താഴെക്കോട്
ഗ്രാമപഞ്ചായത്ത്

The state of Kerala is geographically classified into three regions: the highlands, midlands, and coastal areas. Thazhekode Grama Panchayath falls within the midland region. The Panchayath consists of two villages, Thazhekode and Arakkuparamba, and is situated at the foothills of the historically significant Amminikkadan Hills. The people of Arakkuparamba commonly refer to these hills as the “Western Hills,” while the people of Thazhekode call them the “Amminikkadan Hills.” Kodikuthimala, which has earned a place on Kerala’s tourism map, is the highest region in the Panchayath.

Thazhekode and Arakkuparamba villages differ significantly in their natural features. Thazhekode village is comparatively characterized by flat terrain, whereas Arakkuparamba village is marked by hills, valleys, and steep landscapes. The natural environment of the Panchayath is highly suitable for agriculture. Crops such as rubber, coconut, arecanut, vegetables, tapioca, pepper, and banana are cultivated extensively. However, it is a sad reality that people are gradually moving away from paddy cultivation due to its declining profitability.

The Amminikkadan Hills are known for their highly fertile soil, which is naturally rich enough to support cultivation without the need for extensive fertilization. These hills, gifted by nature to the Panchayath, are also a treasure house of medicinal plants. The region is enriched with diverse flora and fauna. Although there are several water bodies with abundant water availability in the hill areas, the Amminikkad region, which lies close to these hills, still faces severe drinking water scarcity.

Apart from the hill regions, most other parts of the Panchayath consist of laterite soil, which is highly suitable for rubber cultivation. The major water resources of the Panchayath include streams, brooks, ponds, wells, canals, and water pits. Despite the availability of such water resources, many parts of the Panchayath experience acute drinking water shortages during summer. This is often attributed to the improper conservation of the environment. Excessive use of plastic has also adversely affected the ecosystem.

Areas that were once extensively used for paddy cultivation have now largely been converted for the cultivation of arecanut, coconut, rubber, banana, and tapioca. The practice of digging deep channels for water drainage has further intensified drought conditions. Environmentally exploitative activities are also seen in different parts of the Panchayath, including granite quarries, laterite stone quarries, soil excavation using JCBs, and the filling of paddy fields with soil. Protecting the environment is the responsibility of every individual. Agriculture in the Panchayath largely depends on climatic conditions, and due to the lack of adequate irrigation facilities, farming continues to remain heavily dependent on rainfall.