzha 35 Chingoli EZHUPUNNA

PERUMBALAM
N
13 Cherthala South 36 Karthikappally KODAMTHURUTH
KUTHIATHODE
PANAVALLY
THAIKATTUSSERY
14 Alappuzha 37 Am balapuzha North THURAVOOR
CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM
PATTANAKAD
15 Kadakkarappally 38 Haripad
VAYALAR
KADAKKARAPPALLY
CHERTHALA
16 Kuthiathode 39 Perumbalam CHERTHALA SOUTH

THANNEERMUKKAM
17 Ezhupunna 40 Purakkad MARARI KULAM NORTH

KANJIKUZHI
MUHAMMA
18 Pattanakkad 41 Am balapuzha South MANNANCHERY

MARARIKULAM SOUTH
19 Kanjikuzhi 42 Muthukulam
ARYAD
KAVALAM
KAINAKARY
ALAPPUZHA
20 Mararikulam North 43 Cheppad NEELAMPEROOR
PULINKUNNU
PUNNAPRA NORTH
21 Panavally 44 Mannar
VELIYANAD
AMBALAPUZHA NORTH
MUTTAR
22 Kayamkulam 45 Chettikulangara AMBALAPUZHA SOUTH
23 Thaikattussery 46 Vallikunnam PURAKKAD

CHERUTHANA
KARUVATTA
THIRUVANVANDOOR
PANDANAD CHENGANNUR
VEEYAPURAM MANNAR
PULIYOOR
BUDHANNOOR
KUMARAPURAM HARIPAD
CHENNITHALA ALA
THRIKUNNAPUZHA
PALLIPPAD MULAKUZHA
CHERIYANAD
CHEPPAD
CHINGOLI
MAVELIKARA
THAZHAKARA
CHETTIKULANGARA
PATHIYOOR
8.7.2 CRITERIA 2: GRADE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS ARATTUPUZHA
CHUNAKKARA
NOORNAD
PALAMEL
BHARANIKKAVU
THAMARAKULAM
VALLIKUNNAM
Urbanisation is a process and the probable urban

local governments will be a derivative of the existing Fig 8.9 Settlements of higher grade
trends in the local governments. The grade of local 8.7.3 CRITERIA 3: PERSPECTIVES IN URBAN
governments is adopted as an indicator of the physical DEVELOPMENT
and economical development of the local body. Higher
grade indicates to more revenue, better infrastructure, Shift in occupational structure from primary to
and higher development. So the grade of the local body non primary activities and concentration of population
is taken as a proxy indicator to assess the physical and characterizes urbanisation. Implementation of certain
economic development of the local body. 23 grama projects can trigger off developments which alter the
panchayats of the total 73 of the district are graded occupational pattern altogether and thereby inducing
special grade gramapanchayats. Only 15 of these appear urbanisation. Hence local governments where such
in the above list. Thus the number of probable urban projects are on the anvil or being implemented can be
local governments reduces to 20 including the added to the above list.
municipalities. The modified list is given below. The The urban development schemes/ projects in the
LSGs are mapped in Fig.8.9. District which are likely to induce further urban
developments in future years are listed as follows.
1.Industrial growth centre and infopark- 8.7.4 CRITERIA 4: HIERARCHY OF SETTLEMENT
Chennampallipuram.
Since hierarchy of the LSG is an indicator on the
2.Infopark at Purakkad.
availability of facilities and thereby the developments
3.Rail coach factory at SN Puram in the LSG, the hierarchy of the above 22 local govern-
4.Marina Cargo Port and Tourism developments ments is also considered in finalizing the future prob-
at Alappuzha. able urban local governments. All the settlements
which are included in the list by virtue of consideration
5.Coir Parks at Cherthala, Thiruvizha and
of the above three criteria are observed to be varied in
Kanichukulangara.
availability of facilities. CFI of a settlement is an index
6.Town of excellence-Aroor. of the facilities available in the settlement and thereby
A few of these LSGs are already listed as probable the development in the settlement. Higher the CFI,
urban local governments. Considering the areas of higher will be its significance with regard to the
implementation and the likely influence of the neighbouring local governments. The hierarchy of the
projects, Chennampallippuram and Purakkad settlements was detailed earlier and according to this,
gramapanchayats may be added to the list of probable of the 22 local governments listed above Ezhupunna
urban local governments, thereby increasing the has a very low hierarchy. Hence Ezhupunna is excluded
number of probable urban local governments to 22. from the list of the probable future urban local govern-
The list is given below. ments. The final list of the probable urban local gov-
ernments is given below.
1 Cherthala 12 Mararikulam North
2 Mavelikara 13 Punnapra North 1 Cherthala 12 Mararikulam North
3 Alappuzha 14 Kodamthuruth 2 Mavelikara 13 Punnapra North
4 Kayamkulam 15 Thanneermukkam 3 Alappuzha 14 Kodamthuruth
5 Chengannur 16 Ambalapuzha North 4 Kayamkulam 15 Thanneermukkam
6 Aroor 17 Ambalapuzha South 5 Chengannur 16 Ambalapuzha North
7 Mannar 18 Pattanakkad 6 Aroor 17 Ambalapuzha South
8 Ezhupunna 19 Mannanchery 7 Mannar 18 Pattanakkad
9 Pathiyoor 20 Chettikulangara 8 Mannanchery 19 Chettikulangara
10 Haripad 21 Mararikulam South 9 Pathiyoor 20 Mararikulam South
11 Purakkad 22 Chennampallippuram 10 Haripad 21 Chennampallippuram
11 Purakkad
Kochi, the industrial and commercial capital of The listed local governments define the future
the State is located very close to the district. Hence the urban profile of the district. This is illustrated in fig 8.10.
developments at Kochi will certainly influence the However all the above local governments are not
pattern of developments in the northern part of the designated as urban simultaneously. Urbanisation is a
district. Since the study is confined to the district, this process and hence it is presumed that a few of the above
aspect has not been probed. it is remarked that the listed local governments will become urban by 2011
influence and extent of influence exerted by the and the rest by 2021. This is determined using the
ongoing and anticipated projects at Kochi have to be growth rate in the local governments under
thoroughly studied, since this will have a major say in consideration. Growth rate is influenced by
the development of the northern part of the district. developments and change in nature of the area.

AROOKUTTY
AROOR N
The likely future urban profile of the district
PERUMBALAM
EZHUPUNNA
evolved is shown in the Table 8.11. The phasing of
PANAVALLY
urbanisation in the local governments is given in

KODAMTHURUTH
THURAVOOR
Table8.10 . As can be seen, there will be 12 urban local
CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM
governments in the district by 2011 and 21 by 2021. This

PATTANAKAD
VAYALAR
KADAKKARAPPALLY
CHERTHALA
CHERTHALA SOUTH
THANNEERMUKKAM
is illustrated in Fig.8.11.
KANJIKUZHI
MARARIKULAM NORTH MUHAMMA AROOKUTTY
AROOR N
PERUMBALAM
MANNANCHERY EZHUPUNNA
MARARIKULAM SOUTH PANAVALLY

KODAMTHURUTH
ARYAD
KAVALAM
KAINAKARY
ALAPPUZHA THURAVOOR
NEELAMPEROOR
CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM
PATTANAKAD
PUNNAPRA NORTH PULINKUNNU VAYALAR
VELIYANAD
KADAKKARAPPALLY
LEGEND
AMBALAPUZHA NORTH CHERTHALA
THANNEERMUKKAM
MUTTAR CHERTHALA SOUTH DISTRICT BOUNDARY
AMBALAPUZHA SOUTH
LOCAL BODY BOUNDARY
KANJIKUZHI NH
THIRUVANVANDOOR MARARIKULAM NORTH
PURAKKAD MUHAMMA
SH
KARUVATTA VEEYAPURAM MANNAR RAILWAY LINE
PULIYOOR
HARIPAD
BUDHANNOOR
MANNANCHERY
EXISTING LOCAL BODIES
KUMARAPURAM
CHENNITHALA ALA MARARIKULAM SOUTH
THRIKUNNAPUZHA MULAKUZHA URBAN LOCALBODIES BY 2011
PALLIPPAD CHERIYANAD
CHEPPAD ARYAD URBAN LOCALBODIES AS ON 2021
CHINGOLI
MAVELIKARA THAZHAKARA KAVALAM
CHETTIKULANGARA OTHER LOCALBODIES
MUTHUKULAM THEKKEKARA KAINAKARY
ALAPPUZHA
PATHIYOOR
NOORNAD NEELAMPEROOR
ARATTUPUZHA
CHUNAKKARA
PULINKUNNU
BHARANIKKAVU PUNNAPRA NORTH
THAMARAKULAM VELIYANAD
DEVIKULANGARA KRISHNAPURAM PUNNAPRA SOUTH NEDUMUDI
VALLIKUNNAM RAMANKARY
CHAMPAKULAM
AMBALAPUZHA NORTH
MUTTAR
Fig 8.10 Future urban settlements of Alappuzha District AM BALAPUZHA SOUTH
8.8 URBAN PROFILE PURAKKAD THIRUVANVANDOOR

On analysis of the development pattern,

MANNAR
PULIYOOR
BUDHANNOOR
KUMARAPURAM HARIPAD
CHENNITHALA
ALA
potential and existing infrastructure, it is stated that

MULAKUZHA
CHERIYANAD
CHINGOLI CHEPPAD
the five municipal towns will continue to be urban in MAVELIKARA

CHETTIKULANGARA
THAZHAKARA
THEKKEKARA
MUTHUKULAM
PATHIYOOR
the next decades also with no further addition to the ARATTUPUZHA

KANDALLOOR
CHUNAKKARA
NOORNAD
KAYAMKULAM PALAMEL
list of municipal local governments. The other future KRISHNAPURAM

DEVIKULANGARA
BHARANIKKAVU
THAMARAKULAM
urban local governments can be denoted as VALLIKUNNAM
Nagarpanchayats since the level of development is at

a lesser pace. The population growth rate is taken as Fig 8.11 Urbanisation phasing
the deciding criterion by how fast a local body attains
Another aspect worth mentioning is urbanisation
urban nature. The local governments with faster growth
trends around Alappuzha and Cherthala Municipal
rate attain urban character earlier. The 9 local
towns. As per 2001 Census, these two towns act as the
governments, with higher population growth rate of
core towns of the respective Urban Agglomerations.
more than 12% are designated as Nagarpanchayats by
There is a spread of urban area including Alappuzha
2011 and the remaining 7 local governments, as
and Cherthala municipal towns. The continuous spread
Nagarpanchayats by 2021. The pattern of population
of areas including Alappuzha and Cherthala could have
growth among the local governments of the district
been envisaged as a Municipal Corporation with
shows that the growth rate is higher among the local
headquarters obviously at Alappuzha. Development
governments in proximity of Alappuzha and Cherthala
around Cherthala is highly influenced by those at Kochi.
Municipalities.
The trend and pattern of developments at Increase in urban population is due to increase
Cherthala are quite different from those at Alappuzha. in urban areas and increase in population in urban areas.
It is felt that for the development of Cherthala and The projection of urban population of the district is done
surrounding regions, it is better to maintain their in two stages. The population of the existing urban
individual identity since the fast pace and spread of areas of the district is projected and then the population
developments in Kochi can be better utilised for the in the proposed urban areas is derived. These two
development of Cherthala if the identity is maintained. values together constitute the future urban population
of the district.
8.9 PROJECTION OF URBAN POPULATION OF
ALAPPUZHA DISTRICT. 8.9.1 POPULATION PROJECTION OF THE EXISTING
The total future urban population of the district URBAN LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
will be the aggregate of the projected population of The graph of the ratio of the total district urban
existing urban areas and proposed urban areas during population to the district population (see Fig.8.12)
2011 and 2021. The list of the existing and proposed shows that share of the population in urban local
urban area of the district is given in Table 8.10. The governments of the district is decreasing indicating a
increase in urban population is due to the increase in lower growth rate in the designated urban areas of the
population in urban areas and also due to the district than other areas of the district.
population in the increased urban areas.
Table 8.10 Future urban profile of the district

Sl no Local governments Status on
1 Alappuzha Municipalitiy
2 Mavelikara Municipalitiy
3 Chengannur Municipalitiy 2009
4 Kayamkulam Municipalitiy
5 Cherthala Municipalitiy
6 Purakkad Nagarpanchayat
7 Aroor Nagarpanchayat
8 Mannanchery Nagarpanchayat Fig 8.12 Ratio of population of the existing urban LSGs to the
9 Kodamthuruth Nagarpanchayat 2011 district population
10 Mararikulam South Nagarpanchayat
11 Ambalapuzha North Nagarpanchayat Though the ratio of population in the urban areas
12 Ambalapuzha South Nagarpanchayat to total population of the district is found to be
13 Mararikulam North Nagarpanchayat
decreasing as illustrated above, it is presumed that
14 Chettikulangara Nagarpanchayat
there may not be any further decrease in urban
15 Chennampallippuram Nagarpanchayat
population on account of the anticipated developments
16 Punnapra North Nagarpanchayat
in the urban areas consequent to the various
17 Pattanakkad Nagarpanchayat 2021
developmental programmes being implemented in the
18 Thanneermukkam Nagarpanchayat
19 Mannar Nagarpanchayat
urban areas. The projected population figures of the
20 Haripad Nagarpanchayat existing urban area based on this assumption are shown
21 Pathiyoor Nagarpanchayat in the Fig.8.14 and Table 8.11.

AROOKUTTY
AROOR N
PERUMBALAM
EZHUPUNNA
PANAVALLY
KODAMTHURUTH
THURAVOOR
CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM
PATTANAKAD
VAYALAR
LEGEND
KADAKKARAPPALLY
DISTRICT BOUNDARY
CHERTHALA
THANNEERMUKKAM
CHERTHALA SOUTH
LOCAL BODY BOUNDARY
NH
KANJIKUZHI
MARARIKULAM NORTH
MUHAMMA SH
RAILWAY LINE
MANNANCHERY
EXISTING URBAN LOCAL BODIES
MARARIKULAM SOUTH
ARYAD
URBAN LOCALBODIES BY 2011
KAVALAM URBAN LOCALBODIES BY 2021
KAINAKARY
ALAPPUZHA
NEELAMPEROOR
OTHER LOCALBODIES
VELIYANAD
AMBALAPUZHA NORTH
MUTTAR
AMBALAPUZHA SOUTH

MANNAR
PULIYOOR
BUDHANNOOR
KUMARAPURAM HARIPAD
CHENNITHALA ALA
THRIKUNNAPUZHA
PALLIPPAD MULAKUZHA
CHERIYANAD
CHEPPAD
CHINGOLI
MAVELIKARA
THAZHAKARA
CHETTIKULANGARA
PATHIYOOR
NOORNAD
ARATTUPUZHA
CHUNAKKARA
BHARANIKKAVU
THAMARAKULAM
VALLIKUNNAM
Fig 8.13 Future Urban Profile of Alappuzha District

Table 8.11 Population projection of existing urban area- Alappuzha District
Year 1971 1981 1991 2001 2011 2021
Alappuzha District 1660333 1865580 2001083 2109004 2173807 2205812

Chengannur Municipality 13316 24862 25872 25397 26,177 26,562
Cherthala Municipality 36752 40492 43326 45105 46519 47204
Alappuzha Municipality 160166 169940 174666 177029 182600 185288
Kayamkulam Municipality 54102 61327 67151 68585 70692 71733
Mavelikara Municipality 25648 26598 28299 28439 29346 29778
Total urban population 289984 323219 339314 344555 355335 360566
district population. The same trend is assumed to

continue in these local governments in the succeeding
decades also and the population is projected
accordingly. The projected population of the urban areas
(proposed) is shown in Table 8.12.
Table 8.12 Projected population of proposed

urban area
Area 2011 2021
District 2173807 2205812
Fig 8.14: Projected total urban population in the existing
Purakkad 30342 30788
urban local governments
Aroor 38668 39237
8.9.2 POPULATION PROJECTION OF THE PROPOSED
Mannanchery 48914 49634
URBAN AREA: Kodamthuruth 21060 21370
The projected total population of the proposed Mararikulam South 52671 53447
urban area of district is shown in Fig.8.15. This figure Ambalapuzha North 29042 29469
shows an increasing trend in the population in the Ambalapuzha South 23085 23425
proposed urban area with respect to the increase in Mararikulam North - 30437
Chettikulangara - 38357
Chennampallippuram - 28560
Punnapra North - 28202
Pattanakkad - 32994
Thanneermukkam - 43066
Mannar - 30892
Haripad - 16338
Pathiyoor - 33664
Total -(Urban area proposed) 243781 529881

Fig 8.15 Growth of urban population - past and future

The total projected urban population is the sum

of the projected urban population of the existing and
proposed urban areas. See Fig.8.15 and Fig.8.16.
8.10 FUNCTIONS (SUGGESTED) TO BE PERFORMED

BY VARIOUS HIGHER ORDER SETTLEMENTS
The functions to be performed by various higher
order settlements are derived based on their order,
administrative status, character of the settlements and
the service area. These are summarised in Table 8.13.
Fig 8.16 Projected population of the proposed urban LSGs
Table 8.13 Functions to be performed by higher order settlements
No Settlement Order Future profile Facilities proposed

1 Alappuzha l Municipality Urban LSG higher order urban facilities & middle order rural facilities
2 Mavelikkara ll Municipality Urban LSG middle order urban facilities & middle order rur facilities
3 Chengannur ll Municipality Urban LSG middle order urban facilities & middle order rural facilities
4 Kayamkulam ll Municipality Urban LSG middle order urban facilities & middle order rural facilities
5 Cherthala ll Municipality Urban LSG middle order urban facilities & middle order rural facilities
6 Haripad lll Nagarpanchayat Urban LSG middle order urban facilities & lower order rural facilities
7 Ambalapuzha S lll Nagarpanchayat Urban LSG middle order urban facilities & lower order rural facilities
8 Mannar lll Nagarpanchayat Urban LSG middle order urban facilities & lower order rural facilities
9 Pulinkunnu lll Gramapanchayat Rural LSG lower order urban facilities & middle order rural facilities
10 Mararikkulam N lll Nagarpanchayat Urban LSG middle order urban facilities & lower order rur facilities
11 Muthukulam lll Gramapanchayat Rural LSG lower order urban facilities & middle order rural facilities
12 Aroor lll Nagarpanchayat Urban LSG middle order urban facilities & lower order rur facilities
13 Nooranadu lll Gramapanchayat Rural LSG lower order urban facilities & middle order rural facilities
14 Edathua lll Gramapanchayat Rural LSG lower order urban facilities & middle order rural facilities
15 Chennampallippuram lll Nagarpanchayat Urban LSG middle order urban facilities & lower order rur facilities
16 Thazhakara lll Gramapanchayat Rural LSG lower order urban facilities & middle order rural facilities
8.11 INFERENCE
It can be concluded that the level of urbanization the urban areas show significantly higher growth rate
of the state shows a declining trend. Alappuzha also indicating the population attracted to the urban areas
exhibits a similar trend. Alappuzha District shows a absorbed by the hinterlands of urban areas and the
higher level of urbanization when compared to the likely outflow of urban population to the hinterlands
State. The urban areas of the district show lower due to increasing land value in urban areas and better
population growth rate whereas the rural areas around availability of infrastructure in the hinterlands.

