Kattappana
Municipality in Kerala, India
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Kattappana ([kaʈ:ap:ɐna]) is a municipality in the Idukki district of Kerala, India. It is located 32 km (19.8 mi) southeast of the Idukki district headquarters in Painavu, 131 km (81.4 mi) east of major commercial city Kochi and 211 km (131.1 mi) north of the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram. Kattappana is the second-largest municipality in the district by population, and serves as a major hub for commercial and economic activity for the surrounding region.
Kattappana | |
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From top, left to right: Kattappana from a nearby mountain, Kattappana new private bus stand, Housing Board Shopping Complex, St. George Forane Church and Kattappana Municipality Office | |
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 Interactive map of Kattappana | |
  Kattappana Location in Kerala, India  Kattappana Kattappana (India) | |
| Coordinates: 09°45′15″N 77°06′57″E | |
| Country |  India |
| State |  Kerala |
| District | Idukki |
| Government | |
| • Type | Municipality |
| • Body | Kattappana Municipality |
| • Municipal Chairman | Joy Vettikuzhy |
| Area | |
• Total | 52.77 km2 (20.37 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 810 m (2,660 ft) |
| Population (2011)[1] | |
• Total | 42,646 |
| • Density | 808.1/km2 (2,093/sq mi) |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Malayalam, English |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| PIN | 685508, 685515 |
| Telephone code | 04868 |
| Vehicle registration | KL-06 (Idukki) |
| Literacy | 95.25% |
| Lok Sabha constituency | Idukki |
| Sex ratio | 1016 ♂/♀ |
| Website | Kattappana Municipality |
Kattappana was formed primarily by settlers from Thodupuzha, Pala, Kanjirapally, Kothamangalam, Muvattupuzha and Changanassery in the 1950s, and was given the status of gram panchayat in 1962. The town later attained the Municipality status in 2015.[2]
History
Historical development
The area was mainly settled by people from Thodupuzha, Pala, Kottayam and Changanassery. Initially, it was a part of the Udumbanchola Tehsil (Taluk) within the Idukki district. Subsequently, it became a part of the newly formed Idukki Tehsil. Notably, Kattappana emerged as the second municipality established in the district, following Thodupuzha. Mr Johny Kulampally became the first chairperson.[3]
Kattappana eventually established itself as a commercial hub within the high ranges. This development was fueled by its rapid growth in infrastructure and overall development. However, the turning point for Kattappana's commercial success can be attributed to the construction of two key roads: the Kottayam-Kattappana road and the Puliyanmala-Thodupuzha State Highway.[4]
Economy
Cardamom agriculture is the cornerstone of Kattappana's economy, playing a pivotal role in uplifting the town's economic well-being. The Spices Board of India (erstwhile Cardamom Board under Government of India) has an office in Kattappana. A Spices Park is established at Puttaday close to the town of Kattappana.[5]
Recognition for sanitation
A significant achievement for Kattappana in sanitation was attaining the distinction of an Open Defecation Free Municipality in Kerala. Kattappana was first civic body in the State of Kerala to achieve this status.[6] This recognition was conferred upon the then chairman, Shri Johny Kulampallil, by the Union Minister for Urban Development, Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation and Information & Broadcasting, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, during a ceremony held in Cochin on 18 October 2016.
Geography
The average elevation of Kattappana Municipality is 950 m above sea level.[7]
Climate
Under the Köppen climate classification, Kattappana has a tropical monsoon climate. Humidity rises from March to April and mid-May. The average annual temperature is 23 °C. The months of June, July, August and October receive significant of rainfall. November and December are the coldest months in the year.
| Climate data for Kattappana, Kerala | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 26.1 (79.0) |
27.4 (81.3) |
29.1 (84.4) |
29.3 (84.7) |
29.2 (84.6) |
27.2 (81.0) |
26.1 (79.0) |
26.5 (79.7) |
26.8 (80.2) |
26.2 (79.2) |
25.5 (77.9) |
25.5 (77.9) |
27.1 (80.7) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 16.8 (62.2) |
17.5 (63.5) |
19.0 (66.2) |
20.2 (68.4) |
20.8 (69.4) |
20.1 (68.2) |
19.6 (67.3) |
19.6 (67.3) |
19.3 (66.7) |
19.1 (66.4) |
18.5 (65.3) |
17.2 (63.0) |
19.0 (66.2) |
| Average precipitation mm (inches) | 22 (0.9) |
30 (1.2) |
52 (2.0) |
116 (4.6) |
163 (6.4) |
307 (12.1) |
396 (15.6) |
246 (9.7) |
163 (6.4) |
252 (9.9) |
176 (6.9) |
75 (3.0) |
1,998 (78.7) |
| Source: Climate-Data.org[8] | |||||||||||||
Civic administration
Administration
Kattappana is one of the two municipalities in the district, formed through the powers of Kerala Municipalities Act 1994.[9] It was officially declared as municipality by the state government on 1 November 2015.The members of the municipal council are elected from each of 34 wards every five years, held with the local government elections across the state.[10] The elections was held in 2021.The chairperson is the executive authority of the municipality.
