Geography
The Thalassery Block Panchayat comprises seven grama panchayats situated at the southwestern extremity of Kannur district. Geographically, the region lies between the Anjarakkandi and Mayyazhi rivers, bordering the Arabian Sea and the Thalassery Municipality. It is located at the intersection of 11° 46' North latitude and 75° 31' East longitude, with a total area of 96.52 sq. km.
The landscape here is a blend of high hills, valleys, river basins, and coastal plains. However, human encroachment driven by the pursuit of profit has frequently damaged the natural environment. The hills and other elevated areas feature gravelly laterite soil, while alluvial and loamy soils are found in the plains and river basins. In general, the land is fertile and suitable for agriculture; consequently, all the panchayats within the block are agricultural areas. Sandy alluvial soil is found in the plains near the coast, while granite and laterite—prevalent in the higher elevations—are extensively quarried. This has led to significant environmental issues. The major rivers include the Anjarakkandi, Dharmadam, Eranjoli, and Mayyazhi rivers, all of which are fed by numerous smaller streams. The presence of these rivers and various associated water bodies makes the area highly suitable for inland fishing.There are numerous natural and man-made mangrove forests situated alongside rivers and water bodies. Rare mangrove species thrive in the local wetlands. Studies indicate that mangrove forests have a beneficial impact on the climate and fish breeding. Due to the presence of many natural streams and water channels, topsoil washes rapidly into the river. In certain panchayats, the intrusion of saline water from the sea through rivers and canals renders agriculture impossible. Constructing bunds to prevent saltwater ingress and enhance groundwater availability would bring relief to the farmers. The inclusion of Thalassery Block Panchayat in the list of areas with low groundwater availability—based on studies regarding groundwater potential in Kerala—is viewed with great seriousness. There are numerous areas facing water scarcity, including Kundurmala, where the Block Panchayat building is situated.It is crucial to ensure that everyone has access to clean and safe drinking water at all times. Dharmadam, Muzhappilangad, and New Mahe are panchayats situated along the Arabian Sea; in these coastal areas, fishing is the primary occupation of the people.
Kerala, which used to receive rainfall for six months of the year, has recently been experiencing drastic changes in its climate. The heaviest rainfall occurs during the three-month period starting in June. During this period, severe soil erosion and waterlogging are experienced; however, by February, ponds and streams dry up, leading to acute drought conditions. Coconut is the primary crop; paddy, black pepper, banana, cashew, and tapioca are also cultivated extensively. The region is rich in water resources, featuring rivers, streams, ponds, and wells.
This applies to the Thalassery Block Panchayat area. However, due to a lack of vigilance, this invaluable natural resource is either disappearing or becoming unusable. Our entire water wealth is being depleted through unscientific exploitation and pollution, leading to drought conditions by February. Experience shows that humanity's unscientific encroachments upon nature eventually rebound on us in the form of disasters and diseases. This general situation in Kerala applies to the Thalassery Block as well. Coastal panchayats have experienced disasters such as sea surges, while other areas have faced incidents like landslides. Unscientific waste management, waste burning, and the over-extraction of water contribute to climate change, thereby leading to disasters.