Alakode
Grama Panchayat

History of the Grama Panchayat

Alakode Grama Panchayat was established in Kannur district in 1968. Until then, this region was part of Thadikkadavu Panchayat. In 1968, Thadikkadavu Panchayat was bifurcated, leading to the formation of Alakode and Chapparapadavu Panchayats. Later, in 1979, Alakode Panchayat was again divided to form Alakode and Udayagiri Panchayats.

Spread across an area of 70.77 square kilometers, the Panchayat is bordered by 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.

With a literacy rate of 94%, the Panchayat has a total population of 34,878, including 17,699 women and 17,179 men. Alakode Panchayat, with hills and highlands such as Kappimala, Moonnamkunnu, Kavumkudi, and Moolothumkunnu, belongs to the hilly region according to its geographical features.

Agriculture is one of the main sources of income in the Panchayat. It falls under the seventh category, known as the “Highland” region, among Kerala’s 13 agricultural zones. Major crops cultivated here include rubber, coconut, banana, arecanut, vanilla, cashew, turmeric, pepper, and ginger.

Natural water sources in the Panchayat include Alakode River, Karuvanchal River, and Rayarom River. Around twenty-five ponds are also used as water sources. The Panchayat has 20 public wells and around 20 public drinking water taps. More than 150 streetlights have been installed to make travel safer and easier at night.

The major roads passing through the Panchayat are the Taliparamba–Coorg Border Road, Alakode–Kappimala Road, and Arangam–Therthally Road. Bridges at Alakode, Rayarom, Kuttipuzha, and Karuvanchal contribute significantly to transportation development. Public transport is mainly centered around the Taliparamba bus stand. Residents depend on Kannur Railway Station for railway travel, while the nearest airport is Kozhikode and the nearest seaport is Kochi.

As a hilly region, the Panchayat does not have major large-scale industries. However, medium and small-scale industries such as hollow bricks, coir manufacturing, metal industries, and oil mills contribute to the local economy. A Bharat Petroleum fuel station operates in Alakode. Three gas agencies are functioning in Alakode, Therthally, and Nellippara.

In the public distribution sector, the Panchayat has 20 ration shops, one Maveli Store, and one Neethi Store. Alakode and its market serve as important commercial centers. The Panchayat also has two shopping complexes.

People belonging to Hindu, Muslim, and Christian communities live harmoniously in the Panchayat. There are around sixteen places of worship, including Arangam Temple, Thimiri Temple, Chittadi Temple, Alakode Church, Kappimala Church, Kottakkadavu Mosque, and Alakode Mosque. Festivals and celebrations conducted at these religious centers promote communal harmony and unity among people irrespective of caste and religion.

P. R. Ramavarma Raja, popularly known as “Alakode Thampuran,” played a major role in the development and cultural progress of Alakode through initiatives such as establishing schools, renovating temples, and promoting libraries and reading rooms. M. D. Valsamma, who won gold medals in various events at the 1982 Asian Games, is a matter of pride for Alakode.

Institutions such as Sapthaswara School of Music, Upasana Theatres, Sharon School of Fine Arts, Ramavarma Raja Cultural Centre, and Alakode Library contribute to the Panchayat’s cultural development.

Healthcare services in the Panchayat are provided through the Primary Health Centre at Therthally, the Primary Health Sub Centre at Manakkadavu, the Government Ayurveda Hospital at Nellippara, and the Homoeo Dispensary at Arangam. Ambulance services from St. Joseph’s Hospital at Karuvanchal are also available. Veterinary hospitals function at Karuvanchal and Alakode.

In the field of education, the Panchayat has 10 schools in both government and private sectors, along with two colleges — Mary Matha College and St. Joseph’s College. A social institution named “Tapovanam” also functions in the Panchayat.

Branches of State Bank, Syndicate Bank, Urban Bank, Agricultural Development Bank, and N.M.G. Bank are present in the Panchayat. The Therthally Cooperative Bank is the major cooperative banking institution in the area.

Community halls and two marriage auditoriums are available at Alakode, Nellippara, Kavumkudi, Moonnamkunnu, Nellikunnu, Koodapram, and Therthally for weddings and public functions.

Several central and state government institutions are located in the Panchayat. The Krishi Bhavan, Water Authority Office, and Police Station function at Alakode. The Vellad, Thimiri, and Alakode Village Offices are also situated there. Telephone exchanges operate at Arangam, Karuvanchal, and Therthally. The Panchayat also has five post offices.