District Urbanisation Report - Alappuzha ACTIVITY PATTERN 97
Chapter-9
ACTIVITY PATTERN
URBAN PROFILE
LANDUSE CONCENTRATION
Activity
PATTERN
Pattern
FUNCTIONAL CHARACTER
AROOKUTTY
AROOR
PERUMBALAM N
Activity pattern in the settlements of the district EZ HUPUNNA
PANAVALLY
KODAMTHURUTH
is derived from the landuse concentration pattern, KUTHIATHODE

THAIKATTUSSERY
functional character and urban profile. Along with these THURAVOOR
CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM
PATTANAKAD
the real ground scenario is also considered. This is KADAKKARAPPALLY

VAYALAR
schematically reprented above. CHERTHALA
CHERTHALA SOUTH
THANNEERMUKKAM
LEGEND
KANJIKUZHI DISTRICT BOUNDARY
9.1 LANDUSE CONCENTRATION PATTERN M ARARIKULAM NORTH
MUHAM MA
LOCAL BODY BOUNDARY

NH
The concentration pattern of a landuse indicates
MANNANCHERY
MARARIKULAM SOUTH
SH
ARYAD
RAILWAY LINE
to where the particular landuse is concentrated within KAINAKARY
KAVALAM
AGRICULTURE
ALAPPUZHA
the district. Concentration Index indicates to the NEELAMPEROOR

URBAN
PULINKUNNU
PUNNAPRA NORTH
relative intensity of the particular landuse under PUNNAPRA SOUTH

NEDUM UDI
VELIYANAD
RAMANKARY
CHAM PAKULAM
consideration in the various LSGs of the district. AM BALAPUZHA NORTH
AMBALAPUZHA SOUTH
M UTT AR
Activity pattern based on landuse concentration pattern THAKAZHY EDATHUA THALAVADY
THIRUVANVANDOOR
PURAKKAD
(See Chapter 5) shows that the urban activity is CHERUTHANA

MANNAR
PANDANAD CHENGANNUR
PULIYOOR
BUDHANNOOR
concentrated mainly along the major transportation KUMARAPURAM

THRIKUNNAPUZHA
HARIPAD
PALLIPPAD
CHENNITHALA
CHERIYANAD
ALA
M ULAKUZHA
corridors. The entire area of Kuttanad and the major CHINGOLI CHEPPAD
M AVELIKARA
CHETTIKULANGARA
THAZHAKARA
areas of the Onattukara region show a predominance ARATTUPUZHA

PATHIYOOR
CHUNAKKARA
NOORNAD
KANDALLOOR
KAYAMKULAM PALAMEL
of agricultural activity. The district can be classified KRISHNAPURAM

DEVIKULANGARA
BHARANIKKAVU
THAM ARAKULAM
into two activity zones viz Agricultural and Non-

VALLIKUNNAM
agricultural-Urban. ( See Annexe-VII and Fig 9.1)

Fig 9.1 Activity pattern based on Landuse concentration

98 ACTIVITY PATTERN District Urbanisation Report - Alappuzha
9.2 FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATION AROOKUTTY

AROOR
N
PERUMBALAM
Functional classification of settlements is the EZHUPUNNA
PANAVALLY
KODAMTHURUTH
next aspect to be considered in derivation of activity KUTHIATHODE THAIKATTUSSERY
pattern. Municipal towns other than Chengannur THURAVOOR
CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM
PATTANAKAD
muncipality show urban character. Some of the lowland VAYALAR
KADAKKARAPPALLY
LEGEND
DISTRICT BOUNDARY
LSGs also exhibit urban character. Semi urban character CHERTHALA
CHERTHALA SOUTH
THANNEERMUKKAM
LOCAL BODY BOUNDARY
is exhibited by LSGs that have urban influence like MARARIKULAM NORTH

KANJIKUZHI
NH
MUHAMMA SH
Ezhupunna, Kodamthuruthu and Ambalapuzha North. RAILWAY LINE
EXISTING URBAN LOCAL BODIES
Most of the LSGs in the Kuttanadu region of the district
MANNANCHERY
MARARIKULAM SOUTH
ARYAD
URBAN LOCALBODIES BY 2011
exhibit rural character. Semi rural character is exhibited KAINAKARY

KAVALAM URBAN LOCALBODIES BY 2021
ALAPPUZHA
OTHER LOCALBODIES
by a few LSGs. NEELAMPEROOR

VELIYANAD
AROOKUTTY RAMANKARY
AROOR
N CHAMPAKULAM
PERUMBALAM AMBALAPUZHA NORTH

MUTTAR
AMBALAPUZHA SOUTH
EZHUPUNNA
KUTHIATHODE THAIKATTUSSERY CHERUTHANA PANDANAD CHENGANNUR
MANNAR
THURAVOOR PULIYOOR
BUDHANNOOR
CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM KUMARAPURAM HARIPAD
CHENNITHALA ALA
PATTANAKAD THRIKUNNAPUZHA
PALLIPPAD MULAKUZHA
VAYALAR CHERIYANAD
LEGEND KARTHIKAPPALLY
CHINGOLI
CHEPPAD
VENMONY
KADAKKARAPPALLY MAVELIKARA
THAZHAKARA
CHETTIKULANGARA
CHERTHALA
THANNEERMUKKAM DISTRICT BOUNDARY MUTHUKULAM THEKKEKARA
CHERTHALA SOUTH PATHIYOOR
NOORNAD
LOCAL BODY BOUNDARY ARATTUPUZHA
CHUNAKKARA
MARARIKULAM NORTH
KANJIKUZHI NH BHARANIKKAVU
MUHAMMA THAMARAKULAM
KRISHNAPURAM
SH DEVIKULANGARA
VALLIKUNNAM
RAILWAY LINE
MANNANCHERY
MARARIKULAM SOUTH RURAL
ARYAD
SEMI RURAL
ALAPPUZHA
KAINAKARY
KAVALAM
SEMI URBAN Fig 9.3 Urban Profile
NEELAMPEROOR
URBAN
PULINKUNNU
PUNNAPRA NORTH
VELIYANAD
9.4 DETERMINATION OF ACTIVITY PATTERN

PUNNAPRA SOUTH
NEDUMUDI RAMANKARY
AMBALAPUZHA NORTH CHAMPAKULAM

MUTTAR
AMBALAPUZHA SOUTH
THAKAZHY EDATHUA THALAVADY The LSGs can be described into categories as

PURAKKAD
CHERUTHANA PANDANAD
THIRUVANVANDOOR
CHENGANNUR
mentioned in table 9.1 as per each of the above
MANNAR
KUMARAPURAM HARIPAD
PULIYOOR
CHENNITHALA
BUDHANNOOR mentioned criteria of landuse concentration pattern,
ALA
KARTHIKAPPALLY
CHINGOLI
CHEPPAD
CHERIYANAD
VENMONY functional classification and urban profile. The analyses
MAVELIKARA THAZHAKARA
MUTHUKULAM
CHETTIKULANGARA
PATHIYOOR
THEKKEKARA were made in previous chapters. The activity pattern
NOORNAD
ARATTUPUZHA
CHUNAKKARA
BHARANIKKAVU
PALAMEL
of the district is derived as possible combinations of
THAMARAKULAM
VALLIKUNNAM
these components. A few possible combinations and
the resulting activity pattern are suggested. (Table 9.2.)
Fig 9.2 Functional character of settlements
9.3 FUTURE URBAN PROFILE Table 9.1 Components in activity pattern
The third aspect in deriving the activity pattern is
Land Use Functional
future urban profile(See Chapter 8). There are five Urban Profile
Concentration Classification
municipal towns in the district as of now. These are Non agricultural/ Urban
Urban
likely to maintain the present status. Based on the Urban Semi-Urban
analysis, it is concluded that 16 more LSGs will attain Semi-Rural
Nonurban Agricultural
urban character by 2021. Rural

Table 9.2 Combinations in activity pattern
Landuse Concentration
Urban Profile Functional Classification Main Activity
Pattern
Urban Non agriculture Urban Tertiary activity
Urban Agriculture Semi Urban Agri+SSI+Anm Husbandry
Urban Agriculture Semi Rural Agri+Anm Husbandry
Urban/Non-urban Agriculture Rural Primary Activity
9.4.1 TERTIARY ACTIVITY The tertiary activity area so derived may be

seen in Fig.9.1. The municipal towns and
If the character of a settlement is urban as per
gramapanchayats of Mannar and Aroor fall in this
urban profile, non-agricultural as per landuse
category.
concentration and urban as per functional classification,
then the settlement can be grouped in Tertiary Activity. 9.4.2 SECONDARY ACTIVITY
The work force is predominantly non- agricultural.
Settlements with landuse concentration pattern
There is concentration of non agricultural landuses.
as non agriculture/urban, semi urban in functional
Even if a LSG show nonurban character as per urban
classification and urban in urban profile have secondary
profile, it may still be grouped under Tertiary Activity,
activities as the most suitable activity. The work force
if it is predominantly urban in activity. The plot size and
is predominantly non agricultural.
major landuse (as per functional classification) should
justify this grouping.
AROOKUTTY
N
AROOR
PERUMBALAM
AROOKUTTY N
AROOR
PERUMBALAM EZHUPUNNA
PANAVALLY
KODAMTHURUTH
EZHUPUNNA
PANAVALLY
KODAMTHURUTH KUTHIATHODE THAIKATTUSSERY
KUTHIATHODE THURAVOOR
THAIKATTUSSERY
CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM
THURAVOOR
PATTANAKAD
CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM VAYALAR
PATTANAKAD
VAYALAR KADAKKARAPPALLY
KADAKKARAPPALLY CHERTHALA
CHERTHALA SOUTH
THANNEERMUKKAM LEGEND
CHERTHALA
CHERTHALA SOUTH
THANNEERMUKKAM LEGEND DISTRICT BOUNDARY
KANJIKUZHI
DISTRICT BOUNDARY MARARIKULAM NORTH
MUHAMMA LOCAL BODY BOUNDARY
KANJIKUZHI
MARARIKULAM NORTH
MUHAMMA LOCAL BODY BOUNDARY NH
NH MANNANCHERY SH
MARARIKULAM SOUTH
MANNANCHERY SH RAILWAY LINE
MARARIKULAM SOUTH ARYAD
RAILWAY LINE SECONDARY ACTIVITY AREA
ARYAD KAVALAM
KAVALAM
TER ACTIVITY ALAPPUZHA
KAINAKARY
KAINAKARY NEELAMPEROOR
ALAPPUZHA
NEELAMPEROOR
VELIYANAD
VELIYANAD RAMANKARY
CHAMPAKULAM
RAMANKARY AMBALAPUZHA NORTH
CHAMPAKULAM
MUTTAR
AMBALAPUZHA NORTH
MUTTAR AMBALAPUZHA SOUTH
AMBALAPUZHA SOUTH THALAVADY

THAKAZHY EDATHUA

PURAKKAD THIRUVANVANDOOR CHERUTHANA

PANDANAD CHENGANNUR
CHERUTHANA PANDANAD CHENGANNUR PULIYOOR
MANNAR
PULIYOOR BUDHANNOOR
KUMARAPURAM HARIPAD
BUDHANNOOR CHENNITHALA ALA
KUMARAPURAM HARIPAD THRIKUNNAPUZHA PALLIPPAD MULAKUZHA
CHENNITHALA ALA CHERIYANAD
THRIKUNNAPUZHA PALLIPPAD MULAKUZHA KARTHIKAPPALLY VENMONY
CHERIYANAD CHEPPAD
KARTHIKAPPALLY VENMONY CHINGOLI
CHEPPAD MAVELIKARA
THAZHAKARA
CHINGOLI CHETTIKULANGARA
MAVELIKARA THAZHAKARA
PATHIYOOR
MUTHUKULAM THEKKEKARA NOORNAD
PATHIYOOR ARATTUPUZHA
NOORNAD CHUNAKKARA
ARATTUPUZHA
CHUNAKKARA KANDALLOOR PALAMEL
KAYAMKULAM
KANDALLOOR BHARANIKKAVU
KAYAMKULAM PALAMEL
BHARANIKKAVU THAMARAKULAM
THAMARAKULAM DEVIKULANGARA KRISHNAPURAM
VALLIKUNNAM
VALLIKUNNAM
Fig 9.4 Tertiary activity Areas Fig 9.5 Secondary activity areas
The secondary activity areas (Agiculture+Animal The plot size limitation makes less intensive
Husbandry+SSI) identified as above is shown in Fig.9.2. agriculture and animal husbandry activities suitable
There is concentration of non agricultural land use. Here for the LSGs under this classification LSGs in this
the major land use is residential. Hence these areas are category are shown in Fig.9.6.
suitable for secondary activity, mainly small scale and
9.4.4 PRIMARY ACTIVITY
cottage industries activities. It is to be noted that all
these LSGs are aligned on the National Highway. Marine If the character of a settlement is agricultural as
based industries and coir industries in these LSGs have per landuse concentration pattern and rural as per
contributed to development of this pattern. functional classification, the most suitable activity in
AROOKUTTY
AROOR
PERUMBALAM N
the settlement can be rural related activities
EZHUPUNNA (eventhough urban profile may categorise it as rural or
PANAVALLY
KODAMTHURUTH
KUTHIATHODE THAIKATT USSERY

urban). Agricultural workers together with cultivators
THURAVOOR
CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM
form the predominant group of workers classification
PAT TANAKAD
in these areas. Since plot size is sufficiently large to

VAYALAR
KADAKKARAPPALLY
CHERTHALA
CHERTHALA SOUTH
THANNEERMUKKAM
LEGEND allow intensive agricultural activities, agriculture is a
DISTRICT BOUNDARY
MARARIKULAM NORTH
KANJIKUZHI
MUHAMMA
LOCAL BODY BOUNDARY productive and viable activity here. The district being
NH
agrobased, this category is the most prominent in the
MANNANCHERY
SH
MARARIKULAM SOUTH
ARYAD
RAILWAY LINE district. (52 LSGI). The area delineated accordingly is
AGRICULTURE AND ALLIED ACTIVITY AREA
ALAPPUZHA
KAINAKARY
KAVALAM
shown in Fig.9.7.
NEELAMPEROOR
PUNNAPRA NORTH PULINKUNNU AROOKUTTY

VELIYANAD AROOR N
PERUMBALAM
AMBALAPUZHA NORTH EZHUPUNNA

MUTTAR
PANAVALLY
KODAMTHURUTH
AMBALAPUZHA SOUTH

PURAKKAD THIRUVANVANDOOR THURAVOOR
CHERUTHANA PANDANAD CHENGANNUR CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM

MANNAR PATTANAKAD
PULIYOOR VAYALAR
BUDHANNOOR
KUMARAPURAM HARIPAD
CHENNITHALA ALA KADAKKARAPPALLY
THRIKUNNAPUZHA
PALLIPPAD MULAKUZHA
KARTHIKAPPALLY
CHEPPAD
CHERIYANAD
VENMONY
CHERTHALA
CHERTHALA SOUTH
THANNEERMUKKAM
LEGEND
CHINGOLI
MAVELIKARA
THAZHAKARA
CHETT IKULANGARA DISTRICT BOUNDARY
PATHIYOOR KANJIKUZHI
NOORNAD MARARIKULAM NORTH
MUHAMMA
LOCAL BODY BOUNDARY
ARATTUPUZHA
CHUNAKKARA
NH
BHARANIKKAVU
T HAMARAKULAM
MANNANCHERY
SH
MARARIKULAM SOUTH
VALLIKUNNAM RAILWAY LINE
ARYAD
PRIMARY ACTIVITY
KAVALAM
Fig 9.6 Agriculture and allied activity area ALAPPUZHA

KAINAKARY
NEELAMPEROOR
9.4.3 AGRICULTURE AND ALLIED ACTIVITY PUNNAPRA NORTH PULINKUNNU

VELIYANAD
AMBALAPUZHA NORTH
Settlements with urban profile as non-urban, AMBALAPUZHA SOUTH

MUTTAR
landuse concentration pattern as agricultural and PURAKKAD THIRUVANVANDOOR
CHERUTHANA
functional classification as semi rural are categorised

PANDANAD CHENGANNUR
PULIYOOR
BUDHANNOOR
KUMARAPURAM HARIPAD
as LSGs under agriculture and allied activities. Here THRIKUNNAPUZHA
KARTHIKAPPALLY
CHENNITHALA
PALLIPPAD
ALA
CHERIYANAD
MULAKUZHA
VENMONY
CHEPPAD
major land use is residential and majority of workers

CHINGOLI
MAVELIKARA
THAZHAKARA
CHETTIKULANGARA
PATHIYOOR
are either cultivators or agricultural labourers (it is a

NOORNAD
ARATTUPUZHA
CHUNAKKARA
BHARANIKKAVU
non urban area as per urban profile). This area is suitable DEVIKULANGARA KRISHNAPURAM
THAMARAKULAM
VALLIKUNNAM
for agricultural purpose, but for the limitation of

average plot size imposing restrictions on large scale
agricultural operations. Fig 9.7 Primary activity areas

AROOKUTTY
AROOR
PERUMBALAM N
EZHUPUNNA
PANAVALLY
KODAMTHURUTH
THURAVOOR
CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM
PATTANAKAD
VAYALAR
KADAKKARAPPALLY
CHERTHALA
CHERTHALA SOUTH
THANNEERMUKKAM
LEGEND
DISTRICT BOUNDARY
KANJIKUZHI
MARARIKULAM NORTH
NH
MANNANCHERY
SH
MARARIKULAM SOUTH
ARYAD
RAILWAY LINE
KAVALAM PRI ACTIVITY
KAINAKARY
ALAPPUZHA
NEELAMPEROOR
AGR+ANM HUSB
AGR+ANM HUSB+SSI
VELIYANAD TER ACTIVITY

AMBALAPUZHA NORTH
MUTTAR
AMBALAPUZHA SOUTH

MANNAR
PULIYOOR
BUDHANNOOR
KUMARAPURAM HARIPAD
CHENNITHALA ALA
THRIKUNNAPUZHA
PALLIPPAD MULAKUZHA
CHERIYANAD
CHEPPAD
CHINGOLI
MAVELIKARA
THAZHAKARA
CHETTIKULANGARA
PATHIYOOR
NOORNAD
ARATTUPUZHA
CHUNAKKARA
BHARANIKKAVU
THAMARAKULAM
VALLIKUNNAM
Fig 9.8 Activity Pattern of the District

Table 9.3 LSGs according to Activity Pattern

TER ACTIVITY SEC ACTIVITY AGRI ALLIED PRI ACTIVITY
AGR+ANM HUSB+SSI AGR+ANM HUSB AGR
Aroor Chingoli Arattupuzha Haripad Cherthala South Mulakuzha
Mannar Karthikappally Thrikkunnapuzha Purakkad Muthukulam Devikulangara
Kayamkulam Kuthiathode Kanjikuzhi Muttar Chennampallippuram Pathiyoor
Chengannur Kodamthuruth Pattanakkad Cheppad Thiruvanvandoor Kandalloor
Alappuzha Ezhupunna Thuravoor Muhamma Punnapra South Ala
Mavelikara Ambalapuzha South Arookutty Chunakkara Cheruthana Chennithala
Cherthala Ambalapuzha North Puliyoor Nooranad Mararikulam North Kumarapuram
Mararikulam South Thazhakara Kavalam Champakulam Neelamperoor
Punnapra North Aryad Veliyanad Thaikattussery Edathua
Mannanchery Thalavady Bharanikkavu Veeyapuram
Venmony Perumbalam Ramankary
The landuse concentration pattern, functional Palamel Thamarakulam Budhannoor
character and urban profile determine the activity Thakazhy Krishnapuram Karuvatta
pattern in the settlements of the district. As stated Pulinkunnu Chettikulangara Vayalar
above, depending on the components of activity Pandanad Cheriyanad Pallippad
pattern as applicable to this district, various Vallikunnam Kadakkarappally Thekkekara
combinations of activity pattern have been suggested. Kainakary Thanneermukkam Nedumudi
Panavally
The activity areas identified for the district are indicated
spatially. By superimposing the activity patterns derived
for LSGs of the district, the final activity pattern of the 9.5 INFERENCE
district emerged out as shown in Fig.9.8. The activity The activity pattern of LSGs of Alappuzha District
pattern of the 78 LSGs of the district are identified. The can be grouped into Primary Activity , Agriculture and
findings from the analysis are summarised in table 9.3. allied Activity (Agriculture+Animal Husbandry),
Alappuzha district has an agrobased economy and the Secondary Activity (Agiculture+Animal Husbandry+SSI),
landuse has a predominance of agriculture. It may be and Tertiary Activity. Typical of the nature of the district,
seen that the activity pattern of the district comprises majority of the LSGs are categorised in Primary Activity.
of 52 LSGs in Primary Activity, 9 in Agriculture and allied The existing urban LSGs along with 2 other LSGs form
Activity, 10 in Secondary Activity and the remaining 7 in the category of Tertiary Activity. The other LSGs fall in
Tertiary Activity. It is observed that location of the LSG, the other categories of activity pattern, depending on
nearness to major transportation corridor, proximity their characteristics. The activity patterns point to the
to Kochi, location with regard to sea and agricultural nature of viable and feasible economic activities in the
tracts, status of the LSG etc are justified in the identified LSGs and these serve as indicators to the thrust areas
Activity Pattern of the District. for likely interventions for future developments.

District Urbanisation Report - Alappuzha NODES 103
Chapter-10
NODES
The settlement pattern of the state is unique The distribution of population and density
when compared to the rest of the country. Nodes have variation are significant in assessing the services
more significance since an urban-rural continuum rendered by a node, be it by way of population or area
persists in the state and nodes represent an activity served. On analysis of the density of the district, it is
zone. Node act as a service centre for the areas seen that there are two distinct zones of density.
surrounding it and it has a bearing on the development (Zone I with a density >12.5pph and Zone II with a
of the settlement as well as the transportation network density < 12.5pph). The existing road network of the
in which it is part of. Depending on the road on which it district is analysed and the junctions in the road
is situated and the landuse developments, node network are identified. Each junction is assigned a value
assumes various levels of hierarchy. This chapter according to its importance. Higher the hierarchy of
attempts to analyse the existing hierarchy of nodes and the intersecting roads, higher will be the weightage of
to evolve a desired hierarchy of nodes the junction.
10.1 INTRODUCTION 10.2 EXISTING HIERARCHY OF NODES

Transportation facilities and landuse are In Kerala context where urban-rural continuum
interdependent. Nodes comprises of the junctions persists, the nodes have more significance than in the
formed by meeting of two or more roads and the activity rest of the country. A node is an activity zone. It deserves
zone around it. The commercial developments around special mention in the physical development of a
the junctions make it an activity node. Node caters to settlement. The hierarchy of nodes identified based
the various requirements of the population in the area on weightage is listed in Annexe XII. The higher order
around and is a major centre of service delivery. The nodes are listed in Table 10.1. A list of the nodes within
intensity of development at the node is related to the the district is given in Annexe XII and the spatial
hierarchy of roads meeting at the junctions. The distribution of the same is shown in Fig.10.2. A graph is
hierarchy of activity node is an indicator of the hierarchy plotted with the weightage of nodes and the number
of all the junctions contained in the node. The roads of nodes in each range(Fig.10.1). The break points in
meeting at a junction are categorized according to the the graph determine the order of the nodes. The pattern
hierarchy of roads meeting at the junction and values of distribution of the nodes shows that there is at least
are assigned to the meeting of various roads (junction one comparatively higher order node in all the
values) in accordance with the hierarchy of roads. The gramapanchayats, which serves the entire
sum of values of all the junctions at the node is the gramapanchayat and a number of lower order nodes
weightage of the node. serving the immediate surroundings.

