History of Alakode Grama Panchayat
Alakode Grama Panchayat in Kannur district was established in 1968. Until 1968, the area was part of Thadikkadavu Panchayat. In 1968, Thadikkadavu Panchayat was bifurcated, resulting in the formation of Alakode and Chapparapadavu Panchayats. In 1979, Alakode Panchayat was further divided, leading to the formation of Alakode and Udayagiri Panchayats.
With an area of 70.77 sq. km, the boundaries of the Panchayat are Cherupuzha and Udayagiri Panchayats to the north; Udayagiri and Naduvil Panchayats to the east; Naduvil and Chapparapadavu Panchayats to the south; and Eramam-Kuttoor and Peringome-Vayakkara Panchayats to the west. The Panchayat has achieved a literacy rate of 94%, with a total population of 34,878, comprising 17,699 females and 17,179 males.
With its landscape characterized by hills and mountains such as Kappimala, Moonnamkunnu, Kavumkudi, and Moolothumkunnu, Alakode Panchayat falls within the highland region. Agriculture is one of the major sources of income, and the Panchayat comes under the ‘Highland’ region, which is the seventh among the 13 agricultural regions of Kerala. The major crops cultivated here include rubber, coconut, banana, arecanut, vanilla, cashew, turmeric, pepper, and ginger.
The Alakode River, Karuvanchal River, and Rayarom River are the major natural water resources of the Panchayat. Around 25 ponds are also used as water sources. For drinking water, the Panchayat has 20 public wells and around 20 public drinking water taps. More than 150 streetlights have been installed to ensure safe and convenient movement within the Panchayat during nighttime.
The major roads passing through the Panchayat include the Taliparamba–Coorg Border Road, Alakode–Kappila Road, and Arangam–Therthalli Road. The Alakode, Rayarom, Kuttippuzha, and Karuvanchal bridges are important indicators of the development of transportation infrastructure in the Panchayat.
Transportation facilities in the Panchayat are mainly connected through the Taliparamba Bus Stand. Residents depend primarily on Kannur Railway Station for railway travel. The nearest major airport is Kozhikode, while Kochi is the nearest major port.
Being a hilly region, the Panchayat does not have any major large-scale industries. However, small and medium-scale industries such as hollow bricks, coir products, sawmills, and oil mills contribute to the industrial sector of the Panchayat. A Bharat Petroleum fuel station operates at Alakode. The Panchayat also has three LPG agencies located at Alakode, Therthalli, and Nellippara.
In the public distribution sector, the Panchayat has 20 ration shops, one Maveli Store, and one Neethi Store. Alakode and its market are important commercial centres, and the Panchayat also has two shopping complexes.
People belonging to the Hindu, Muslim, and Christian communities live harmoniously in the Panchayat. There are around 16 places of worship, including Arangam Temple, Thimiri Temple, Chittadi Temple, Alakode Church, Kappimala Church, Kottakkadavu Muslim Mosque, and Alakode Muslim Mosque. Festivals, feasts, and religious celebrations held at these places of worship provide opportunities for people to come together and celebrate irrespective of caste or religion, reflecting the communal harmony of the region.
P. R. Rama Varma Raja, popularly known as Alakode Thampuran, holds an important place in the history of Alakode. He made significant contributions to the development and cultural progress of the region by supporting the establishment of schools, temple renovations, reading rooms, and libraries.
M. D. Valsamma, who won gold medals in various events at the 1982 Asian Games, is one of the proud personalities associated with Alakode.
Several institutions contribute to the artistic and cultural development of the Panchayat, including Sapthaswara School of Music, Upasana Theatres, Sharon School of Fine Arts, Rama Varma Raja Cultural Centre, and Alakode Reading Room and Library.
In the healthcare sector, the major institutions include the Primary Health Centre at Therthalli, the Primary Health Sub-Centre at Manakkadavu, Nellippara Government Ayurveda Hospital, and Arangam Homoeopathic Dispensary. Ambulance services provided by St. Joseph’s Hospital, Karuvanchal, are also available in the Panchayat. Veterinary hospitals operate at Karuvanchal and Alakode to provide animal healthcare services.
In the education sector, there are 10 government and non-government schools and two colleges, Mary Matha College and St. Joseph’s College. A social service institution named ‘Tapovanam’ is also functioning in the Panchayat.
Branches of various banking institutions, including State Bank, Syndicate Bank, Urban Bank, Agricultural Development Bank, and NMG Bank, operate in the Panchayat. Therthalli Cooperative Bank is the major cooperative banking institution in the area.
For weddings, public functions, and other community needs, community halls are available at Alakode, Nellippara, Kavumkudi, Moonnamkunnu, Nellikunnu, Koodapram, and Therthalli, along with two marriage halls.
Several Central and State Government institutions are also functioning within the Panchayat. The Krishi Bhavan, Water Authority Office, and Police Station are located at Alakode. The Vellad, Thimiri, and Alakode Village Offices are also located at Alakode. Telephone exchanges are functioning at Arangam, Karuvanchal, and Therthalli. The Panchayat also has five post offices.