Kattappana town is the part of the Idukki legislative assembly constituency and the Idukki Lok Sabha constituency. The legislative assembly election is conducted every five years, most recently in May 2021.
Administrative divisions
For administrative convenience, the municipality is divided into 34 wards.
| Ward no. | Ward name | Ward no. | Ward name |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vazhavara | 18 | Kunthalampara North |
| 2 | Nirmala city | 19 | Kunthalampara South |
| 3 | Society | 20 | Pallikavala |
| 4 | Konginippadavu | 21 | Erupathekkar |
| 5 | Vellayamkudy | 22 | Ambalakkavala |
| 6 | Vettikkuzhakavala | 23 | Mettukkuzhi |
| 7 | Nathukallu | 24 | Vallakkadavu |
| 8 | Kallukunnu | 25 | Kadamakkuzhy |
| 9 | Pezhumkavala | 26 | Nariampara |
| 10 | Valiyapara | 27 | Thovarayar |
| 11 | Kochuthovala North | 28 | I T I Kunnu |
| 12 | Kochuthovala | 29 | Valiyakandam |
| 13 | Anakuthy | 30 | Govt. College |
| 14 | Parakkadavu | 31 | Suvarnagiri |
| 15 | Puliyanmala | 32 | Kalyanathandu |
| 16 | Ambalappara | 33 | Mulakaramedu |
| 17 | Kattappana | 34 | Kounthi |
Politics
The major political parties active in Kattappana are Indian National Congress (INC), Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Kerala Congress. Active trade union are Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) and Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU).[citation needed]
The current member of legislative assembly (MLA) from Idukki is Roshy Augustine. He has been the member of legislative assembly of Kerala representing Kattappana town forming a part of Idukki constituency since 2001.[11]
The current member of parliament (MP) from Idukki is Dean Kuriakose. He was elected to the Parliament in 2019.[12]
Demographics
As of the 2011 Census, Kattappana had a population of 42,646, with 21,159 males and 21,487 females. Kattappana has an area of 52.77 km2 (20.37 sq mi) with 13,180 families residing in it. Kattappana had an average literacy of 95.25%, higher than the state average of 94%.[13]
People migrated to Kattappana mainly during the 1950s from Central Travancore. The migrations were mainly from Palai, Thodupuzha, Muvattupuzha, Changanassery and Kanjirapally taluks of the undivided Kottayam district and Pathanamthitta. Descendants of earlier inhabitants, the tribals of the forest, can still be seen. The Mannan tribe is now concentrated around Kovilmala, near Kanchiyar.[14]
Tourist attractions
Anchuruli Tunnel
This is a 3.5 meters wide, 4 km long tunnel that connects the Idukki and Erattayar Reservoirs. Beyond its functional purpose, the tunnel offers a glimpse of the Anchuruli Waterfalls.[15]
Kalvary Mount
Kalvary Mount or Kalliyanathandu is a Christian pilgrimage site atop a hill with a view of the Idukki Reservoir and its surrounding peaks and forests.[16] Once a secluded spot, it gained fame after the Idukki Dam's construction.
During Lent, the area becomes a pilgrimage centre as Christians go in a procession up the hillock.[17]
Agriculture
The main occupation of people in Kattappana is agriculture. Cardamom is produced.[18][better source needed] Njallani, a high yielding variety of cardamom, was developed by Sebastian Joseph Njallani from Kattappana.[19]
Coffee, cocoa, black pepper and ginger are produced, and there are tea plantations (Tata Tea, A V Thomas & Co, Malayalam Plantations, Kannan Devan etc.) in adjoining areas of the district.
The Spices Board (erstwhile Cardamom Board under Government of India) has an office in Kattappana. A Spices Park was established at Puttadi near Kattappana. The Cardamom Research Institute is situated at Pampadumpara.[20]
Healthcare
St. John's Hospital, managed by the Hospitaller Brothers of St. John of God, is in Kattappana. The St. John College of Nursing is attached to the hospital.[21]
Transportation
Kattappana has a well established road system to other districts as well as to the nearby state Tamil Nadu.
Highways
In 2015 a new national highway named National Highway 185 (India) was announced to Idukki district, through Adimali-Cheruthoni-Kattappana-Kumily.[22]
The Malayora highway, also called Hill Highway, is another major road passing through Kattappana.In 2024 this road was upgraded to 13.5 metre width.[23]
Distances to nearby towns
- Nedumkandam -
- 18 km - Kumily - - 26.8 km
- Thodupuzha - - 78.6 km
- Kottayam - - 100.2 km
- Cumbum - - 31.2 km
- Palai - - 75.2 km
- Changanassery - - 114 km
- Theni - - 68.8 km
- Thopramkudy - - 21. km
- Murickassery - - 29. km
- Adimaly - - 47. km