104 NODES District Urbanisation Report - Alappuzha
Fig 10.1 Weightage of Nodes of Alappuzha District
AROOR
AROOKUTTY
Table 10.1 Existing hierarchy of nodes- Higher
order nodes
PERUMBALAM
N
EZHUPUNNA
PANAVALLY
KODAMTHURUTH
KUTHIATHODE THAIKATTUSSERY Sl
THURAVOOR
Name of LSG Nodes Weightage Hierarchy
CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM
1st ORDER No
PATTANAKKAD
VAYALAR
2nd ORDER 1 Alappuzha Dt Hosp Jn 28.0 I order
3rd ORDER
KADAKKARAPPALLY
2 Aroor Aroor 14.0
CHERTHALA
4th ORDER
THANNEERMUKKAM
CHERTHALA SOUTH
5th ORDER 3 Cherthala Court Jn 14.0 II order
KANJIKKUZHI
MARARIKKULAM NORTH
4 Kayamkulam KSRTC Jn 13.0
MUHAMMA
5 Edathua Edathua 12.0

MANNANCHERY
MARARIKKULAM SOUTH 6 Mavelikara Mitchel Jn 12.0
ARYAD
7 Ambalapuzha S Katchery 12.0 III order
KAVALAM
ALAPPUZHA
KAINAKARY
8 Haripad Danappadi 9.0
NEELAMPEROOR
PULINKUNNU
9 Chengannur Bethel 8.5
PUNNAPRA NORTH
VELIYANAD
RAMANKARY
CHAMPAKKULAM
AMBALAPPUZHA NORTH
MUTTAR
AMBALAPPUZHA SOUTH
EDATHUA 10.3 SUGGESTED HIERARCHY OF NODES
THAKAZHY THALAVADY
PURAKKAD
VEEYAPURAM
THIRUVANVANDOOR
PANDANAD CHENGANNUR
On analysis of the land use pattern, road network
CHERUTHANA
MANNAR
KARUVATTA
KUMARAPURAM
HARIPAD
BUDHANNOOR
PULIYOOR
and nodes, it is observed that nodes act as a major
THRIKKUNNAPUZHA CHENNITHALA
ALA
PALLIPPAD
KARTHIKAPPALLY
CHERIYANAD
MULAKUZHA
VENMONY
centre of service delivery. The importance of nodes is
MUTHUKULAM
CHETTIKULANGARA
THAZHAKARA
THEKKEKARA
very much significant as far as the land use pattern is
ARATTUPUZHA
PATHIYOOR
KANDALLOOR
CHUNAKKARA
NOORANAD
concerned. The weightage of nodes is arrived at by
KAYAMKULAM
PALAMEL
DEVIKULANGARA
BHARANIKKAVU
KRISHNAPURAM
considering the road network and landuse around the
THAMARAKKULAM
VALLIKUNNAM
junctions. These nodes of the district are tabulated
Fig 10.2 Existing major nodes of the district according to the weightage.

District Urbanisation Report - Alappuzha NODES 105
AROOR AROOKUTTY
PERUMBALAM
AROORAROOKUTTY N N
PERUMBALAM
EZHUPUNNA
PANAVALLY
EZHUPUNNA KODAMTHURUTH
PANAVALLY
KODAMTHURUTH
KUTHIATHODETHAIKATTUSSERY THURAVOOR
THURAVOOR CHENNAMPALLIPURAM
PATTANAKKAD
CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM VAYALAR
PATTANAKKAD
Text
VAYALAR
KADAKKARAPALLY
KADAKKARAPPALLY CHERTHALA
CHERTHALA
CHERTHALA SOUTH
THANNEERMUKKAM
THANNEERMUKKAM
CHERTHALA SOUTH
LEGEND KANJIKUZHI
MARARIKULAM NORTH
MUHAMMA
KANJIKKUZHI
MARARIKKULAM NORTH
MUHAMMA FIRST ORDER NODE
SECOND ORDER NODES MANNANCHERY
MARARIKULAM SOUTH
MANNANCHERY
MARARIKKULAM SOUTH
ARYAD
ARYAD
KAVALAM
KAVALAM KAINAKARY
ALAPPUZHA
KAINAKARY
ALAPPUZHA NEELAMPEROOR
NEELAMPEROOR
PULINKUNNU
PUNNAPRA NORTH
VELIYANAD
VELIYANAD PUNNAPRA SOUTH NEDUMUDI
PUNNAPRA SOUTH RAMANKARY
NEDUMUDI
CHAMPAKULAM
RAMANKARY
CHAMPAKKULAM AMBALAPUZHA NORTH
AMBALAPPUZHA NORTH MUTTAR
MUTTAR
AMBALAPUZHA SOUTH
AMBALAPPUZHA SOUTH
EDATHUA THAKAZHY EDATHUA THALAVADY
THAKAZHY THALAVADY
THIRUVANVANDOOR CHERUTHANA
PURAKKAD
VEEYAPURAM PANDANAD
VEEYAPURAM
CHERUTHANA PANDANAD
CHENGANNUR CHENGANNUR
KARUVATTA MANNAR KARUVATTA MANNAR
PULIYOOR
PULIYOOR
BUDHANNOOR HARIPAD CHENNITHALA BUDHANNOOR
KUMARAPURAM KUMARAPURAM
HARIPAD CHENNITHALA PALLIPPAD ALA
THRIKKUNNAPUZHA ALA THRIKUNNAPUZHA
PALLIPPAD MULAKUZHA
CHERIYANAD
KARTHIKAPPALLY VENMONY MAVELIKKARA
CHINGOLI
CHEPPAD MAVELIKKARA CHINGOLI CHEPPAD
THAZHAKARA
THAZHAKARA
CHETTIKULANGARA
PATHIYOOR PATHIYOOR NOORANAD
NOORANAD
ARATTUPUZHA CHUNAKKARA ARATTUPUZHA CHUNAKKARA
KANDALLOOR
KANDALLOORKAYAMKULAM PALAMEL PALAMEL
KAYAMKULAM
BHARANIKKAVU BHARANIKAVU
KRISHNAPURAM KRISHNAPURAM
DEVIKULANGARA DEVIKULANGARA
THAMARAKKULAM THAMARAKULAM
VALLIKUNNAM VALLIKUNNAM
Fig 10.3 II Order nodes- Service Area Fig 10.4 III Order nodes- Service Area
Table:10.2 Proposed higher order nodes and hierarchy
Sl no Node Hierarchy Roads Service area of the nodes sqkm
1 Alappuzha I Order NH, SH,MDR 104.62
2 Aroor II Order NH, ,MDR 76.14
3 Cherthala II Order NH, MDR 84.29
4 Kayamkulam II Order NH, SH,MDR 72.49
5 Edathua II Order SH,MDR 47.69
6 Mavelikkara III Order SH,MDR 58.41
7 Ambalappuzha South III Order NH, SH 113.36
8 Haripad III Order NH, SH,MDR 104.83
9 Chengannur III Order SH,MDR 59.59
10 Thuravoor III Order NH, SH,MDR 53.72
11 Thanneermukkam III Order SH,MDR 63.44
12 Mararikkulam North III Order NH, SH,MDR 49.50
13 Mararikkulam South III Order NH, SH,MDR 62.99
14 Pulinkunnu III Order MDR 156.29
15 Muthukulam III Order MDR 74.27
16 Mannar III Order SH,MDR 53.38
17 Venmony III Order MDR 55.54
18 Palamel III Order SH,MDR 46.10
19 Bharanikkavu III Order SH,MDR 84.73
106 NODES District Urbanisation Report - Alappuzha
AROOR N
AROOR AROOKUTTY
N
PERUMBALAM
EZHUPUNNA
THURAVOOR
THURAVOOR
CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM LEGEND
PATTANAKAD
VAYALAR LEGEND
FIRST ORDER NODE
KADAKKARAPPALLY
FIRST ORDER NODE
CHERTHALA
CHERTHALA SECOND ORDER NODES
CHERTHALA SOUTH
THANNEERMUKKAM SECOND ORDER NODES THANNEERMUKKOM
THIRD ORDER NODES
THIRD ORDER NODES
KANJIKUZHI PROP THIRD ORDER NODES
MARARIKULAM NORTH
MUHAMMA
PROP THIRD ORDER NODES
MARARIKULAM NORTH
MANNANCHERY
MARARIKULAM SOUTH
MARARIKULAM SOUTH
ARYAD
KAVALAM
KAINAKARY
ALAPPUZHA
NEELAMPEROOR ALAPPUZHA
VELIYANAD
PUNNAPRA SOUTH NEDUMUDI RAMANKARY CHAMPAKULAM
CHAMPAKULAM
AMBALAPUZHA NORTH
MUTTAR
AMBALAPUZHA SOUTH
AMBALAPPUZHA SOUTH
EDATHUA
CHERUTHANA
PANDANAD CHENGANNUR
VEEYAPURAM
MANNAR
CHENGANNUR
KARUVATTA PULIYOOR MANNAR
KUMARAPURAM BUDHANNOOR
HARIPAD CHENNITHALA
THRIKUNNAPUZHA ALA
PALLIPPAD HARIPAD
MULAKUZHA
CHERIYANAD
KARTHIKAPPALLY MAVELIKARA VENMONY
THAZHAKARA THAZHAKARA
CHETTIKULANGARA
CHEPPAD
MUTHUKULAM
THEKKEKARA
PATHIYOOR NOORNAD
KANDALLOOR
PALAMEL
BHARANIKKAVU PALAMEL
KAYAMKULAM
DEVIKULANGARA
VALLIKUNNAM
Fig 10.5 Proposed III Order nodes with service area Fig 10.6 Proposed Hierarchy of nodes
The nodes are categorized. It is seen that the The additional nodes are suggested in such a way
node with maximum weightage is at Alappuzha
that almost all the area of the entire district is served
Municipality. It is categorized as a I Order node. Its
by third order nodes. This is conceptually represented
service area extends over the whole district. The higher in the Fig.10.5. The suggested hierarchy of nodes and
order nodes are listed in Table 10.1. Node act as a centre
their grades in hierarchy are listed at Table 10.2. The
of service delivery. The service areas of the II order and
proposed hierarchy of nodes and the nodesof varying
III order nodes are identified and plotted. It is seen hierarchies are illustrated in Fig.10.6.
from Fig.10.3 that though there is gap in service area of
second order nodes, the gaps are minimal and proposal 10.4 INFERENCE
for additional second order nodes cannot be justified Nodes assume greater significance in Kerala
on account of non availability of threshold population context as far as the physical development of
to sustain further II order nodes. Hence further II order settlements is concerned. Nodes represent activity
nodes are not proposed. zones in the settlement. An analysis of the nodes in
On analysis of Fig.10.4 it is seen that only 9 nodes the district is carried out and a hierarchy is evolved. It is
act as III order nodes and the entire area of the district expected that the spatial distribution of the higher order
is not served by all these nodes. Hence 10 more nodes ensures equitable delivery of services
additional III order nodes are proposed. throughout the district by these higher order nodes.

District Urbanisation Report - Alappuzha CONNECTIVITY 107
Chapter-11
CONNECTIVITY
Landuse comprises of two elements; the nature 11.1 ROAD NETWORK

of landuse relates to which activities are taking place, Availability of transportation facilities and
and the level of spatial accumulation, which indicates development are interdependent. The efficiency of a
their intensity and concentration. Transportation is well transportation system depends on many factors.
recognised as an important function of landuse. This Accessibility to the traffic network is a major index of
chapter pertains to the facilities in existing transport the level of service of the system and thereby quality
network in Alappuzha district. The physical as well as of life in the area. As stated earlier, certain areas of the
economic development of any area depend on the district are accessible only by water. The distribution of
efficiency of the transport network thereon and the population and density variation are significant in
linkages with other areas. Efficiency of the transport assessing the accessibility and accountability of road
network is an indicator of the quality of living and network. The existing major road network comprises
transport acts as a catalyst for socioeconomic mainly of the National Highway-NH 47 and eight State
development. These activate and foster the process of Highways. The availability of the higher order roads in
development in all sectors of economy. It determines the existing road network in the district is given in
the level of urbanisation, landuse development and Fig11.1 and the LSG wise length of various categories of
accessibility to spatially distributed basic service road is given in Annexe XI.
facilities. Transportation and development are
interdependent. Railways predominantly give intercity Table 11.1 Major Roads in the District
mass communication, and are preferred for long
Road Length
distance travel while roads give door to door connection
National Highway in km
to every village and household. Waterways being more
NH 47 National Highway-47 97.02
environment friendly and economical, have unique
State Highways
advantages over other modes of transport. Its use is SH 1 MainCentral (MC) Road 13.8
limited to those areas where other modes are too costly SH 5 Kayamkulam - Pathanapuram Road 19.6
or difficult to be operated. This means of transportation SH 6 Kayamkulam - Thiruvalla Road 21.15
was widely used in the district but is on the decline SH 10 Mavelikara - Kozhencherry Road 48.22
with road transport becoming more accessible and SH 11 Alappuzha – Changanacherry (AC) Road 19.82
feasible. However recently its importance is recognized, SH 12 Ambalapuzha - Thiruvalla Road 18.91
specific to this district especially in the context of SH 40 Alappuzha – Madurai Road 23.08
waterfront tourism developments gaining more SH 66 Alappuzha -Chellanam Road 33.83
attention by virtue of the potentials in this sector. MDR Major District Roads 1060.6
Source: PWD Alappuzha-2011

108 CONNECTIVITY District Urbanisation Report - Alappuzha
ERNAKUL
A M DISTRICT N ERNAKUL A M DISTRI CT N
AROOR
AROOKUTTY
AROOR
EZHUPUNNA
EZHUPUNNA LEGEND
LEGEND THURAVOOR DOUBLE LINE
THURAVOOR
NATIONAL HIGHWAY
CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM
PATTANAKKAD VAYALAR SINGLE LINE
VAYALAR STATE HIGHWAYS
KADAKKARAPPALLY
MAJOR DIS ROADS CHERTHALA JUNCTION STATION
CHERTHALA
CHERTHALA SOUTH
THANNEERMUKKAM
TOWN STATION
THIRUVIZHA
KANJIKKUZHI
MARARIKKULAM NORTH
MUHAMMA
CROSSING STATION
MARARIKULAM
KOYAY
AM KOYAYAM LOCAL STATION
MANNANCHERY DIS
TRIC
KALAVOOR DIS
MARARIKKULAM SOUTH
T TRIC
T
ARYAD
KAVALAM
THUMPOLY
KAINAKARY
ALAPPUZHA
NEELAMPEROOR ALAPPUZHA

VELIYANAD
PUNNAPRA SOUTH NEDUMUDI RAMANKARY PUNNAPRA
CHAMPAKKULAM
AMBALAPPUZHA NORTH
M UTTAR AMBALAPUZHA
AM BALAPPUZHA SOUTH
THAKAZHY
EDATHUA THALAVADY
HANAMTHI ANAMTHITA
ATH
THAKAZHY
PAT TA
DIS DIS
P
PURAKKAD THIRUVANVANDOOR TRI TRI
CT CT
CHERUTHANA
VEEYAPURAM PANDANAD CHENGANNUR KARUVATA CHENGANNUR
MANNAR
PULIYOOR
BUDHANNOOR
HARIPAD CHENNITHALA
THRIKKUNNAPUZHA
PALLIPPAD ALA
MULAKUZHA HARIPAD CHERIYANAD
CHERIYANAD
VENM ONY
CHINGOLI
CHEPPAD CHEPPAD (NTPC) MAVELIKARA
MAVELIKKARA
THAZHAKARA
PATHIYOOR NOORANAD
ARATTUPUZHA
CHUNAKKARA
KAYAMKULAM
KANDALLOOR
PALAMEL
KRISHNAPURAM
DEVIKULANGARA
THAMARAKKULAM
VALLIKUNNAM
M DIS
LAM DIST LLA T RICT
KOL RI CT KO
Fig 11.1 Existing Road Network Fig.11.2 Railway map of the district
11.2 RAILWAYS
Alappuzha is a small district and is influenced by
urban centers such as Kochi, Changanachery, Thiruvalla, Alappuzha district was sparsely connected by
Adoor, etc on periphery of the district. An analysis of railways before the nineties. The railway line passing
this influence is not attempted here. Kochi, the urban through Chengannur, Mavelikara and Kayamkulam was
centre in the State with the maximum centripetal force opened on 17th October, 1958. This served only a part
lie just north of the district across Vembanad Lake. The of the district. Major part of the district including the
multiplier effects of the investments at Kochi will district headquarter was away from the services of this
certainly have impacts on the district. Thiruvalla and railwayline. The Ernakulam-Alappuzha railway line
Changanacherry are two other urban centres in close commissioned on 16th October, 1989 is a landmark in
proximity of the district. These also influence the the development of the district. An interconnecting rail
district considerably. Traffic and transportation have to link with a length of 43 km from Alappuzha to
be perceived at macrolevel and the microlevel Kayamkulam was opened in 1992 and with this the
proposals shall be part of that at macrolevel. Since the district merged with the main stream of industrial
road network in the district is an integral part of that at development and rail transport with the rest of the
the regional level, analysis at the State level or at least State. The main railway stations in this route are
at the regional level is very much essential to formulate Cherthala, Thuravur, Mararikulam, Alappuzha,
a conceptual road network for the district. The scope Ambalappuzha, Thakazhy, Karuvatta, Haripad, Cheppad
of the study is limited to the district. Since the analysis and Kayamkulam. (See Fig.11.2). However the district
and discussions are confined to the district, the study can enjoy the utility of rail services fully only on
herein has limitations in this regard. completion of doubling works in the both the routes.

