Geography
About Thenkurissi Grama Panchayat
Thenkurissi is a Grama Panchayat situated in the Midland region, based on its geographical features. The Panchayat has an area of 29.1 square kilometres, and paddy is the major agricultural crop cultivated here. In addition to paddy, coconut, arecanut, cashew, tapioca and pepper are also cultivated in the Panchayat.
The major sources of irrigation water used for agricultural purposes are the Malampuzha and Chittur Irrigation Projects. The Panchayat also has 106 ponds that can be utilized for agricultural purposes. Kottamala is one of the prominent hills in the Panchayat. Since agriculture forms the backbone of the local economy, proper maintenance and effective utilization of the ponds and canals, which are important water resources of the Panchayat, would contribute significantly to the development of the agricultural sector.
Thenkurissi Grama Panchayat was established on 1 January 1964. The Panchayat covers an area of 29.1 square kilometres. Its boundaries are Kannadi Grama Panchayat to the north, Erimayur Grama Panchayat to the south, Koduvayur Grama Panchayat to the east, and Kuzhalmannam Grama Panchayat to the west.
The Panchayat consists of 17 wards and has a total population of 26,674, comprising 12,926 males and 13,748 females. The literacy rate of the total population is 86.51%.
Kandath Tharavadu and Souparnika Garden are among the major tourist attractions in the Panchayat.
In the public distribution sector, 10 ration shops are functioning within the Panchayat. The people largely depend on wells for drinking water. There are 96 public wells and 155 public drinking water taps in the Panchayat.
To ensure that roads and public pathways remain accessible during night hours, 684 streetlights have been installed at various locations across the Panchayat.
Thenkurissi Grama Panchayat is a Panchayat that is steadily progressing in the industrial sector. Several industries belonging to the large-scale, small-scale and traditional sectors are functioning within the Panchayat. The manufacture of clay pottery, a traditional industry, is also an important cottage industry in the area.
There are small-scale industrial units engaged in the manufacture of metalware, as well as medium-scale industrial units producing handicraft products. In addition, large-scale industrial establishments such as K.R. Alloys, an iron and steel company, and Polymer Company are functioning within the Panchayat.
The beginning of the modern education system in the Panchayat can be traced back to 1919, when a school was established at Vadakkethara. Subsequently, several educational institutions were established in different parts of the Panchayat, catering to various communities as well as the general public.
As of 2010, there were 3 schools in the government sector and 5 schools in the private sector functioning within the Panchayat.
For the development of animal husbandry, a Veterinary Hospital under the Department of Animal Husbandry is situated at Mahalikudam.
A branch of Canara Bank, along with one branch each of the District Cooperative Bank and Vilayan-Chathanur Cooperative Bank, is functioning within the Panchayat.
A Panchayat-owned Community Hall and a privately owned marriage auditorium are situated at Vilayan Chathanur.
Various offices of the Central and State Governments, along with several private establishments, are also functioning within the Panchayat. Two Village Offices are located at Thenkurissi and Manjhalur, in addition to the Panchayat Office. A Post Office and BSNL Office are functioning at Kayaramkulam, while a Sub Post Office is functioning at Vilayannur.
In addition, three private industrial establishments are functioning at Thenkurissi, Thillamkattu and Perumkulam.
The major transportation routes passing through the Panchayat include the Chittur–Alathur, Nenmara–Palakkad, and Koduvayur–Perungottukurissi roads. The Palakkad KSRTC Bus Stand, Palakkad Municipal Bus Stand, and Palakkad Stadium Bus Stand serve as the three major centres connected with road transportation in the Panchayat.
Panayamchira Bridge and Kayaramkulam Bridge are among the important bridges serving the Panchayat.
As a land enriched by the great Dravidian cultural heritage, Thenkurissi Grama Panchayat is home to several places of worship. There are 8 temples and one mosque in the Panchayat. The festivals and celebrations associated with these places of worship reflect the unity of the people and the rich cultural identity of the region.
The major festivals celebrated in the Panchayat include Vilayan Chathanur Kummatti, Vilayannur Kummatti, Manjhalur Kummatti, and Vilayan Chathanur Pallinerca.
V-Fit Gymnasium at Vilayan Chathanur is an institution that provides encouragement and support to the sports sector.
A Panchayat Library is also functioning in Thenkurissi, providing the people with access to knowledge and promoting reading and learning.
Several health centres are actively functioning in the field of healthcare. The Primary Health Centre at Thenkurissi, established in 1972, has been providing healthcare services to the people and continues to function actively.