AROOR
PERUMBALAM
AROOKUTTY N
11.4 CONNECTIVITY
EZHUPUNNA
KODAMTHURUTH PANAVALLY Connectivity is a term to denote how well an

THURAVOOR
area is connected to other regions (inter regional) or
CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM
PATTANAKKAD
VAYALAR
within the region (intra regional). This may be by air,
WATER BODY AREA
KADAKKARAPPALLY
CHERTHALA
road, rail or water. Considering the ground realities in
CHERTHALA SOUTH
THANNEERMUKKAM
the district and general applicability, two indicators are
KANJIKKUZHI
MARARIKKULAM NORTH MUHAMMA
taken to assess the connectivity of an area under
MANNANCHERY
MARARIKKULAM SOUTH
consideration - existence of a road of the category of
ARYAD
NH, SH or District road and the grade of the railway
L AK
KAVALAM
station in the area under consideration. Connectivity

SHA
KAINAKARY
ALAPPUZHA
NEELAMPEROOR
DE E
by water is applicable to certain areas only and this

P S

EA
VELIYANAD
means of transportation meets only a partial

RAMANKARY
CHAMPAKKULAM
AMBALAPPUZHA NORTH
MUTTAR
requirement of the area. The details of railway stations

AMBALAPPUZHA SOUTH
PURAKKAD
VEEYAPURAM
THIRUVANVANDOOR
PANDANAD CHENGANNUR
and the type of roads in each of the local governments
CHERUTHANA MANNAR
KARUVATTA
in Alappuzha district are given inI Annexe XI. As

BUDHANNOOR
PULIYOOR
PALLIPPAD ALA
KARTHIKAPPALLY
CHERIYANAD
VENMONY mentioned earlier, in determining the proposed
THAZHAKARA
MUTHUKULAM
CHETTIKULANGARA
PATHIYOOR
THEKKEKARA
NOORANAD
hierarchy of settlements, the presence of NH, SH, MDR
KANDALLOOR
PALAMEL and railway stations are given weightages and this is
reflected in the suggested hierarchy of settlements.
KRISHNAPURAM
DEVIKULANGARA
THAMARAKKULAM
VALLIKUNNAM
Fig 11.3 Waterways of the district AROOR AROOKUTTY

N
11.3 WATERWAYS PERUMBALAM
EZHUPUNNA
LEGEND
PANAVALLY
KODAMTHURUTH
FIRST ORDER SETTLEMENT
As mentioned earlier, waterways played an KUTHIATHODE THAIKATTUSSERY
SECOND ORDER SETTLEMENT
THURAVOOR
important role in the transportation system of the PATTANAKAD

CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM
THIRD ORDER SETTLEMENT
VAYALAR
FIRST ORDER NODES
district. There are a number of navigable rivers and KADAKKARAPPALLY SECOND ORDER NODES
CHERTHALA
THIRD ORDER NODES
inland canals connected with the backwaters. CHERTHALA SOUTH
THANNEERMUKKAM
PROPOSED THIRD ORDER NODES
(See Fig11.3). There has been considerable road KANJIKUZHI

MARARIKULAM NORTH
MUHAMMA
FIRST ORDER CONCEPT ROAD
SECOND ORDER CONCEPT ROAD
developments in the last two decades, but some areas MANNANCHERY
MARARIKULAM SOUTH
are still waterlocked and communication is possible ARYAD
only through mechanized boats, country boats or ferry ALAPPUZHA

KAINAKARY
KAVALAM
NEELAMPEROOR
services. The interconnected perennial waterbodies PUNNAPRA NORTH

PULINKUNNU
VELIYANAD
provide an ideal platform for development of inland PUNNAPRA SOUTH NEDUMUDI

RAMANKARY
CHAMPAKULAM
AMBALAPUZHA NORTH
water transport. The public transport system is looked

MUTTAR
AMBALAPUZHA SOUTH
after by the State Water Transport Department formed PURAKKAD

CHERUTHANA
THIRUVANVANDOOR
PANDANAD CHENGANNUR
in 1968 with headquarter at Alappuzha. The department

VEEYAPURAM
MANNAR
KARUVATTA PULIYOOR
HARIPAD CHENNITHALA
has boat stations, both within the district and outside THRIKUNNAPUZHA PALLIPPAD ALA
MULAKUZHA
CHERIYANAD
CHINGOLI CHEPPAD
the district under its control. Around 100 km of National MUTHUKULAM

CHETTIKULANGARA
THAZHAKARA
THEKKEKARA
PATHIYOOR NOORNAD
Waterway No 3 passes through the district and has ARATTUPUZHA

KANDALLOOR
CHUNAKKARA
PALAMEL
KAYAMKULAM
BHARANIKKAVU
terminals at Thanneermukkom, Thrikkunnapuzha DEVIKULANGARA

VALLIKUNNAM
alappuzha and Kayamkulam. Tthis is likely to boost up

transportation of goods by waterways. Fig.11.4 Conceptual Road network

11.5 CONCEPTUAL ROAD NETWORK ARO OR

TOTAL DISTRICT AREA =1421152904.85sqm
PERUMBALAM
DIST AREA AFTER BUFFERING NH 2km,

A road network to cater to the requirements of EZH UPUN NA
SH 2km AND MDR 1km = 191116824.106sqm
PAN AVALLY
the district is attempted here. The conceptual road KO D AMTH URUTH
(13.45%)
KUTH IYATH O DU
THAIKATTUSSERY
N
network is derived in such a way that it connects all THURAVOO R
CH ENN AMPALLIPURAM
higher order settlements and nodes thereon. The PATTANAKKAD

VAYALAR
W E
hierarchy of settlements and nodes is given due KAD AKKARAPALLY
CHERTHALA
THANN EERMUKKAM
consideration in assigning the hierarchy of roads. As CHERTH ALA SOUTH
seen earlier, Alappuzha is the first order settlement KAN JIKUZH I

MARARIKULAM NO RTH MUH AMMA
DISTRICT BOUNDA RY
LOC ALBO DY BOUNDA RY
and first order node. Cherthala, Alappuzha and NATIO NA L HIGHWAY
STA TE HIGHW AY
MAN NANCH ERY
Kayamkulam serve as second order settlements. Aroor, MARARIKULAM SO UTH

MAJOR DIS RO AD
DIS AREA AFTER BUFFEERING NH 2km, SH 2km, MDR 1km
ARYAD
Cherthala, Alappuzha and Kayamkulam serve the KAVALAM
KAIN AKARY
purpose of second order nodes. Hence the road

ALAPPUZHA
N EELAMPERO OR
connecting the above nodes is designated as I Order PUNN APRA NO RTH

PULIN KUN NU
VELIYAN AD
PUNN APRA SO UTH NED UMUD I
Road. The roads giving connectivity to other AMBALAPUZHA NO RTH

CHAMPAKULAM
RAMANKARY
MUTTAR
settlements and nodes are designated as II Order Roads. AMBALAPUZHA SO UTH
TH AKAZHY ED ATH UA TH ALAVAD Y
PURAKKAD TH IRUVAN VAN DO O R
11.6 PROPOSED TRANSPORTATION NETWORK CHERUTH AN A

KARUVATTA
VEEYAPURAM
MAN N AR
PAN DAN AD CH EN GAN N UR
PULIYOO R
BUDH ANN O OR
The effective area unserved by the available road

H ARIPAD
KUMARAPURAM CH EN NITHALA
PALLIPPAD ALA
MULAKUZH A
CHERIYANAD
network is analysed by superimposing a buffer zone

KARTH IKAPPALLY VENMO NY
CHIN GOLI
CH ETTIKULAN GARA MAVELIKKARA
TH AZH AKARA
for NH, SH and MDR. It is assumed that an area in 2km MUTH UKULAM
PATH IYO OR
TH EKKEKARA
N O ORANAD
ARATTUPUZHA CH UNAKKARA
distance from NH/SH and 1 km from MDR is considered KAND ALLO OR

KAYAMKULAM
BHARAN IKAVU
PALAMEL
as accessible area served by these category of roads.

KRISHN APURAM
D EVIKULANGARA
TH AMARAKULAM
VALLIKUNN AM
86.55% of the geographical area of the district is served

by above major category roads. (See fig 11.5). Fig 11.5 Accountability and accessibility of existing major road
network
Table 11.2. Road density –districts of Kerala
Length of road km Road Density (NH+SH)
Population
District Area sqkm km /1000
in ‘000s NH SH DR Others km/sqkm
ppn
Thiruvananthapuram 2192 3234 87.27 180.36 704.12 899.91 0.083 0.122
Kollam 2491 2585 142.57 131.68 1201.76 195.53 0.106 0.110
Pathanamthitta 2642 1234 9.01 138.12 829.63 79.99 0.119 0.056
Alappuzha 1414 2109 99.83 217.77 573.70 620.95 0.151 0.225
Kottayam 2203 1954 119.01 430.90 1637.58 135.69 0.281 0.250
Idukki 5019 1129 67.98 937.30 445.77 278.61 0.890 0.200
Eranakulam 2407 3106 192.03 304.41 907.81 866.99 0.160 0.206
Thrissur 3032 2974 143.17 322.39 1088.00 161.00 0.157 0.154
Palakkad 4480 2617 124.92 373.08 794.03 436.91 0.190 0.111
Malappuram 3550 3625 157.13 208.87 1220.93 198.14 0.101 0.103
Kozhikod 2344 2879 27.24 78.83 333.36 65.94 0.037 0.045
Wayanad 2131 781 129.74 135.55 415.85 648.11 0.340 0.124
Kannur 2966 2409 76.14 240.90 1012.43 430.75 0.132 0.107
Kasargod 1992 12049 98.63 227.49 310.82 284.70 0.271 0.164
Source: Economic Review -2009
N
AROORAROOKUTTY
PERUMBALAM
EZHUPUNNA
PANAVALLY
KODAMTHURUTH
KUTHIATHODE
THAIKATTUSSERY
THURAVOOR
CHENNAMPALLI PPURAM
PATTANAKAD
VAYALAR
KADAKKARAPPALLY
LEGEND
CHERTHALA
CHERTHALA SOUTH
THANNEERMUKKAM 1st ORDER ROADS
2nd ORDER ROADS
KANJI KUZHI
MARARIKULAM NORTH
MUHAMMA
3 rd ORDER ROADS
MANNANCHERY
MARARI KULAM SOU TH
SECOND ORDER SETTLEMENT
ARYAD
KAVALAM FIRST ORDER NODES
KAI NAKARY
ALAPPUZHA
NEELAMPEROOR
SECOND ORDER NODES
PULINKUNNU
THIRD ORDER NODES
PUNNAPRA NORTH
VELIYANAD
RAMANKARY
CHAMPAKULAM
AMBALAPUZHA NORTH
MUTTAR
AMBALAPUZHA S OUTH

VEEYAPURAM
MANNAR
PULI YOOR
BUDHANNOOR
KUMARAPU RAM HARIPAD CHENNI THALA
THRIKUNNAPUZHA PALLI PPAD ALA
MULAKUZHA
CHERIYANAD
CHINGOLI CHEPPAD
C HETTIKULANGARA THAZHAKARA
PATHI YOOR NOORNAD

KANDALLOOR
PALAMEL
KAYAMKULAM
BHARANI KKAVU
DEVIKULANGARA
VALLIKUNNAM
Fig 11.6 Proposed Transportation network

The effective developed/developable area is The quantity of roads available in the district is
much less than the geographical area because of the satisfactorily sufficient, but the quality of roads have
considerable spread of waterbodies and paddyfields. to be improved. Upgradation of roads to better
On comparison with the rest of the State, Alappuzha is standards is essentially required. The proposed
well placed in terms of availability of roads in transportation network is given in Fig.11.6.
consideration to both area and population served. (See
11.5 INFERENCE
Table 11.2). The district is well ahead of the other
districts as far as these parameters are considered. Traffic and transportation is a vital sector in
Considering the extensive paddy fields and developmental planning and has multifaceted impacts
waterbodies the effective road density is still higher. in all other sectors of development. Hence an analysis
Most of the suggested higher order nodes and and formulation of a proposal in this sector require large
settlements are well connected by existing NH, SH or quantum of temporal, spatial and sectoral data. Nodes
district roads. The alignment of existing road network assume greater significance in Kerala context as far as
may be suitably fit in with the conceptual plan. Linkages the physical development of settlements is concerned.
as per the conceptual plan are almost ensured by the An analysis of the nodes in the district is carried out
existing road network. Considering the fragile and a hierarchy is evolved. With due consideration to
environment and ecological sensitivity of the district, the hierarchy of settlements and nodes, an exercise is
it is not advisable to go in for larger road development attempted here to formulate a conceptual road network
proposals. Moreover due to the geography and employing the available data. Since the purview of the
geometry of the district, physical connectivity between study is confined to the district, data and observations
all nodes is not feasible and desirable. are limited to this district.

District Urbanisation Report - Alappuzha SPATIAL STRUCTURE 113
Chapter-12
SPATIAL STRUCTURE
In this chapter the spatial pattern of activities, Spatial structure of the district is derived mainly
settlement hierarchies, hierarchy of nodes and road from the activity pattern, Hierarchy of settlements and
network evolving out of the settlement analysis are nodes and Connectivity.
sinergically linked to obtain the Spatial Structure.
HIERARCHY OF SETTLEMENTS & NODES
CONNECTIVITY Spatial
Structure
ACTIVITY PATTERN
12.1 SPATIAL STRUCTURE BASED ON SETTLEMENT

STUDIES The derivation of spatial structure is
In settlement analysis, the following aspects schematically illustrated above. As seen from the
pertaining to settlements of the district are studied observations in previous chapters, any settlement has
multifaceted dimensions with regard to hierarchy of
1. Landuse distribution
settlements, connectivity, and activity pattern. The
2. Population distribution findings regarding a settlement from the studies on
3. Occupational structure settlement hierarchy, transportation studies and activity
pattern are deemed in unison to evolve an end result
4. Functional character
in comparison with those of other settlements in the
5. Hierarchy of settlements district. Every settlement in the district has a bearing
6. Hierarchy of nodes on the spatial structure of the other settlements. The
combined representation in respect of all the
7. Urban profile settlements gives the spatial structure of the district.

114 SPATIAL STRUCTURE District Urbanisation Report - Alappuzha
N AROOR N
AROOR AROOKUTTY
PERUMBALAM
EZHUPUNNA
KUTHIYATHODU THAIKATTUS SERY
THURAVOOR
THURAVOOR
P ATTANAKKAD
CHENNAMPALLIPURAM LEGEND
VAYALAR
FIRST ORDER NODE

KADAKKARAPALLY LEGEND
CHERTHALA
CHERTHALA SECOND ORDER NODES
THANNEERMUKKOM
CHERTHALA SOUTH
THANNEERMUKKAM
THIRD ORDER NODES
KANJIKUZHI PROP THIRD ORDER NODES
MARARIKULAM NORTH
MUHAMMA THIRD ORDER SERVICE CENTRE
MARARIKULAM NORTH
MANNANCHERY MARARIKULAM SOUTH

MARARIKULAM SOUTH
ARYAD
KAVALAM
KAINAKARY
ALAPPUZHA
ALAPPUZHA
NEELAMPEROOR
P UNNAPRA NORTH PULINKUNNU
VELIYANAD
PUNNAP RA SOUTH NEDUMUDI CHAMPAKULAM
RAMANKARY
CHAMPAKULAM
AMBALAPUZHA NORTH
MUTTAR
AMBALAPUZHA SOUTH
AMBALAPPUZHA SOUTH
THAKAZH Y EDATHUA THALAVADY EDATHUA
CHERUTHANA
VEEYAPURAM PANDANAD
CHENGANNUR
CHENGANNUR MANNAR
KARUVATTA MANNAR
PULIYOOR
HARIPAD CHENNITHALA BUDHANNOOR
KUMARAPURAM HARIPAD
ALA
THRIKUNNAPUZHA P ALLIP PAD
CH ERIYANAD MULAKUZHA
KARTH IKAPPALLY VENMONY MAVELIKKARA

MAVELIKKARA THAZHAKARA
CHINGOLI CHEPPAD
THAZHAKARA CHEPPAD
CHETTIKULANGARA
P ATHIYOOR NOORANAD
KANDALLO OR
BHARANIKKAVU PALAMEL
KAYAMKULAM BHARANIKAVU
PALAMEL KAYAMKULAM
KRISHNAPURAM
DEVIKULANGARA
THAMARAKULAM
VALLIKUNNAM
Fig 12.1 Proposed Hierarchy of Settlements Fig.12.2 Suggested hierarchy of nodes
12.2 HIERARCHY OF SETTTLEMENTS 12.3 HIERARCHY OF NODES

The study of hierarchy of settlement is explained The hierarchy of a node indicates to the extent
in Chapter 7. The future hierarchy of settlements of the of activity around the node. The study shows that,
district evolved comprises of Alappuzha town as the Alappuzha town, being the administrative HQ and
highest order settlement in the district. The four commercial centre serving the entire district acts as a
municipal towns - Cherthala, Kayamkulam, Mavelikara I order node. Aroor, Cherthala and Kayamkulam act as
and Chengannur are the proposed second order II order nodes. Considering the service area of existing
settlements. Ambalappuzha South, Mararikulam North, II order nodes, no additional II order nodes are proposed
Chennampallippuram, Aroor, Haripad, Nooranad, on account of non availability of threshold population
Thazhakkara, Pulinkunnu, Mannar, Edathua, and to sustain further II order nodes. Based on the service
Muthukulam are the proposed third order settlements. area of the existing third order nodes, 10 more nodes
The other LSGs fall in fourth order settlements. In short are proposed as third order nodes for serving the entire
one first order settlement, 4 second order settlements area effectively by considering population distribution,
and 11 third order settlements form the higher order centrality and existing status of the nodes. The
settlements in the district as in Fig.12.1. suggested hierarchy of nodes is shown in Fig.12.2.

N
AROOKUTTY
AROOR
AROOR AROOKUTTY N
PERUMBALAM
PERUMBALAM
LEGEND EZHUPUNNA
EZHUPUNNA
KODAMTHURUTH
PANAVALLY 1st ORDER ROADS KODAMTHURUTH
PANAVALLY
KUTHIATHODE THAIKATTUSSERY 2nd ORDER ROADS KUTHIATHODE THAIKATTUSSERY
THURAVOOR
THURAVOOR
3 rd ORDER ROADS
PATTANAKAD
VAYALAR
FIRST ORDER SETTLEMENT PATTANAKAD
VAYALAR
KADAKKARAPPALLY SECOND ORDER SETTLEMENT KADAKKARAPPALLY
CHERTHALA
CHERTHALA SOUTH
THANNEERMUKKAM THIRD ORDER SETTLEMENT CHERTHALA
CHERTHALA SOUTH
THANNEERMUKKAM
LEGEND
FIRST ORDER NODES
KANJIKUZHI
DISTRICT BOUNDARY
MARARIKULAM NORTH
MUHAMMA SECOND ORDER NODES MARARIKULAM NORTH
KANJIKUZHI
THIRD ORDER NODES NH
MANNANCHERY
MARARIKULAM SOUTH PROPOSED THIRD ORDER NODES MANNANCHERY
SH
MARARIKULAM SOUTH
ARYAD
ARYAD
RAILWAY LINE
KAVALAM
KAINAKARY
KAVALAM PRI ACTIVITY
ALAPPUZHA KAINAKARY
ALAPPUZHA
NEELAMPEROOR
NEELAMPEROOR
AGR+ANM HUSB
PUNNAPRA NORTH
PULINKUNNU AGR+ANM HUSB+SSI
VELIYANAD
RAMANKARY
VELIYANAD TER ACTIVITY
CHAMPAKULAM
AMBALAPUZHA NORTH
MUTTAR AMBALAPUZHA NORTH
AMBALAPUZHA SOUTH MUTTAR
AMBALAPUZHA SOUTH
CHERUTHANA VEEYAPURAM PANDANAD CHENGANNUR
MANNAR CHERUTHANA PANDANAD CHENGANNUR
PULIYOOR KARUVATTA VEEYAPURAM MANNAR
HARIPAD CHENNITHALA PULIYOOR
THRIKUNNAPUZHA ALA
PALLIPPAD BUDHANNOOR
MULAKUZHA KUMARAPURAM HARIPAD
CHERIYANAD CHENNITHALA ALA
KARTHIKAPPALLY VENMONY THRIKUNNAPUZHA
PALLIPPAD MULAKUZHA
CHINGOLI CHERIYANAD
CHEPPAD
CHETTIKULANGARA THAZHAKARA CHEPPAD
CHINGOLI
MAVELIKARA
MUTHUKULAM THEKKEKARA THAZHAKARA
CHETTIKULANGARA
PATHIYOOR NOORNAD
ARATTUPUZHA MUTHUKULAM THEKKEKARA
CHUNAKKARA PATHIYOOR
KANDALLOOR NOORNAD
PALAMEL ARATTUPUZHA
KAYAMKULAM BHARANIKKAVU CHUNAKKARA
DEVIKULANGARA BHARANIKKAVU
VALLIKUNNAM THAMARAKULAM
VALLIKUNNAM
Fig 12.3 Proposed Road Network Fig 12.4 Activity Pattern
12.4 ROAD NETWORK PATTERN 12.5 ACTIVITY PATTERN

The proposed road network of the district is Activity pattern of the district is evolved from
derived based on the hierarchy of settlements and land use concentration pattern, functional character and
hierarchy of nodes. Most of the suggested higher order future urban profile. Functional character is determined
nodes and settlements are well connected by existing from population distribution and landuse, urban profile
NH, SH or district roads. The district has comparatively is derived considering occupational structure and
better road density in terms of area and population hierarchy of settlements and the landuse concentration
served. Considering the fragile environment, ecological pattern is evolved from the landuse analysis and real
sensitivity, geography and geometry of the district, it ground scenario.
is not advisable to go in for larger road development
Combining the various activity patterns, the final
proposals. In consideration of these aspects, a road activity pattern of the district is evolved. Various
network is formulated ensuring better linkage . Fig.12.3 activity patterns result from combinations of the
shows the proposed transportation network together
components under consideration. Fig.12.4 shows the
with the suggested hierarchy of nodes and settlements. activity patterns for the LSGs of the district.

AROOR JN
THURAVOOR JN
COURT JN
THANNEERMUKKOM JN
KANJIKUZHY
KALAVOOR JN
Connectivity Plan
MEDICAL COLLEGE JN
MANCOMP JN
AROOR
KACHERY JN
EDATHUA
STORE JN
BATHEL JN Settlement Hierarchy
DANAPDY
PUTHIYA KAVU JN CHENNAMPALLIPURAM

KALYATHRA JN
CHEPPAD
CHERTHALA
KSRTC JN KATANAM PALLIMUKK
AROOKUTTY
AROOR
PERUMBALAM
EZHUPUNNA
KUTHIATHODE THAIKATT USSERY
THURAVOOR
ALAPPUZHA
CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM
PULINKUNNU
PATTANAKAD
VAYALAR
KADAKKARAPPALLY
CHERTHALA AMBALAPUZHA SOUTH

THANNEERMUKKAM
CHERTHALA SOUTH EDATHUA
KANJIKUZHI CHENGANNUR
MARARIKULAM NORTH MUHAMMA MANNAR
HARIPAD
MANNANCHERY MAVELIKARA
MARARIKULAM SOUTH
AROOKUTT Y
AROOR THAZHAKARA
PE RUMBALAM
ARYAD MUTHUKULAM
NOORANAD
EZHUPUNNA
KODAMTHURUTH PANAVALLY Activity Pattern ALAPPUZHA

KAINAKARY
KAVALAM
KAYAMKULAM
KUTHIATHODE NEELAMPEROOR
THAIKATTUSS ERY
THURAV OOR
CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM
PAT TANAKAD VELIYANAD
VAY ALAR PUNNAPRA SOUTH NEDUMUDI
RAMANKARY
KADAKKARAP PALLY CHAMPAKULAM
CHERTHALA
THANNEE RMUKKAM
CHERTHALA S OUT H AMBALAPUZHA SOUTH

KANJIKUZHI
MARARIKULAM NORTH MUHAMMA
CHERUTHANA VEEYAPURAM PANDANAD CHENGANNUR

MANNAR
MANNANCHERY
PULIYOOR
MARARIKULAM SOUTH BUDHANNOOR
KUMARAPURAM HARIPAD
CHENNITHALA
ARYAD THRIKUNNAPUZHA ALA
PALLIPPAD MULAKUZHA
KAVALAM CHERIYANAD
KAINAKARY
ALAPPUZHA
CHINGOLI CHEPPAD
NEELAMP EROOR
THAZHAKARA
CHETTIKULANGARA
PUNNAP RA NORTH PULINKUNNU MUTHUKULAM THEKKEKARA
VELIYANAD PATHIYOOR
P UNNAPRA SO UTH
NOORNAD
NEDUMUDI ARATTUPUZHA
CHAMPAKULAM RAMANKARY CHUNAKKARA
AMBALAPUZHA NORT H KANDALLOOR
MUTTAR KAYAMKULAM PALAMEL
AMBALAPUZHA SOUTH BHARANIKKAVU
THAMARAKULAM
THAKAZHY EDATHUA THALAV ADY DEVIKULANGARA KRISHNAPURAM
VALLIKUNNAM
P URAKKAD THIRUVANV ANDO OR
CHERUTHANA P ANDANAD CHENGANNUR

KARUVATT A VE EYAPURAM
MANNAR
P ULIY OOR
BUDHANNO OR
KUMARAP URAM HARIPAD
CHENNITHALA ALA
THRIKUNNAP UZHA MULAKUZHA
PALLIP PAD CHERIYANAD
SPATIAL STRUCTURE
KART HIKAPP ALLY VENMO NY
CHEPPAD
CHINGOLI
MAV ELIKARA THAZHAKARA
CHETTIKULANGARA
MUTHUKULAM THE KKEKARA
PATHIYOOR
NOORNAD
ARATTUPUZ HA
CHUNAKKARA
KANDALLOO R KAY AMKULAM P ALAMEL
BHARANIKKAVU
THAMARAKULAM
DEV IKULANGARA KRISHNAPURAM
VALLIKUNNAM
Fig 12.5 Evolution of the Spatial Structure of the District
12.6 SPATIAL STRUCTURE OF THE DISTRICT This structure is a representation of the reflection
Spatial structure of the district is a derivative of of various aspects in the district. It may be stated that
the inputs from the analyses on settlement hierarchy, these aspects are influenced by factors both within and
connectivity and activity pattern of the district. The outside the district. Alappuzha, geographically being a
various findings from the analyses on each of these small district, the economics and developments are
aspects are overlaid to evolve the spatial structure of highly influenced by external forces. The spread effect
the district. The evolution of the spatial structure of and backwash effect of developments in towns in
Alappuzha district, as explained earlier, is conceptually immediate proximity of the district impart considerable
represented in Fig.12.5. The evolution of the spatial influence on the spatial structure of the district.
structure of the district from the constituent parameters However, the study being restricted to the district, this
is conceptually represented in Fig.12.6. aspect has not been deeply probed into.

AROOR
AROOKUTTY N
PERUMBALAM
LEGEND
EZHUPUNNA
KODAMTHURUTHPANAVALLY
KUTHIATHODE
THAIKATTUSSERY SECOND ORDER SETTLEMENT
THURAVOOR
CHENNAMPALLIPPURAM
PATTANAKAD
VAYALAR FIRST ORDER NODES
KADAKKARAPPALLY SECOND ORDER NODES
CHERTHALA
THANNEERMUKKAM
CHERTHALA SOUTH
THIRD ORDER NODES
KANJIKUZHI
MARARIKULAM NORTH MUHAMMA
AGR+ANM HUSB
AGR+ANM HUSB+SSI
MANNANCHERY
MARARIKULAM SOUTH PRI ACTIVITY
ARYAD
TER ACTIVITY
KAVALAM
KAINAKARY
ALAPPUZHA
NEELAMPEROOR

VELIYANAD
NEDUMUDI
PUNNAPRA SOUTH
RAMANKARY
CHAMPAKULAM
AMBALAPUZHA NORTH
MUTTAR
AMBALAPUZHA SOUTH
THAKAZHY EDATHUATHALAVADY
CHERUTHANA PANDANAD
VEEYAPURAM CHENGANNUR
MANNAR
KARUVATTA PULIYOOR
BUDHANNOOR
HARIPAD
THRIKUNNAPUZHA PALLIPPAD ALA
MULAKUZHA
CHERIYANAD
CHINGOLICHEPPAD
THAZHAKARA
CHETTIKULANGARA
MUTHUKULAM
THEKKEKARA
PATHIYOOR NOORNAD
KANDALLOOR
KAYAMKULAM PALAMEL
BHARANIKKAVU
DEVIKULANGARA
VALLIKUNNAM
Fig 12.6 Spatial structure of Alappuzha District

12.7 INFERENCE
The derived spatial structure of the district
The aspects on activity pattern concerned with throws light on many aspects of the district.Areas,
the various sectors of economy in the district are activities,nodes etc are analysed in evolution of the
analysed and an activity pattern for the district is spatial structure. Alappuzha town serves as the district
evolved. Hierarchy of settlements and nodes are headquarter. The urban agglomeration of Alappuzha
derived in consideration of the existing status, and Cherthaka serve a very vast hinterland providing
infrastructure available, and area/population served. higher order facilities in services, marketing, health,
A transportation network ensuring proper connectivity education, production etc. Urban centres of
is also conceptualised. Based on the findings from Kayamkulam, Mavelikara and Chengannur act as
hierarchy of settlements and nodes, proposed road centres of service delivery for vast hinterlands. The
network and activity pattern, the spatial structure of higher order settlements as identified in the settlement
the district is evolved. However it may be stated that hierarchy and urban profile can act as generators of
the investments and developments in towns of economic momentum at varying levels and are capable
surrounding districts in close proximity of Alappuzha of inducing growth in the nearby areas. Development
District are certain to have spread effect or backwash inputs into these LSGs will have positive multiplier
effect on the settlements in the district. Kochi, effects. Infrastructure development in these LSGs can
Changanacherry and Thiruvalla are towns of such attract private sector production units which can
magnitude. This will have impacts on the spatial contribute to the economic development of the district.
structure of the district. These aspects are not analysed Each one of these LSGs has already attracted specialized
in this study since the study is confined to the district. functions which could be further exploited.

District Urbanisation Report - Alappuzha SUMMARY OF FINDINGS 119
Chapter-13
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
The future is conceived from and is an extension  Major part of the district area lies in low land
of the past and present. The findings from the various region and midland occupies the remaining area.
analyses throw light on the trends exhibited by the The general elevation of the area is less than 6 m
district in general and the local self government above mean sea level and certain areas lie below
institutions in particular. This help in determining the mean sea level. Water bodies constitute more than
interventions required in achieving the desired and one tenth of the geographical area.
designed future. The findings are summed up below.
 The district is nourished by three important
I3.1. GENERAL rivers, Manimala, Pampa and Achankovil
draining into the Vembanad lake. The backwater
 Alappuzha is the smallest district in terms of
system and Vembanad lake exert considerable
area in the State..
influence on the ecology of surrounding areas.
 Alappuzha is etched deep in history. It had There are no major irrigation projects in
trade relations with the west and middle east in Alappuzha district.
the ancient past. The district is rich in remnants of
 Vembanad lake bordering Alappuzha,
historic, heritage, cultural, religious and
Kottayam and Ernakulam districts is the largest
archaeological wealth.
waterbody in the state. Ecologically and
 Alappuzha and the nearby principalities environmentally, the waterbody is highly sensitive.
enjoyed benevolent patronage of the rulers. It is a complex aquatic system of 96 km long
Alappuzha was once the most flourishing area of backwaters, lagoons, marshes, mangroves and
the region, thanks to the business community, the reclaimed lands, with intricate networks of
port, coir industry and oil mills etc. natural channels and man-made canals. The
 Alappuzha District is connected to rest of the wetland is the heart of Kerala backwater tourism
state and the country through a good network of with hundreds of houseboats-transformed
rail and roads. Kochi International Airport and country boats- crisscrossing it and numerous
Seaport of Kochi are situated within 75 km of resorts nestling on its banks. This wet land is
Alappuzha Town. Inland navigation still serves as included in the Ramsar list of Wetlands of
the only mode of transport in certain areas of the International Importance and special mention is
district. Waterways have extensive coverage. made on this waterbody in Coastal Zone
SWTD has its headquarters at Alappuzha. Regulation Notification-January 2011 by Ministry
National Waterway passes through the district. of Environment & Forests, Government of India.

120 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS District Urbanisation Report - Alappuzha
 Kuttanadu known as the granary of the State  The district is blessed with potential resources
is unique in many ways. Farming here is done such as tourism areas, minerals, lengthy coastal
below mean sea level. The major human stretch with potential for fisheries, number of
interventions on nature in Kuttanadu, which have religious centres with archaeological and historic
far reaching impacts in various sectors of life in importance, renowned pilgrim centres etc
this area- Thanneermukkom regulator across providing ample potential for development.
Vembanadu Lake, Thottappally Spillway and
 Considering the vast backwaters and extensive
AC Road- are still hot topics of discussion as far as
paddyfields, the district is ecologically and
the effective utility and impact of these projects
environmentally highly sensitive.
on environment and ecology are concerned.
 Mining activities especially with regard to silica,
 Thanks to the intense waterfront tourism at
clay, ilmenite, lime shells etc have got potential
Alappuzha, Kerala is noted in the world tourism
limited to certain areas in the district. This is to be
map and is heralded as one of the must-see
explored in an optimal and scientific manner with
tourism destinations worldwide. However a
due consideration to economy, environment, the
careful analysis as to probe into the pros and cons
people involved and area affected.
is very much essential. It is high time to carry out
carrying capacity studies in various aspects  The extensive coastal line promotes marine
associated with tourism in this sector and serious fishing. Fish landing centres and sea food
interventions are to be made to ensure sustainable industries on the northern part of the district
tourism and development with due consideration endorse this. The vast water bodies of Vembanad
to the people, land, nature, environment, culture, and Kayamkulam backwaters and the network
economy etc. . of rivers and canals are suitable for extensively
developing inland fishing on a commercial basis.
 Alappuzha has a flat unbroken 82 km long
The district has the second highest fishing
seacoast ( 13.9% of the State coastal line). Among
population (1.74 lakhs) in the state.
the districts of the state, Alappuzha has the
longest coastal line next to Kasaragod and  Alappuzha is known as the traditional home
Kozhikode. The 25km long stretch of Ambalapuzha of coir industry in Kerala. This is on the decline
- Purakkad area in this coastal line is famous for due to various reasons.
mud banks, constituting a unique phenomenon  Alappuzha district has got immense potential
"Chakara" during monsoon . for developments in tourism with regard to beach
 Alappuzha by virtue of the vast waterbodies is tourism, backwater tourism, pilgrimage tourism,
ideal for water sports. The Snake boat races in heritage tourism, health tourism, farm tourism
the district attract tourists far and wide. and the like. The entire district, the various
Alappuzha is internationally well known for the geographical elements, the heritage, culture and
annual Snakeboat races at Alappuzha, traditions provide fascinating attractions to
Champakulam, Neerettupuram, Mannar, tourists of varied tastes and interests.
Payippadu, Pulinkunnu etc to name a few.  Alappuzha district is well placed with regard to
 There are no forests in the district. This is the educational institutions. TD Medical College serves
only district without forest cover. There is no nearby districts also. In the last decade many
distinctly demarcated hilly area in the district. professional institutions have been established .

13.2 POPULATION: 13.3. WORK FORCE PARTICIPATION RATE AND
OCCUPATIONAL STRUCTURE
 Alappuzha district is the densest in the state
with 6.62% of the state population in 3.64% of  Work participation rate of the district (34.3%)
the state area. The population density of is higher than that of the State (32%).
Alappuzha District (1489 ppsq.km) is higher than  The number of workers in primary sector show
that of the State (819 ppsq.km). On account of declining trend. More than 85% of the total
the vast waterbodies and extensive paddy fields workers are engaged in non-agricultural pursuits.
the net density is still very high. Even in rural areas , more than 80% of workers
 The district has higher sex ratio (1079) than the belong to non-primary sectors. Number of
State (1058). workers in the service sector is on the increase.
Industrial workers shows a slight increase. It is
 The district has the least ST population content
observed that rural areas of the district are slowly
(0.15%) in the state.
withdrawing from primary sector and leaning
 The district shows a population growth rate more on service sector and industrial sector to a
less than that of the State. The rate of the decrease certain extent. The analysis of the occupational
in growth rate of the district (-0.41 % during the structure of the district points to a disturbing
period 1981-01) is less than that of the State situation on the economic base of the district.
(-0.51% for the same period). An increase of only
 A shift from primary sector in the occupational
0.65 lakhs and 0.32 lakhs respectively are expected
structure of the district (even in rural areas)
in the coming decades of 2001-'11 and 2011-'21.
resulting in the possible destruction of the rural
 LSG wise gross population density of the character of rural areas is in process. There is
district shows a spatial pattern in which the urban dilution in the rural nature of the district as far as
LSGs and LSGs surrounding them as well as LSGs the occupational structure is considered. At the
in the coastal region, show higher gross density same time industrial activity in the urban areas is
ranging from 1500 ppsq.km to 3200 ppsq.km. The also on the decrease and the share of other
LSGs located in the midland region show a gross workers category in the work force is increasing.
density variation of 750-1500 ppsq.km and LSGs This has resulted in narrowing down of the
in Kuttanadu regions show least gross density. boundary distinguishing the character of rural and
 The urban areas show lower growth rate urban areas in terms of occupational structure.
whereas the surrounding rural areas show higher  The growth rate of total workers during the
growth rate indicating the possibility of population last decade 1991-2001 (20%) is greater than the
attracted to the urban areas absorbed by the growth rate of total population indicating that
hinterlands and the likely outflow of urban work opportunities are increasing in proportion
population to the hinterlands due to increasing to the increase in population. However, the rate
landvalue in urban areas and better availability of increase in number of main workers shows a
of infrastructure in the hinterlands. This may lead decreasing trend, indicating concerns on
to undesirable spread of urban area and employment generation. This has reflection in
conversion of agricultural land for residential and resource utilization and in turn on economic base
other nonagricultural purposes, thus affecting the and may lead to reduced local economic growth.
economic base of rural areas.

122 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS District Urbanisation Report - Alappuzha
 Among the total workers only 17% of workers 13.5. OTHER FINDINGS
constitute agriculture labourers and cultivators  The future urban profile of the district
which indicates less intensive agriculture activity comprises of the five municipal towns continuing
in the District. as municipal towns, seven gramapanchayats
 Among the total workers, 7% are household which can be termed as nagarpanchayats by 2011
industrial workers. This is the highest among the and nine more gramapanchayats becoming
neighbouring districts. This indicates the strength nagarpanchayats by 2021.
of the district in household industrial sector. The  The spatial distribution of settlements based
spatial pattern of concentration of house hold on functional character points to character of
industrial workers shows a clear concentration in settlements in four categories. All the
coastal LSGs especially in the northern region. municipalities other than Chengannur and some
of the LSGs located in the coastal areas of the
13.4. LANDUSE:
district characterised by high population
 The landuse analysis shows concentration of concentration exhibit urban character. Semi urban
paddy landuse in LSGs located in Kuttanadu region character is exhibited by LSGs that have urban
of the district. This area is abundant in water influence like gramapanchayats of Ezhupunna,
bodies, thus exemplifying a unique ecosystem of Kodamthuruth (situated near to Ernakulam
high environmental sensitiveness. District), and Ambalapuzha North. Most of the
 Nearly 15% of landuse is agricultural. From the LSGs in the low land region of Kuttanadu exhibit
point of view of economic as well as rural character. Semi rural character is seen in a
environmental stability of the District, the few LSGs in a transition zone between the LSGs
agricultural land should be put to optimal use. with urban and rural character. The functional
character of settlements gives an idea about the
 Paddy lands in the district comprises of lands
likely economic base of each local government.
at varying levels employing varying techniques of
farming. The soil conditions are drastically  Existing hierarchy of settlements based on
different demanding different treatments. These facilities and the proposed hierarchy of settlements
deserve special attention due to rich potential for evolved from the analysis show that Alappuzha is
paddy productivity as well as ecological and the single first order settlement. Besides, there are
environmental sensitivity. 4 second order settlements and 11 third order
settlements in the district ensuring equitable
 Major part of the landuse (70%) falls in mixed
distribution of facilities and services that each
landuse of residential and agriculture-typical of
higher order settlement in the settlement hierarchy
homestead development.
should deliver.
 There has been rampant conversion of
 The district is rather well placed in terms of
agricultural land for other purposes in many parts
educational institutions. A few professional
of the district, thereby reducing the area under
institutions have come up in the last decades. The
cultivation drastically in recent decades. Reduced
professional institutions impart education to
returns from agriculture and the apathy of the
students within the district as well as outside the
new generation to traditional farming practices
district and even to students from other states.
contributed to this.

 Though the smallest district in the state, 13.6 INFERENCE
Alappuzha has a fairly high road density in respect The proposed hierarchy of settlements gives an
of population/area served when compared to the insight into the areas where attention is needed so as
other districts of the state. The presence of to ensure an equitable delivery of services and
extensive paddyfields and vast waterbodies infrastructure can be ensured. The spatial structure of
renders a still higher effective road density. the district and the future urban profile help in
considering the geography and sensitivity of the foreseeing the appearance of the district for the horizon
areas, traffic and transportation do not warrant period. The activity pattern for the constituent LSGs of
large scale interventions since the district is well the district help in identifying the likely sectors viable
placed in terms of road density in consideration for development of every LSG. The various findings
of the rest of the State. But quality of roads needs above explain the various features of the district and
to be paid immediate attention. Standardisation help in suggesting to a small extent where
of the roads is an urgent necessity. interventions are required.
< CONTENTS > ANNEXEX >>

District Urbanisation Report - Alappuzha ANNEXE 125
ANNEXE-I
LOCAL SELF GOVERNMENTS IN ALAPPUZHA DISTRICT
Sl No. LSG Constituent Village(s) Full/Part Taluk
1 Thaikattussery Blockpanchayat
2 Perumbalam Gramapanchayat Perumbalam F
3 Panavally Gramapanchayat Panavally F
4 Thaikattussery Gramapanchayat Thaikattussery F
5 Chennampallippuram Gramapanchayat Pallippuram F
6 Arookutty Gramapanchayat Arookutty CT F
7 Pattanakad Blockpanchayat
8 Ezhupunna Gramapanchayat Ezhupunna P
Aroor CT F
9 Aroor Gramapanchayat
Ezhupunna P
10 Kodamthuruth Gramapanchayat Kodamthuruth F
11 Kuthiathode Gramapanchayat Kuthiathode P
Thuravoor thekku F
12 Thuravoor Gramapanchayat
Kuthiyathode P
Pattanakad P
13 Pattanakad Gramapanchayat
Kadakkarappally P Cherthala
Kadakkarappally P
14 Kadakkarappally Gramapanchayat
Pattanakkad P
15 Vayalar Gramapanchayat Vayalar OG F
16 Kanjikuzhi Blockpanchayat
Cherthala South P
17 Cherthala South Gramapanchayat
Cherthala North P
18 Mararikulam North Gramapanchayat Mararikulam North F
Thanneermukkam OG P
19 Thanneermukkam Gramapanchayat Kanjikuzhi CT P
Kokkothamangalam CT F
Kanjikuzhi CT P
20 Kanjikuzhi Gramapanchayat Muhamma CT P
Thannermukkam OG P
Muhamma CT P
21 Muhamma Gramapanchayat
Kanjikuzhi CT P
22 Aryad Blockpanchayat
Komalapuram CT P
23 Mannanchery Gramapanchayat
Mannanchery F
Pathirapally P
24 Mararikulam South Gramapanchayat Ambalapuzha
Kalavoor F
Komalapuram CT P
25 Aryad Gramapanchayat Pathirapally P
Aryad South P
126 ANNEXE District Urbanisation Report - Alappuzha
26 Veliyanad Blockpanchayat
Pulinkunnu F
27 Pulinkunnu Gramapanchayat
Kunnumma P
Kavalam P
28 Kavalam Gramapanchayat
Kunnumma P
29 Veliyanad Gramapanchayat Veliyanad F
Kuttanad
Ramankary F
30 Ramankary Gramapanchayat
Edathua P
31 Muttar Gramapanchayat Muttar F
Kavalam P
Kunnumma P
32 Neelamperoor Gramapanchayat
Neelamperoor F
Nattakam P Kottayam
33 Champakulam Blockpanchayat
Kainakary South P
34 Nedumudi Gramapanchayat
Nedumudi F
35 Champakulam Gramapanchayat Champakulam F
36 Edathua Gramapanchayat Edathua P
Kuttanad
37 Thalavady Gramapanchayat Thalavady P
Thakazhy F
38 Thakazhy Gramapanchayat
Karumady P
Kainakary North F
39 Kainakary Gramapanchayat Kainakary South P
Mullackal P
40 Ambalapuzha Blockpanchayat
41 Punnapra South Gramapanchayat Punnapra OG P
42 Punnapra North Gramapanchayat Kalarcode OG F
Ambalapuzha P
43 Ambalapuzha South Gramapanchayat Ambalappuzha
Karumady P
Ambalapuzha P
44 Ambalapuzha North Gramapanchayat Karumady P
Punnapra OG P
45 Purakkad Gramapanchayat Purakkad F
46 Haripad Blockpanchayat
Karuvatta F
47 Karuvatta Gramapanchayat
Kumarapuram P
48 Cheruthana Gramapanchayat Cheruthana F
49 Veeyapuram Gramapanchayat Veeyapuram F
50 Pallippad Gramapanchayat Pallippad F Karthikappally
51 Haripad Gramapanchayat Haripad F
52 Kumarapuram Gramapanchayat Kumarapuram P
53 Thrikunnapuzha Gramapanchayat Thrikunnapuzha F
54 Karthikappally Gramapanchayat Karthikappally F
55 Chingoli Gramapanchayat Chingoli F
56 Muthukulam Blockpanchayat
57 Arattupuzha Gramapanchayat Arattupuzha F
58 Cheppad Gramapanchayat Cheppad F
Pathiyoor P
59 Pathiyoor Gramapanchayat
Keerikkad P Karthikappally
60 Muthukulam Gramapanchayat Muthukulam F
61 Kandalloor Gramapanchayat Kandalloor F
62 Devikulangara Gramapanchayat Puduppally P
63 Krishnapuram Gramapanchayat Krishnapuram P
64 Mavelikara Blockpanchayat
Thriperumthura F
65 Chennithala Gramapanchayat
Chennithala F
Peringala F
66 Chettikulangara Gramapanchayat
Kannamangalam F
Thazhakara P
67 Thazhakara Gramapanchayat
Vettiyar F
68 Thekkekara Gramapanchayat Thekkekara P
Mavelikara
69 Bharanikavu Blockpanchayat
Bharanikkavu F
70 Bharanikkavu Gramapanchayat
Kattanam F
71 Chunakkara Gramapanchayat Chunakkara F
72 Noornad Gramapanchayat Noornad F
73 Palamel Gramapanchayat Palamel F
74 Thamarakulam Gramapanchayat Thamarakulam F
75 Vallikunnam Gramapanchayat m Vallikunnam F
76 Chengannur Blockpanchayat
Kurattissery F
77 Mannar Gramapanchayat
Mannar F
78 Budhannoor Gramapanchayat Ennakkad F
Ala P
79 Puliyoor Gramapanchayat Puliyoor P
Cheriyanad P
80 Pandanad Gramapanchayat Pandanad P
Thiruvanvandoor F Chengannur
81 Thiruvanvandoor Gramapanchayat
Chengannur P
82 Ala Gramapanchayat Ala P
Mulakuzha P
83 Mulakuzha Gramapanchayat
Ala P
Venmony F
84 Venmony Gramapanchayat
Mulakuzha P
Cheriyanad P
85 Cheriyanad Gramapanchayat
Ala P

Aryad South P
Mullackal P
86 Alappuzha (M) Pazhaveedu F Ambalapuzha
Alappuzha West F
Paravur P
Keerikkad P
Pathiyoor P
87 Kayamkulam (M) Kayamkulam F Karthikappally
Krishnapuram P
Puduppally P
Cherthala North P
Cherthala South P
88 Cherthala (M) Cherthala
Vayalar East P
Kokkothamangalam P
Pandanad P
Chengannur P
89 Chengannur (M) Mulakuzha P Chengannur
Ala P
Puliyoor P
Kannamangalam P
Mavelikara F
90 Mavelikara (M) Mavelikara
Thazhakara P
Thekkekara P
Source: Census 2001

ANNEXE-II
DISTRIBUTION OF GSDP
DISTRICT WISE AND SECTOR-WISE DISTRIBUTION OF GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT DURING
2008-2009 AT CONSTANT (1999-2000) PRICES (QUICK ESTIMATE)
Primary Secondary Tertiary

Annual Annual Annual
Sl.No. District
GDDP Growth GDDP Growth GDDP Growth
Rate(%) Rate(%) Rate(%)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1 Thiruvananthapuram 1280.55 1.44 3964.91 9.94 9696.23 6.8
2 Kollam 1541.07 1.39 2036.08 10.15 6397.27 7.06
3 Pathanamthitta 903.45 0.54 877.1 10.36 3540.86 7.56
4 Alappuzha 876.67 0.8 2072.35 10.04 5806.36 7
5 Kottayam 1602.09 0.46 1860.99 10.09 6031.92 7.31
6 Idukki 1139.26 0.34 812.9 8.7 2401.95 7.04
7 Ernakulam 1587.89 0.72 7599.91 9.97 10751.26 7.57
8 Thrissur 1169.87 0.9 3443.72 10.38 8724.47 7.27
9 Palakkad 1446.3 0.82 2622.44 9.51 6140.34 6.68
10 Malappuram 1380.25 0.92 2201.52 10.94 7699.95 6.47
11 Kozhikode 1197.41 0.97 3040.91 10.94 7699.95 6.81
12 Wayanad 589.19 0.38 350.36 10.66 1500.57 6.78
13 Kannur 1095.67 0.74 2239.47 11.09 6408.23 6.7
14 Kasaragod 978.4 0.44 707.14 11.52 2762.5 7.1
STATE 16788.07 0.81 33829.8 10.25 84584.62 7.02
Source: Department of Economics and Statistics

ANNEXE-III
POPULATION PROJECTION OF KERALA
The population of the State is calculated based on the decreasing rate method since the growth rate of
population of the State has been decreasing for the last four decades. The tables below (Table-1) show the
population details of Kerala over a century.
Table1 -Population of Kerala

Year Total population Growth rate Change in Growth rate(%)
1901 6396262
1911 7147673 11.75
1921 7802127 9.16 -22.06
1931 9507050 21.85 138.66
1941 11031541 16.04 -26.62
1951 13549118 22.82 42.32
1961 16903715 24.76 8.49
1971 21347375 26.29 6.18
1981 25453680 19.24 -26.83
1991 29098518 14.32 -25.56
2001 31841374 9.43 -34.17
The variation in the growth rate of population over a century is shown in the figure-1.
30 26.29
24.76
25 21.85 22.82
19.24
20 16.04
14.32
15 11.75
9.16 9.43
10
0
1911 1921 1931 1941 1951 1961 1971 1981 1991 2001
11.75 9.16 21.85 16.04 22.82 24.76 26.29 19.24 14.32 9.43
Figure-1: Growth rate of population – Kerala

30 26.29
24.76
25 21.85 22.82
19.24
20 16.04
14.32
15 11.75
9.16 9.43
10 6.21
4.08
5
0
1911 1921 1931 1941 1951 1961 1971 1981 1991 2001 2011 2021
11.75 9.16 21.85 16.04 22.82 24.76 26.29 19.24 14.32 9.43 6.21 4.08
Figure-2: Projected Growth rate of population – Kerala
The projected population growth rate is shown in the figure 2.The projected population details are shown in
the table -2.
Table2 - Projected Population of Kerala
Year Total population Growth rate Change in Growth rate (%)

1901 6396262
1911 7147673 11.75
1921 7802127 9.16 -22.06
1931 9507050 21.85 138.66
1941 11031541 16.04 -26.62
1951 13549118 22.82 42.32
1961 16903715 24.76 8.49
1971 21347375 26.29 6.18
1981 25453680 19.24 -26.83
1991 29098518 14.32 -25.56
2001 31841374 9.43 -34.17
2011 33817196 6.21 -34.17
2021 35198589 4.08 -34.17

ANNEXE-IV
OCCUPATIONAL STRUCTURE-CONCENTRATION INDEX OF WORKERS
Concentration Index of
Activity
Sl No Name of LSG Agriculture HH Industrial Other Primary Secondary Tertiary
Cultivators Pattern
Labourers Workers Workers workers workers workers
1 Perumbalam 0.882 0.523 1.187 1.058 1.441 0.616 0.961 P
2 Panavally 0.324 0.614 0.316 1.194 0.726 1.244 1.021 S+T
3 Thaikattussery 0.392 0.572 0.284 1.188 0.705 1.277 1.014 S+T
4 Chennampallippuram 0.387 1.462 0.502 1.093 0.712 1.587 0.821 S
5 Arookutty 0.229 0.301 0.187 1.248 0.650 1.127 1.139 S+T
6 Ezhupunna 0.285 0.297 0.295 1.233 0.610 1.296 1.061 S+T
7 Aroor 0.132 0.279 0.090 1.273 0.561 1.341 1.064 S+T
8 Kodamthuruth 0.512 0.440 0.396 1.173 0.729 1.194 1.050 S+T
9 Kuthiathode 0.259 0.716 0.361 1.194 0.680 1.287 1.023 S+T
10 Thuravoor 0.369 1.391 0.485 1.103 0.882 1.547 0.740 S
11 Pattanakad 0.286 3.072 0.313 0.966 0.791 1.698 0.704 S
12 Kadakkarappally 0.216 3.648 0.446 0.917 0.955 1.628 0.645 S
13 Vayalar 0.175 2.292 0.169 1.068 0.392 2.092 0.711 S
14 Cherthala South 0.216 2.618 0.356 1.020 0.910 1.670 0.648 S
15 Mararikulam North 0.269 1.363 0.438 1.127 0.851 1.727 0.649 S
16 Thanneermukkam 0.172 2.334 0.191 1.064 0.463 1.825 0.830 S
17 Kanjikuzhi 0.299 2.821 0.288 0.989 0.332 2.191 0.687 S
18 Muhamma 0.116 1.949 0.140 1.114 0.488 1.989 0.714 S
19 Mannanchery 0.230 1.450 0.159 1.140 0.326 1.984 0.817 S
20 Mararikulam South 0.131 1.946 0.243 1.106 0.980 1.578 0.660 S
21 Aryad 0.128 1.391 0.068 1.168 0.338 1.840 0.898 S
22 Nedumudi 3.969 0.375 2.733 0.432 2.462 0.193 0.587 P
23 Champakulam 3.213 0.215 3.227 0.560 2.148 0.270 0.734 P
24 Edathua 3.141 0.548 2.657 0.570 2.086 0.243 0.789 P
25 Thalavady 2.519 0.357 1.365 0.767 1.671 0.321 0.998 P
26 Thakazhy 3.130 0.336 1.880 0.631 2.054 0.248 0.806 P
27 Kainakary 4.492 0.274 1.955 0.386 2.765 0.134 0.435 P
28 Punnapra South 0.775 0.717 0.192 1.109 1.325 0.727 0.965 P
29 Punnapra North 0.435 0.793 0.133 1.166 1.049 1.032 0.950 P+S
30 Ambalapuzha South 1.031 0.239 0.904 1.072 1.293 0.585 1.071 P+T
31 Ambalapuzha North 0.987 0.266 0.456 1.100 1.228 0.601 1.102 P+T
32 Purakkad 1.121 0.279 0.406 1.077 1.852 0.358 0.864 P
33 Karuvatta 2.211 0.547 1.061 0.820 1.380 0.646 0.981 P
34 Cheruthana 3.176 0.427 2.285 0.594 2.107 0.240 0.778 P
35 Veeyapuram 3.378 0.402 2.191 0.564 2.178 0.237 0.736 P
36 Pallippad 2.312 0.452 1.300 0.799 1.448 0.498 1.029 P+T
37 Haripad 1.083 0.488 0.430 1.063 0.738 0.381 1.540 T

38 Kumarapuram 0.782 1.965 0.611 0.967 0.698 1.382 0.954 S
39 Thrikunnapuzha 0.214 3.218 0.343 0.964 1.071 1.520 0.639 P+S
40 Karthikappally 0.858 2.626 0.548 0.893 0.765 1.103 1.083 S+T
41 Chingoli 0.902 0.370 0.360 1.110 0.685 0.520 1.488 T
42 Arattupuzha 0.022 1.117 0.551 1.189 1.564 1.038 0.628 P+S
43 Cheppad 1.376 0.429 0.875 0.993 0.905 0.595 1.305 T
44 Pathiyoor 0.718 0.576 0.892 1.097 0.584 0.667 1.460 T
45 Muthukulam 1.313 0.841 1.077 0.954 1.047 0.576 1.229 P+T
46 Kandalloor 0.411 0.820 0.594 1.145 0.564 1.198 1.149 S+T
47 Devikulangara 0.464 0.728 0.648 1.141 0.757 1.184 1.038 S+T
48 Krishnapuram 0.556 0.563 0.436 1.151 0.463 0.740 1.491 T
49 Mannar 1.291 0.864 1.302 0.945 0.897 0.850 1.155 T
50 Budhannoor 1.812 0.291 2.229 0.858 1.411 0.862 0.829 P
51 Puliyoor 1.732 0.481 2.473 0.842 1.371 0.390 1.142 P+T
52 Pandanad 1.893 0.394 3.278 0.780 1.520 0.304 1.102 P+T
53 Thiruvanvandoor 1.683 0.493 1.587 0.895 1.141 0.505 1.215 P+T
54 Ala 1.768 0.380 3.423 0.797 1.506 0.320 1.101 P+T
55 Mulakuzha 1.787 0.587 4.532 0.718 1.593 0.370 1.017 P+T
56 Venmony 1.396 0.223 4.239 0.838 1.375 0.339 1.171 P+T
57 Cheriyanad 1.621 0.295 2.290 0.889 1.200 0.358 1.267 P+T
58 Chennithala 1.553 0.424 1.310 0.939 1.170 0.476 1.215 P+T
59 Chettikulangara 1.401 0.499 1.023 0.974 0.926 0.505 1.347 T
60 Thazhakara 1.595 0.501 2.454 0.866 1.247 0.390 1.219 P+T
61 Thekkekara 1.692 0.517 1.771 0.881 1.258 0.378 1.220 P+T
62 Bharanikkavu 1.470 0.728 1.354 0.923 1.034 0.487 1.292 P+T
63 Chunakkara 1.672 0.584 3.099 0.812 1.350 0.511 1.081 P+T
64 Noornad 1.659 0.440 3.996 0.782 1.534 0.499 0.975 P
65 Palamel 1.655 0.327 4.110 0.788 1.526 0.520 0.967 P
66 Thamarakulam 1.505 0.372 3.546 0.839 1.307 0.621 1.041 P+T
67 Vallikunnam 1.098 0.614 2.488 0.944 1.002 0.865 1.081 P+T
68 Pulinkunnu 3.726 0.399 2.229 0.499 2.323 0.258 0.633 P
69 Kavalam 3.804 0.351 2.448 0.479 2.482 0.186 0.578 P
70 Veliyanad 3.863 0.180 2.579 0.478 2.469 0.194 0.582 P
71 Ramankary 3.110 0.387 2.517 0.598 2.110 0.256 0.766 P
72 Muttar 3.578 0.401 3.000 0.487 2.376 0.265 0.596 P
73 Neelamperoor 3.652 0.313 2.881 0.488 2.352 0.274 0.605 P
74 Alappuzha (M) 0.302 0.601 0.084 1.211 0.435 0.881 1.422 T
75 Kayamkulam (M) 0.368 0.529 0.174 1.202 0.350 0.827 1.508 T
76 Cherthala (M) 0.141 1.274 0.143 1.173 0.221 1.455 1.205 S+T
77 Chengannur (M) 0.469 0.390 0.754 1.167 0.486 0.491 1.629 T
78 Mavelikara (M) 0.222 0.510 0.201 1.229 0.243 0.455 1.801 T
P-Primary, S-Secondary, T-Tertiary

ANNEXE-V
LSG WISE CONCENTRATION INDEX OF VARIOUS LANDUSES
Concentration Index of Concentration index greater than one

Sl.
Name of LSG water Marshy Reside Agricu Plant Res Other
No Other Agricul Residen Water Res/
body land ntial lture ation /Agr builtup Others builtup tural tial body Agr
1 Perumbalam 4.87 0.00 2.06 0.00 0.00 0.53 0.00 0.00  
2 Panavally 2.76 0.00 1.74 0.05 0.00 0.90 0.56 0.00  
3 Thaikattussery 2.25 0.00 1.98 0.10 0.00 0.98 0.00 0.00  
4 Chennam Pallippuram 3.47 0.00 1.79 0.07 0.00 0.77 0.00 0.00  
5 Arookutty 3.43 0.00 1.87 0.08 0.00 0.77 0.00 0.00  
6 Ezhupunna 1.44 0.00 0.51 2.44 0.00 0.62 0.85 0.00  
7 Aroor 3.28 0.00 2.78 0.05 0.00 0.80 0.43 0.00  
8 Kodamthuruth 1.40 0.00 0.62 2.41 0.00 0.64 0.00 0.00  
9 Kuthiathode 0.18 0.00 0.00 2.32 0.00 0.88 0.00 0.75 
10 Thuravoor 1.43 0.00 1.53 1.64 0.00 0.80 0.00 0.14   
11 Pattanakad 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.82 0.00 0.99 0.00 4.98 
12 Kadakkarappally 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.59 0.00 1.24 0.00 8.16 
13 Vayalar 1.75 0.00 0.00 0.02 0.00 1.09 0.00 0.00  
14 Cherthala South 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.36 0.00 8.04 
15 Mararikulam North 0.04 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.35 0.00 8.58 
16 Thanneermukkam 2.43 0.00 0.00 0.05 0.00 0.96 0.00 0.00 
17 Kanjikuzhi 0.00 0.00 0.09 0.00 0.00 1.42 0.00 0.00 
18 Muhamma 4.31 0.00 0.02 0.01 0.00 0.63 0.00 0.00 
19 Mannanchery 3.60 0.00 0.00 0.11 0.00 0.73 1.62 0.00  
20 Mararikulam South 0.02 0.00 0.21 0.00 0.00 1.33 0.00 13.16 
21 Aryad 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.19 25.64 0.35  
22 Nedumudi 1.22 0.00 0.00 0.76 0.00 1.03 0.00 0.00  
23 Champakulam 0.98 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.24 0.00 0.00 
24 Edathua 0.52 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.32 0.00 0.00 
25 Thalavady 0.15 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.39 0.00 0.00 
26 Thakazhy 0.58 0.00 1.45 0.01 0.00 1.31 0.00 0.00  
27 Kainakary 2.50 0.00 0.00 3.44 0.00 0.23 0.00 0.00  
28 Punnapra South 0.17 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.30 0.00 12.97 *
29 Punnapra North 0.15 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.35 0.00 5.73 
30 Ambalapuzha South 0.19 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.35 0.00 5.08 
31 Ambalapuzha North 0.14 0.00 3.20 0.00 0.00 1.28 0.00 15.27  
32 Purakkad 0.54 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.30 0.00 3.27 
33 Karuvatta 0.25 0.00 0.00 0.13 0.00 1.34 0.00 0.00 
34 Cheruthana 0.43 3.13 0.00 2.60 0.00 0.77 0.15 0.00 
35 Veeyapuram 0.55 0.00 0.25 0.86 0.00 1.13 0.32 0.00 

36 Pallippad 0.09 0.00 0.15 0.10 0.00 1.38 0.00 0.00 

37 Haripad 0.03 0.40 0.41 0.08 0.00 1.39 0.05 0.00 
38 Kumarapuram 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.11 0.00 1.39 0.14 0.00 
39 Thrikunnapuzha 0.72 0.00 2.73 0.00 0.00 1.26 0.00 2.79  
40 Karthikappally 0.60 0.00 0.00 0.26 0.00 1.23 2.70 0.00  
41 Chingoli 0.02 0.00 0.78 0.63 0.00 1.27 0.57 0.00 
42 Arattupuzha 3.96 0.00 0.73 0.03 0.00 0.66 0.00 4.67 
43 Cheppad 0.06 0.00 0.00 0.34 0.00 1.33 0.00 0.00 
44 Pathiyoor 0.04 0.00 1.55 0.70 0.00 1.26 0.06 0.00  
45 Muthukulam 0.00 0.00 8.53 0.82 0.00 1.21 1.04 0.00   
46 Kandalloor 0.55 0.00 0.07 0.46 0.00 1.22 0.00 0.00 
47 Devikulangara 2.07 0.00 8.16 0.36 0.00 0.94 0.90 0.00  
48 Krishnapuram 0.08 0.00 1.99 0.77 0.00 1.23 0.85 0.00  
49 Mannar 0.00 0.00 0.95 0.76 0.00 1.24 1.34 0.00  
50 Budhannoor 0.15 4.27 1.59 3.22 0.00 0.68 0.00 0.00  
51 Puliyoor 0.05 5.55 0.19 2.22 0.00 0.92 0.00 0.00 
52 Pandanad 0.46 22.35 3.87 2.66 0.00 0.69 0.00 0.00  
53 Thiruvanvandoor 0.21 0.00 0.67 0.36 0.00 1.30 0.04 0.00 
54 Ala 0.02 0.00 0.21 0.89 0.00 1.22 0.00 0.00 
55 Mulakuzha 0.00 0.00 0.79 0.64 0.00 1.28 0.00 0.00 
56 Venmony 0.24 0.00 0.27 0.31 0.00 1.31 0.00 0.00 
57 Cheriyanad 0.12 0.00 0.27 0.40 0.00 1.30 0.87 0.00 
58 Chennithala 0.13 0.00 0.00 0.57 0.00 1.27 0.00 0.00 
59 Chettikulangara 0.02 0.00 0.53 1.47 0.00 1.09 1.40 0.00   
60 Thazhakara 0.03 0.00 0.23 1.69 0.00 1.00 5.12 0.00   
61 Thekkekara 0.01 0.00 0.32 1.84 0.00 1.01 0.71 0.00  
62 Bharanikkavu 0.03 0.00 5.04 1.63 0.00 1.04 0.96 0.00   
63 Chunakkara 0.01 0.00 2.77 1.73 0.00 1.03 1.46 0.00    
64 Noornad 0.49 0.00 4.24 0.78 0.00 1.15 0.58 0.00  
65 Palamel 0.26 8.08 4.73 0.12 0.00 1.30 0.50 0.00  
66 Thamarakulam 2.21 0.42 2.19 0.76 0.00 0.84 0.87 0.00 
67 Vallikunnam 0.05 0.00 0.61 1.32 0.00 1.12 0.18 0.00  
68 Pulinkunnu 1.09 0.00 0.00 5.24 0.00 0.11 0.00 0.00  
69 Kavalam 1.09 0.00 0.00 5.99 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00  
70 Veliyanad 0.76 0.00 0.77 1.00 0.00 1.06 0.00 0.00  
71 Ramankary 0.88 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.26 0.00 0.00 
72 Muttar 0.50 0.00 0.04 0.00 0.00 1.33 0.00 0.00 
73 Neelamperoor 0.47 32.49 3.05 0.56 0.00 1.10 0.00 0.00 
74 Alappuzha(M) 0.78 0.00 0.00 1.00 0.00 0.86 20.91 1.89 
75 Kayamkulam(M) 0.30 0.00 2.47 0.28 0.00 1.29 0.91 0.00 
76 Cherthala(M) 0.07 0.00 0.00 0.03 0.00 1.40 0.00 0.00 
77 Chengannur(M) 0.23 0.00 0.24 0.32 0.00 1.30 0.12 0.00 
78 Mavelikara(M) 0.05 0.00 0.91 0.51 0.00 1.29 0.59 0.00 

ANNEXE-VI
LSGS OF CONCENTRATION OF MAJOR AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES OF THE DISTRICT
Sl No Name of LSG Rubber Coconut Paddy Mixed crop
1 Perumbalam    
2 Panavally    
3 Thaikattussery    
4 Chennampallippuram    
5 Arookutty    
6 Ezhupunna    
7 Aroor    
8 Kodamthuruth    
9 Kuthiathode    
10 Thuravoor    
11 Pattanakkad    
12 Kadakkarappally No major predominant activity as per landuse
13 Vayalar No major predominant activity as per landuse
14 Cherthala South    
15 Mararikkulam North No major predominant activity as per landuse
16 Thanneermukkam No major predominant activity as per landuse
17 Kanjikkuzhi    
18 Muhamma No major predominant activity as per landuse
19 Mannanchery No major predominant activity as per landuse
20 Mararikkulam South No major predominant activity as per landuse
21 Aryad No major predominant activity as per landuse
22 Nedumudi    
23 Champakkulam    
24 Edathua    
25 Thalavady    
26 Thakazhy    
27 Kainakary    
28 Punnapra South    
29 Punnapra North    
30 Ambalappuzha South    
31 Ambalappuzha North    
32 Purakkad No major predominant activity as per landuse
33 Karuvatta    
34 Cheruthana    
35 Veeyapuram    

36 Pallippad    
37 Haripad No major predominant activity as per landuse
38 Kumarapuram    
39 Thrikkunnapuzha No major predominant activity as per landuse
40 Karthikappally No major predominant activity as per landuse
41 Chingoli    
42 Arattupuzha No major predominant activity as per landuse
43 Cheppad    
44 Pathiyoor    
45 Muthukulam    
46 Kandalloor    
47 Devikulangara No major predominant activity as per landuse
48 Krishnapuram    
49 Mannar    
50 Budhannoor    
51 Puliyoor    
52 Pandanad    
53 Thiruvanvandoor No major predominant activity as per landuse
54 Ala    
55 Mulakuzha    
56 Venmony    
57 Cheriyanad    
58 Chennithala    
59 Chettikulangara    
60 Thazhakara    
61 Mavelikara-Thekkekara    
62 Bharanikkavu    
63 Chunakkara    
64 Nooranad    
65 Palamel    
66 Mavelikara-Thamarakkulam    
67 Vallikunnam    
68 Pulinkunnu    
69 Kavalam    
70 Veliyanad    
71 Ramankary    
72 Muttar    
73 Neelamperoor    
74 Alappuzha(M)    
75 Kayamkulam(M)    
76 Cherthala(M)    
77 Chengannur(M)    
78 Mavelikara(M)    

ANNEXE-VII
LSG WISE LANDUSE CONCENTRATION PATTERN
CI of CI of
Sl CI of CI of Landuse Sl CI of CI of Landuse
Name of LSG water Name of LSG water
No URB Agr Conc No URB Agr Conc
body body
1 Perumbal am 4.85 0.00 0.46 AGR 40 Karthika ppal ly 0.48 0.68 1.09 AGR
2 Panavall y 2.87 0.29 0.74 AGR 41 Chi ngol i 0.04 1.20 1.15 URB
3 Thai kattussery 2.04 0.00 0.87 AGR 42 Arattupuzha 3.78 0.00 0.59 AGR
4 Chennampal li ppuram 3.62 0.00 0.64 AGR 43 Cheppa d 0.06 0.00 1.16 AGR
5 Arookutty 3.87 0.00 0.60 AGR 44 Pathi yoor 0.05 0.09 1.16 AGR
6 Ezhupunna 1.49 0.49 0.94 AGR 45 Muthukul am 0.00 0.52 1.16 AGR
7 Aroor 3.37 0.67 0.56 URB 46 Kanda ll oor 0.47 0.00 1.10 AGR
8 Kodamthuruth 1.47 0.07 0.95 AGR 47 Devi kul angara 2.20 0.43 0.84 AGR
9 Kuthiathode 0.22 0.00 1.13 AGR 48 Krishnapuram 0.12 0.33 1.15 AGR
10 Thuravoor 1.45 0.00 0.95 AGR 49 Mannar 0.12 1.11 1.14 AGR
11 Pattanakad 0.00 0.00 1.14 AGR 50 Budha nnoor 0.08 0.18 1.15 AGR
12 Kadakkarappal ly 0.00 0.00 1.12 AGR 51 Pul iyoor 0.04 0.00 1.13 AGR
13 Vayal ar 1.84 0.00 0.90 AGR 52 Panda nad 0.50 0.00 1.05 AGR
14 Cherthal a South 0.00 0.00 1.13 AGR 53 Thi ruvanvandoor 0.16 0.00 1.15 AGR
15 Marari kul am North 0.03 0.00 1.09 AGR 54 Al a 0.00 0.00 1.17 AGR
16 Thanneermukkam 2.40 0.00 0.82 AGR 55 Mula kuzha 0.00 0.00 1.17 AGR
17 Kanjikuzhi 0.00 0.00 1.17 AGR 56 Venmony 0.22 0.00 1.14 AGR
18 Muhamma 4.33 0.00 0.53 AGR 57 Cheri yanad 0.12 0.47 1.15 AGR
19 Mannanchery 3.71 0.91 0.61 URB 58 Chenni thal a 0.09 0.00 1.16 AGR
20 Marari kul am South 0.02 0.00 1.07 AGR 59 Chetti kul angara 0.04 0.59 1.16 AGR
21 Aryad 4.97 4.04 0.38 URB Thazhakara
60 Maveli kara- 0.06 3.15 1.12 URB
22 Nedumudi 3.12 0.00 0.71 AGR 61 Thekkekara 0.15 0.54 1.14 AGR
23 Champakul am 0.94 0.00 1.03 AGR 62 Bharani kkavu 0.04 0.55 1.16 AGR
24 Edathua 0.59 0.00 1.08 AGR 63 Chuna kkara 0.01 0.76 1.16 AGR
25 Thal avady 0.21 0.00 1.14 AGR 64 Noorna d 0.42 0.30 1.10 AGR
26 Thakazhy 0.64 0.00 1.08 AGR 65 Pal amel 0.39 0.23 1.10 AGR
27 Kai nakary 1.51 0.00 0.95 AGR 66 Thamarakul am 0.00 0.30 1.17 AGR
28 Punnapra South 0.23 0.00 1.06 AGR 67 Val li kunnam 0.05 0.30 1.16 AGR
29 Punnapra North 0.15 0.00 1.12 AGR 68 Pul inkunnu 1.09 0.00 1.01 AGR
30 Ambalapuzha South 0.17 1.72 1.12 URB
69 Kaval am 1.09 0.00 1.01 AGR
31 Ambalapuzha North 0.16 0.00 1.08 AGR
70 Vel iyanad 0.41 0.00 1.11 AGR
32 Purakkad 0.55 0.00 1.07 AGR
71 Ramankary 0.99 0.00 1.03 AGR
33 Karuvatta 0.23 0.00 1.14 AGR
72 Muttar 0.58 0.00 1.08 AGR
34 Cheruthana 0.62 0.00 1.07 AGR
73 Neel amperoor 0.43 0.00 1.02 AGR
35 Veeyapuram 0.66 0.16 1.07 AGR
74 Alappuzha (M) 0.76 10.65 0.90 URB
36 Pal l ippad 0.11 0.00 1.15 AGR
75 Kayamkulam (M) 0.18 1.13 0.66 URB
37 Hari pad 0.07 0.11 1.16 AGR 76 Cherthala (M) 0.10 0.85 0.80 URB
38 Kumarapuram 0.01 0.07 1.17 AGR 77 Chengannur (M) 0.28 42.86 0.51 URB
39 Thri kunnapuzha 0.65 0.00 1.06 AGR 78 Mavelikara (M) 0.17 0.34 1.14 AGR
ANNEXE-VIII
COMPOSITE FUNCTIONAL INDEX (CFI) OF SETTLEMENTS
Sl Hierarchy of Sl Hierarchy of
LSG Name CFI LSG Name CFI
no settlement no settlement
1 Alappuzha Municipality 550.91 I order 40 Chettikulangara 34.50
2 Chengannur Municipality 367.99 41 Pa thiyoor 32.74
3 Mavelikara Municipality 302.46 42 Pa nava lly 32.65
II order
4 Cherthala Municipality 256.76 43 Va llikunnam 31.74
5 Ka yamkulam Municipality 235.21 44 Thrikunnapuzha 31.51
6 Ambalapuzha North 96.71 45 Thycattussery 30.10
7 Ambalapuzha South 77.30 46 Mannanchery 30.09
8 Haripad 76.73 47 Thalavady 29.94
9 Chuna kkara 71.63 48 Ka njikuzhi 29.65
10 Thuravoor 63.76 49 Kumarapura m 28.45
11 Nooranad 61.58 50 Venmany 28.10
12 Champakula m 61.04 51 Thekkekkara 27.05
13 Bharanika vu 56.78 52 Cheppa d 26.34
14 Pa llippa d 54.90 53 Thamarakkula m 26.33
15 Thazhakka ra 54.60 III order 54 Arya d 25.94
16 Pulincunnu 54.42 55 Puliyoor 25.03
17 Mannar 54.25 56 Thakazhy 25.02
18 Pa ttanakkad 54.10 57 Ara ttupuzha 24.69
19 Aroor 50.88 58 Chingoli 23.89
20 Cherthala South 50.68 59 Ezhupunna 23.67 IV order
21 Edathua 50.57 60 Va yalar 23.41
22 Thanneermukkom 50.17 61 Veliyanad 23.21
23 Muthukulam 48.56 62 Ka nda lloor 22.96
24 Chenna mpallipuram 45.64 63 Veeyapura m 22.71
25 Mara rikula m North 43.98 64 Ka dakka rappa lly 22.38
26 Ka ruvatta 41.97 65 Chennithala 22.24
27 Nedumudy 41.47 66 Ala 22.16
28 Punna pra North 40.18 67 Neelamperoor 22.08
29 Thiruvanvandoor 39.91 68 Ka valam 21.47
30 Kuthia thode 39.91 69 Ka inakary 20.22
31 Mulakkuzha 38.37 70 Devikulanga ra 18.10
32 Mara rikkula m South 38.36 IV order 71 Arookutty 18.04
33 Punna pra South 38.36 72 Ka rthika pally 17.34
34 Pa la mel 37.18 73 Budha noor 16.56
35 Ra mankary 37.03 74 Perumbalam 15.63
36 Purakkad 36.85 75 Krishnapura m 15.35
37 Cheriyanad 36.02 76 Cheruthana 14.77
38 Kodamthuruth 35.93 77 Pa nda nad 14.65
39 Muhamma 35.38 78 Muttar 12.78
ANNEXE-IX
PROPOSED HIERARCHY OF SETTLEMENTS-METHODOLOGY ADOPTED
Considering the salient features of the district The theory stipulates that settlements of lower
with regard to geography, geometry, spread of order are placed at vertices of the hexagonal shaped
waterbodies and paddylands and distribution of urban service area of higher order settlement.Hierarchy of
local governments the methodology suggested for the settlements are determined based on the CFI of the
other districts of the state was not advised for the settlements and also in consideration of
district. Limited application of Crystallor’s Central Place blockpanchayat as a basic unit.
Theory is made use of here. Developed by the German Settlements with higher value of CFI
geographer Walter Christaller in 1933, the Central Place
Theory is a geographical theory that seeks to explain Name of Identified
Sl no Name of LSG CFI
Blockpanchayat Hierarchy
the size and spacing of human settlements. It rests on
1 Alappuzha Municipality 551.87 I order
the notion that centralization is a natural principle of 2 Chengannur Municipality 367.99 II order
order and that human settlements follow it. The theory 3 Mavelikara Municipality 302.78 II order
has good applicability in rural areas as compared to 4 Cherthala Municipality 257.08 II order
urban areas since it does not take into consideration 5 Kayamkulam Municipality 235.85 II order
the complexities in the structure of Urban areas. It is 6 Ambalapuzha North Ambalapuzha 96.71 III order
known as a static theory, applicable only in certain 7 Ambalapuzha South Ambalapuzha 77.62 III order
situations. The applicability is limited to the spatial 8 Haripad Haripad 77.05 III order
9 Chunakkara Bharanikkavu 71.63 III order
spread of group of Gramapanchayats confined to a
10 Thuravoor Pattanakad 63.76 III order
Blockpanchayat. The Crystallor’s Central Place Theory
11 Nooranad Bharanikkavu 61.58 III order
advocates that settlements of various hierarchies
12 Champakulam Champakulam 61.04 III order
should be centrally located (as far as possible) with 13 Bharanikavu Bharanikkavu 56.78 III order
respect to the service area or service population to be 14 Pallippad Haripad 54.9 III order
served. Theoretically, 15 Thazhakkara Mavelikara 54.6 III order
there will be one I order 16 Pulinkunnu Veliyanad 54.42 III order
settlement serving the 17 Mannar Chengannur 54.25 III order
entire region (here the 18 Pattanakad Pattanakad 54.1 III order
19 Aroor Pattanakkad 50.88 III order
district). The service
20 Edathua Champakulam 50.73 III order
area of a settlement is
21 Cherthala South Kanjikuzhi 50.68 III order
assumed to be
22 Thanneermukkam Kanjikuzhi 50.33 III order
hexagonal in shape. But 23 Muthukulam Muthukulam 48.56 III order
practically, the service 24 Chennampallippuram Thaikattussery 45.64 III order
area of the first order settlement (Alappuzha being the 25 Mararikulam North Kanjikuzhi 43.98 III order
only one) is not hexagonal but is actually the entire 26 Karuvatta Haripad 41.97 III order
district. This limits the identification of the second 27 Nedumudi Champakulam 41.47 III order
order settlements. 28 Punnapra North Ambalapuzha 40.18 III order

Ranking of the settlements of the district based From the analysis of the density pattern of the
on CFI is attempted and hierarchy of settlements settlements, it is seen that there are two zones of
established. The 5 municipal towns of the district, by density in the district. Zone II is identified with a density
virtue of the availability of higher order facilities have less than 12.5pph. This is essentially the Kuttanadu area
very high CFI compared to the other settlements of the which comprises of paddy fields, water bodies etc. The
district as illustrated in table. remaining area falls in Zone I (density >12.5pph).
Alappuzha is obviously the only first order Average density in Zone I is 17.26pph and that in Zone II
settlement. Though the other four towns (II order) are is 7.13pph. Considering the population of the
not spatially uniformly distributed, these towns settlements, average area served by a III order centre
because of their higher CFI are assigned the status of in Zone I is 77.25sqkm and that in Zone II is 169.95sqkm.
AROOR
N
II order in the hierarchy. III order settlements are AROOKUTTY
PERUMBALAM
EZHUPUNNA
determined based on blockpanchayat as a unit. For this KODAMTHURUTH

PANAVALLY
assessment existing III order settlements (Settlements KUTHIATHODE

THAIKATTUSSERY
THURAVOOR
LEGEND
with CFI of more than 40) only are considered. The CHENNAM-PALLIPPURAM
PATTANAKKAD
VAYALAR
DENSITY IN PP sq. km.
table lists the settlements with CFI more than 40 in each KADAKKARAPPALLY
UP TO 750
CHERTHALA
750 TO 1250
of the 12 blockpanchayats in the district. CHERTHALA SOUTH
THANNEERMUKKAM
KANJIKKUZHI
1250 TO 1750
MARARIKKULAM NORTH
MUHAMMA
1750 TO 2250
2250 TO 2750
IDENTIFIED III ORDER SETTLEMENTS AS PER CFI MANNANCHERY
MARARIKKULAM SOUTH ABOVE 2750

ARYAD
KAINAKARY
Sl no Blockpanchayat Name of LSG CFI KAVALAM
ALAPPUZHA
ZONE II NEELAMPEROOR
1 Ambalapuzha Ambalapuzha North 96.71

2 Bharanikkavu Chunakara 71.63 NEDUMUDI

PUNNAPRA SOUTH
VELIYANAD
RAMANKARY
CHAMPAKKULAM
3 Champakulam Champakulam 61.04 AMBALAPPUZHA NORTH
AMBALAPPUZHA SOUTH
MUTTAR
4 Chengannur Mannar 54.25 EDATHUA

THAKAZHY THALAVADY
5 Haripad Haripad 77.05 CHERUTHANA

KARUVATTA
VEEYAPURAM
MANNAR
PANDANADCHENGANNUR
PULIYOOR
6 Kanjikuzhi Cherthala South 50.68 THRIKKUNNAPUZHA
KUMARAPURAM
HARIPAD BUDHANNOOR
CHENNITHALA
PALLIPPAD ALA
CHERIYANAD
7 Mavelikkara Thazhakkara 54.6 KARTHIKAPPALLY

CHEPPAD
VENMONY
CHINGOLI
ZONE I
MAVELIKKARA
THAZHAKARA
8 Muthukulam Muthukulam 48.56 MUTHUKULAM
CHETTIKULANGARA
CHETTIKULANGARA
PATHIYOOR
THEKKEKARA
NOORNAD
9 Pattanakkad Thuravoor 63.76 KANDALLOOR

KAYAMKULAM
BHARANIKKAVU
PALAMEL
10 Thaikattussery Chennampallipuram 45.64 KRISHNAPURAM

DEVIKULANGARA THAMARAKKULAM
VALLIKUNNAM
11 Veliyanad Pulinkunnu 54.42

VALLIKUNNAM
Considering the average density and average

Aryad Blockpanchayat (with only 3 population served in each zone, the area served by a
gramapanchayths) in close proximity of Alappuzha seetlement in the different density zones can be
Municipality does not figure in the above list. Existing determined. The service area is represented by
III order settlement in each block is generally identified hexagon of size proportionate to the area served.
as a III order settlement in the proposed hierarchy. Figure below shows the identified settlements along
However in Bharanikkavu blockpanchayat, Chunakkara with the service area. it can be seen that the only aspect
happens to be a lower grade gramapanchayat and hence ensuring the spatial distribution is the distribution of
Nooranadu, with the status of a special grade blockpanchayats, and hence there is overlap of service
gramapanchayat is considered. areas and gap in service areas.

AROOR AROOKUTTY
The modifications and adjustments as above are
PERUMBALAM
EZHUPUNNA
N incorporated. The modified map of the district showing
KODAMTHURUTH
PANAVALLY
the III order settlements and their service area is given
THURAVOOR below. The entire area of the district is now served by

CHENNAMPALLIPURAM
PATTANAKKAD
VAYALAR
Text
III order settlements without much overlap in service
KADAKKARAPALLY
CHERTHALA
areas or gaps in service areas.
CHERTHALA SOUTH
THANNEERMUKKAM
KANJIKUZHI
MARARIKULAM NORTH
MUHAMMA
N
AROOR AROOKUTTY
PERUMBALAM
MANNANCHERY EZHUPUNNA
MARARIKULAM SOUTH
PANAVALLY
KODAMTHURUTH
ARYAD
KUTHIYATHODU
THAIKATTUSSERY
KAVALAM
KAINAKARY THURAVOOR
ALAPPUZHA
NEELAMPEROOR CHENNAMPALLIPURAM
PATTANAKKAD
PULINKUNNU
VAYALAR THIRD ORDER SERVICE CENTRE
PUNNAPRA NORTH
VELIYANAD KADAKKARAPALLY
RAMANKARY CHERTHALA
CHAMPAKULAM THANNEERMUKKAM
CHERTHALA SOUTH
AMBALAPUZHA NORTH
MUTTAR
AMBALAPUZHA SOUTH
KANJIKUZHI
MARARIKULAM NORTH
MUHAMMA
CHERUTHANA
VEEYAPURAM PANDANAD
CHENGANNUR MANNANCHERY
KARUVATTA MANNAR
PULIYOOR MARARIKULAM SOUTH
HARIPAD CHENNITHALA BUDHANNOOR

KUMARAPURAM
PALLIPPAD ALA ARYAD
THRIKUNNAPUZHA
VENMONY KAVALAM
KARTHIKAPPALLY
MAVELIKKARA
CHINGOLI KAINAKARY
CHEPPAD ALAPPUZHA
THAZHAKARA
CHETTIKULANGARA NEELAMPEROOR
PATHIYOOR NOORANAD PULINKUNNU
PUNNAPRA NORTH
ARATTUPUZHA CHUNAKKARA VELIYANAD
KANDALLOOR
PALAMEL PUNNAPRA SOUTH NEDUMUDI
KAYAMKULAM BHARANIKAVU RAMANKARY
CHAMPAKULAM
KRISHNAPURAM AMBALAPUZHA NORTH
DEVIKULANGARA MUTTAR
THAMARAKULAM
AMBALAPUZHA SOUTH
VALLIKUNNAM
Ideally, the entire district shall be served without PURAKKAD THIRUVANVANDOOR
CHERUTHANA VEEYAPURAM PANDANAD

KARUVATTA CHENGANNUR
MANNAR
PULIYOOR
any overlap or gap in service areas. The spatial KUMARAPURAM

THRIKUNNAPUZHA
HARIPAD CHENNITHALA
PALLIPPAD
BUDHANNOOR
ALA
MULAKUZHA
CHERIYANAD
distribution is adjusted taking into consideration of the KARTHIKAPPALLY

CHINGOLI CHEPPAD
MAVELIKKARA
THAZHAKARA
VENMONY
CHETTIKULANGARA
area served and gaps in area served. Modifications are MUTHUKULAM

PATHIYOOR
THEKKEKARA
NOORANAD
made regarding position of III order settlements. KANDALLOOR

KAYAMKULAM
BHARANIKAVU
PALAMEL
KRISHNAPURAM
DEVIKULANGARA
THAMARAKULAM
· Service areas of Thuravoor and VALLIKUNNAM
Chennampallippuram overlap. Gap in other

areas is also seen. Hence Aroor (the next in CFI) The modified III order settlements(other than
is identified instead of Thuravoor. the I order and II order setlements) are tabulated below.
· Cherthala South and Cherthala Municipality
1 Haripad 7 Ambalapuzha South
have their service area overlapping. There is gap
2 Mannar 8 Mararikulam North
in other areas. Hence Mararikulam North (the
3 Pulinkunnu 9 Muthukulam
next in CFI) is identified instead of Cherthala South.
4 Aroor 10 Chennampallippuram
· Service areas of Pulinkunnu and 5 Nooranadu 11 Thazhakara
Champakulam overlap. There is gap in other 6 Edathua
areas. Hence Edathua (the next in CFI) is identified
The whole exercise and iterations in identifying
instead of Champakulam.
the higher order settlements (I order, II order and
· To ensure better service, Ambalapuzha South III order) in the proposed hierarchy of settlements of
is considered instead of Ambalapuzha North. Alappuzha District is summarised in the table.
PROCESS OF DEDUCING THE PROPOSED HIERARCHY OF HIGHER ORDER SETTLEMENTS
Identified III order settlement

Sl no Blockpanchayat Name of LSG CFI Remarks
Hierarchy CFI Proposed
Ambalapuzha North 96.71 III order 
1 Ambalapuzha Ambalapuzha South 77.62 III order  Gaps in service areas
Punnapra North 40.18 III order
Chunakkara 71.63 III order 
Chunakara is of lower
2 Bharanikkavu Nooranad 61.58 III order  grade & Nooranad is
of spl grade status
Bharanikavu 56.78 III order
Champakulam 61.04 III order 
Overlap in service area
3 Champakulam Edathua 50.73 III order  of Champakulam B &
Veliyanad B
Nedumudi 41.47 III order
4 Chengannur Mannar 54.25 III order   As per CFI
Haripad 77.05 III order  
5 Haripad Pallippad 54.9 III order As per CFI
Karuvatta 41.97 III order
Cherthala South 50.68 III order 
6 Kanjikuzhi Thanneermukkam 50.33 III order of Kanjikuzhi B &
Cherthala M
Mararikulam North 43.98 III order 
7 Mavelikara Thazhakkara 54.6 III order   As per CFI
8 Muthukulam Muthukulam 48.56 III order   As per CFI
Thuravoor 63.76 III order 
9 Pattanakad Pattanakad 54.1 III order of Pattanakad B &
Thaikattusserry B
Aroor 50.88 III order 
10 Thaikattussery Chennampallippuram 45.64 III order   As per CFI
11 Veliyanad Pulinkunnu 54.42 III order   As per CFI
12 Aryad Very low CFI
13 Chengannur Municipality 367.99 II order   As per CFI
14 Mavelikara Municipality 302.78 II order   As per CFI
15 Cherthala Municipality 257.08 II order   As per CFI
16 Kayamkulam Municipality 235.85 II order   As per CFI
17 Alappuzha Municipality 551.87 I order   As per CFI

ANNEXE-X
HIGHER ORDER SETTLEMENTS, SERVICE AREA AND SERVICE POPULATION
Local governments Service Population Density p/sqkm

Sl No Settlement Order
served Area sqkm 2001 2021 2001 2021
Alappuzha
Aryad
Nedumudi
1 Alappuzha I 175.57 321362 342468 1830 1951
Mannancherry
Kainakary
Punnapra North
Cheppad
Chettikulangara
2 Mavelikara II 65.9 116796 123071 1772 1868
Thekkekkara
Mavelikara
Chengannur
Pandanad
Thiruvanvandoor
3 Chengannur II 81.75 113625 119729 1390 1465
Ala
Puliyoor
Mulakkuzha
Kayamkulam
Vallikunnam
4 Kayamkulam II Krishnapuram 93.72 179778 189437 1918 2021
Bharanikkavu
Devikulangara
Cherthala
Pattanakad
Thanneermukkam
5 Cherthala II 11.8 189265 199434 1693 16901
Vayalar
Kadakkarappally
Thuravoor
Haripad
Karthikappally
Pallippad
6 Haripad III Cheruthana 91.04 141804 149316 1557 1640
Kumarapuram
Karuvatta
Thrikkunnapuzha

Ambalapuzha South
Ambalapuzha North
7 Ambalapuzha South III Punnapra South 87 125630 132380 1444 1522
Thakazhy
Purakkad
Mannar
Veeyapuram
8 Mannar III 67.17 89083 93869 1326 1397
Budhannoor
Thriperunthura
Champakulam
Pulinkunnu
Ramankary
9 Pulinkunnu III 156.29 94816 99911 607 639
Kavalam
Neelamperoor
Veliyanad
Cherthala South
Muhamma
10 Mararikulam North III Mararikulam North 94.87 171187 180385 1804 1901
Kanjikuzhi
Mararikulam South
Muthukulam
Chingoli
11 Muthukulam III Kandalloor 67.29 118368 124727 1759 1854
Pathiyoor
Arattupuzha
Aroor
Ezhupunna
Arookutty
12 Aroor III Perumbalam 97.56 161845 170540 1659 1748
Panavally
Kodamthuruth
Kuthiyathode
Nooranad
Thamarakkulam
13 Nooranadu III 84.47 106394 112110 1260 1327
Chunakkara
Palamel
Edathua
14 Edathua III Thalavady 47.69 52134 54935 1093 1152
Muttar
Chennampallippuram
15 Chennampallippuram III 41.26 47359 49903 1148 1209
Thaikattusserry
Thazhakara
16 Thazhakara III Venmony 58 79658 83937 1373 1447
Cheriyanad

ANNEXE-XI
CONNECTIVITY
Connectivity is a term to denote how well an area category of NH, SH or MDR and grade of the railway
is connected to other parts of the region (interregional) station existing (if any) in the area under consideration.
or other regions (intraregional). Two indicators are The details of the rail way station and the type of roads
taken to assess the connectivity of area under consid- in each of the local government of Alappuzha District
eration with other areas ; existence of a road of the are shown in the table below.
Road Length (km) Railway Station

Sl No. Name of LSG
NH SH MDR Others No Grade
1 Arookutty 0.00 0.00 6.60 0.00 - -
2 Chenna mpa ll ipura m 0.00 0.00 8.80 0.00 - -
3 Pa na va l li 0.00 0.00 11.00 52.80 - -
4 Perumbal a m 0.00 0.00 0.00 12.50 - -
5 Thyca ttus s ery 0.00 0.00 32.35 0.00 - -
6 Ka da kka ra ppa l ly 0.00 0.00 9.60 22.50 - -
7 Va ya la r 1.50 0.00 8.10 0.00 - -
8 Pa tta na kka d 2.50 0.00 7.20 0.00 - -
9 Thura voor 2.80 0.00 8.53 36.76 - -
10 Kuthi a thode 1.25 0.00 4.30 0.00 1 D
11 Koda mthuruth 2.30 0.00 3.10 0.00 - -
12 Ezhupunna 3.00 0.00 5.00 16.00 - -
13 Aroor 10.20 1.20 6.00 0.00 2 D
14 Ma ra ri kula m North 0.00 4.00 17.00 18.00 1 D
15 Ka nji kuzhy 4.70 0.00 7.70 46.97 - -
16 Tha nneermukkom 1.50 7.00 11.00 97.60 - -
17 Muha mma 0.00 4.50 3.10 29.10 - -
18 Chertha la South 0.00 0.00 14.00 35.35 2 B,D
19 Arya d 2.00 2.50 5.50 28.00 - -
20 Ma nna nchery 3.20 6.00 7.70 0.00 - -
21 Ma ra ri kula m South 7.00 0.00 14.50 43.00 1 D
22 Purakka d 7.80 0.00 2.00 0.00 - -
23 Amba l a puzha North 2.40 0.00 3.10 0.00 - -
24 Amba l a puzha South 2.50 5.00 0.00 115.19 1 B
25 Punna pra North 2.50 0.00 5.20 0.00 - -
26 Punna pra South 2.80 0.00 5.60 0.00 1 D
27 Tha la va dy 0.00 5.00 3.00 70.00 - -
28 Eda thua 0.00 4.20 4.00 0.00 - -
29 Tha ka zhy 0.00 0.00 6.00 7.00 1 D
30 Nedumudi 0.00 3.00 18.00 0.00 - -
31 Cha mpa kula m 0.00 5.00 3.90 0.00 - -
32 Ka i na ka ry 0.00 2.00 4.00 32.00 - -

33 Muttar 0.00 0.00 6.00 37.12 - -

34 Vel iya nad 0.00 4.50 6.00 82.00 - -
35 Neel a mperoor 0.00 0.00 0.00 42.45 - -
36 Ka va la m 0.00 0.00 0.00 39.61 - -
37 Pul incunnu 0.00 0.00 4.00 0.00 - -
38 Ra ma nka ry 0.00 2.40 0.60 86.40 - -
39 Mula kkuzha 0.00 5.67 8.32 0.00 - -
40 Venma ny 0.00 0.00 17.10 118.46 - -
41 Cheri yana d 0.00 5.50 5.70 0.00 1 D
42 Al a 0.00 0.00 13.00 47.30 - -
43 Pul iyoor 0.00 2.50 11.70 0.00 - -
44 Budha noor 0.00 0.00 13.86 0.00 - -
45 Ma nna r 0.00 5.00 10.50 100.00 - -
46 Pa nda nad 0.00 0.00 12.60 0.00 - -
47 Thi ruvanva ndoor 0.00 1.90 1.75 0.00 - -
48 Thekkekka ra 0.00 0.00 35.50 112.62 - -
49 Chettikul anga ra 0.00 4.40 6.30 0.00 - -
50 Thriperumthura 0.00 7.00 16.50 105.00 - -
51 Tha zha kka ra 0.00 3.70 18.00 110.00 - -
52 Noora na d 0.00 3.60 6.70 0.00 - -
53 Va l li kunna m 0.00 0.00 17.80 0.00 - -
54 Bha rani kavu 0.00 4.30 26.75 0.00 - -
55 Tha ma rakkula m 0.00 0.00 10.00 0.00 - -
56 Chuna kka ra 0.00 2.90 10.70 97.00 - -
57 Pa l amel 0.00 5.00 8.20 275.00 - -
58 Chi ngol i 4.00 0.00 32.00 10.70 - -
59 Ka rthika pa ll y 2.00 0.00 9.00 0.00 - -
60 Thrikunna puzha 0.00 0.00 7.50 0.00 - -
61 Kuma ra pura m 0.00 0.00 5.00 21.00 - -
62 Ka ruva tta 5.00 4.20 0.90 0.00 1 D
63 Ha ripa d 4.60 2.00 12.85 65.21 - -
64 Pa l li ppa d 4.00 0.00 10.00 9.00 1 B
65 Cherutha na 0.00 0.00 3.30 0.00 - -
66 Veeya pura m 0.00 0.00 9.20 0.00 - -
67 Pa thi yoor 3.00 2.00 16.00 84.00 - -
68 Ka nda ll oor 0.00 0.00 11.10 62.00 - -
69 Cheppa d 8.40 0.00 19.00 61.00 1 B
70 Muthukul a m 0.00 0.00 11.00 65.12 - -
71 Ara ttupuzha 0.00 0.00 13.00 0.00 - -
72 Kris hna pura m 0.00 0.75 3.14 0.00 - -
73 Devikul anga ra 0.00 0.00 7.00 0.00 - -
74 Al a ppuzha 14.90 6.50 14.91 127.26 1 A
75 Chertha la 4.80 4.16 10.11 85.26 1 B
76 Ka ya mkul a m 6.00 6.30 8.64 149.88 1 B
77 Ma vel ikkara 0.00 6.50 10.11 69.07 1 B
78 Chengannoor 0.00 10.30 22.00 130.00 1 B

ANNEXE-XII
HIERARCHY OF NODES (EXISTING)
Sl Weigh Sl Weigh
Name of LSG Nodes Hierarchy Name of LSG Nodes Hierarchy
No tage No tage
1 Alappuzha Medical College jn 28 l Order 41 Chennampallppuram NSS College 6
2 Aroor Aroor 14 42 Karuvatta T B junction 6
3 Cherthala Court jn 14 ll Order 43 Mararikulam N Kanjikuzhy 6
4 Kayamkulam KSRTC jn 13 44 Mulakkuzha Mulakkuzha 6
5 Edathua Edathua 12 45 Punnapra north Paravoor 6
6 Mavelikara Mitchel jn 12 46 Purakkad Thottappally 6
7 Ambalappuzha S Kachery 12 lll Order 47 Arookkutty Vaduthala 5.25
8 Haripad Danappadi 9 48 Budhanoor Ennakkad 5.25
9 Chengannur Bethel 8.5 49 Champakulam Champakulam 5.25
10 Bharanikkavu Kattanam 8 50 Kandalloor Pullukulangara 5.25
11 Cheppad Nangiarkulangara 8
51 Muthukulam Choolatheruvu 5.25 V Order
12 Chunakara Charummod 8
52 Panavally Poochackal 5.25
13 Kuthiyathodu Thuravoor 8
53 Thrikkunnapuzha Thrikkunnapuzha 5.25
14 Palamel Pallimukku 8
54 Vallikunnam Vallikunnam 5.25
15 Pathiyoor Kareelakulangara 8
55 Mararikulam S Kattoor 5
16 Pattanakkad Ponnamvely 8
17 Thalavady Neerettupuram 56 Nooranadu Padanilam 5
8
18 Thazhakara Thazhakkara 7.75
57 Pallippad Pallippad market 5
19 Ambalapuzha N Valanjavazhy 7.75 58 Arattupuzha Arattupuzha 3.75
20 Ezhupunna Eramalloor 7.75 59 Cherthala South Arthunkal 3.75
21 Muhamma Muhamma 7.75 60 Mannar Store jn 1.5
22 Vayalar Vayalar 7.75 61 Ramankary Ramankary 1.5
23 Kanjikuzhy Kanichukulangara 7.5
24 Mannancherry Kalavoor 7.5
25 Thakazhy Panchayat 7.5 lV Order
26 Thiruvanvandoor Kallissery 7.5
27 Aryad Pathirappally 7
28 Kadakkarappally Kadakkarappally 7
29 Kavalam Thattassery 7
30 Neelamperoor Valady 7
31 Pulinkunnu Taluk hosp 7
32 Thamarakulam Thamarakulam 7
33 Thekkekara Kurathikad 7
34 Thaikattusserry Thaikattussery 7
35 Veeyapuram Veeyapuram 7
36 Karthikappally Karthikappally 6.75
37 Kodamthuruth Kuthiyathod 6.75
38 Nedumudy Pooppally 6.75
39 Punnapra South Punnapra Market 6.75
40 Thanneermukkam Thanneermukkam 6.75
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DISTRICT URBANISATION REPORT

< CONTENTS > PREFACE >>

DEPARTMENT OF TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING - GOVERNMENT OF KERALA

Thiruvananthapuram Eapen Varughese

<< BACK < CONTENTS > NEXT >>

Alappuzha Gigi George

<< BACK < CONTENTS > NEXT >>

Chapter 1 Profile of the district

Chapter 2 History and Regional Linkages

Chapter 4 Occupational Structure

Chapter 6 Functional Character of Settlements

Chapter 7 Hierarchy of Settlements

Chapter 8 Urban Profile

Chapter 9 Activity Pattern

Chapter 12 Spatial Structure

Chapter 13 Summary of Findings

Department of Town & Country Planning, Kerala

Table 1.1 Taluks and Taluk headquarters 2

Department of Town & Country Planning, Kerala

Table 9.3 LSGs according to activity pattern 102

Department of Town & Country Planning, Kerala

Fig 1.1 Physical Setting ................................................................................................................ 1

Department of Town & Country Planning, Kerala

Fig 3.7 Population growthrate- comparison with surrounding districts........................................ 26

Fig 5.1 Landuse break up -Kerala State ....................................................................................... 56

Fig 8.10 Future urban settlements of Alappuzha District .............................................................. 92

Department of Town & Country Planning, Kerala

Annexe I Local Self Governments in Alappuzha District ........................................................... 125

Department of Town & Country Planning, Kerala

<< BACK CHAPTER 1 >>

PROFILE OF THE DISTRICT

In this chapter, a brief description of the

Alappuzha, one of the southern districts is the

smallest in terms of area in the State. The district lies E ALAPPUZHA

mostly in the coastal plains. Alappuzha is the only Pathanamthita

district without forest cover in the State. Carved out of

the erstwhile Kottayam and Kollam districts, Alappuzha

district was formed on 17th August, 1957. A part of the Kollam

district was later transferred to the newly formed

All the local governments are administered by

Sl No Name of Taluk Area sqkm Population Taluk Headquarter

PATTANAKKAD BLOCK THURAVOOR

ARYAD BLOCK MARARIKKULAM SOUTH

CHAMPAKULAM BLOCK AMBALAPPUZHA SOUTH

THAKAZHY EDATHUA THALAVADY

MAVELIKARA BLOCK ARATTUPUZHA

BHARANIKAVU BLOCK DEVIKULANGARA

KUTHIATHODE THAIKATTUSSERY As the name depicts, Alappuzha is blessed with

PURAKKAD CHERUTHANA THIRUVANVANDOOR

DEVIKULANGARA KRISHNAPURAM North-east monsoon - October to November

Dry weather - December to February

Paleo Coastal plain Grayish Onattukara Soil 13.0

Low rolling terrain Eastern border of the district 25.1

Water bodies 9.5

Heavy rainfall, warm humidity and a fairly

normal average annual rainfall received in the district PERUMBALAM

warmest. Winds are generally light to moderate with THURAVOOR

WATER BODY AREA

season to season. CHERTHALA SOUTH

1.4.3 MAJOR NATURAL FEATURES MARARIKKULAM NORTH

Alappuzha is rich in varied natural features. But MARARIKKULAM SOUTH

for hillocks and forests, nature has abundantly blessed ARYAD

Alappuzha with backwaters, islands, lagoons, rivers, ALAPPUZHA