Vellavoor
Grama Panchayat

Topography and Environmental Features

Vellavoor Grama Panchayat is situated along the south-eastern boundary of Changanassery Taluk on the southern border of Kottayam district, adjacent to the Pathanamthitta district border. The Panchayat is located to the north of the Manimala River, which originates from Thattamala (Vagamon) as a stream and expands into a full river upon reaching this region. The river flows along the southern boundaries of Wards 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, and 13.

Bordered by Chirakkadavu, Vazhoor, Kangazha, Nedumkunnam, and Anikkad (Pathanamthitta district) Grama Panchayats alongside the river, Vellavoor possesses approximately 13 kilometers of riverbank area along the Manimala River. The terrain consists of numerous hills, rock formations, and limited stretches of paddy fields.

Based on topography, the region can be classified into six distinct zones. The landscape comprises:

• Riverbank Plains: Low-lying land extending up to 20 meters above the river level.

• Sloped Terrain: Elevated land rising up to 100 meters.

• Hilly Regions & Rock Outcrops: High-altitude zones ranging from 100 to 147 meters above sea level.

  Soil and Geographical Features Four main types of soil are found in this Panchayat. The riverbank plains consist of alluvial sand, the paddy fields have loamy soil, and the hills and sloped areas feature shallow, gravelly red soil. Laterite soil covers about 50% of the Panchayat's total area. High rock formations are also present. Across most regions, the soil layer ranges from 3 to 25 feet deep, backed by bedrock underneath.

During the monsoon, landslides at the origin of the Manimala River often cause flooding, submerging the riverbank plains in Wards 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, and 13, leading to periodic damages. Nearly 80% of the total land area is utilized for rubber cultivation.

Water Resources and Topography Despite having elevated terrain, the Panchayat receives abundant rainfall. However, water availability in wells and streams directly depends on rainfall fluctuations. Since the land in Wards 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, and 13 adjacent to the river lies 20 to 100 meters above the river level, supplying river water to other parts of the Panchayat through natural flow is impossible.

There are no major drainage streams in this Panchayat. The only stream with noticeable water flow is the Vellavoor Stream, which flows along the boundary of the Panchayat. It runs along the western border of Wards 3, 2, and 12 before emptying into the Manimala River. Except for this stream, all other water channels dry up completely from January to June.

Paddy fields are sparse, located mainly in Wards 10, 9, and 13, accounting for just 1% of the total land area, and are equally drought-prone. The Panchayat lacks perennial water sources and relies primarily on the Manimala River. Severe drought conditions are typically experienced from January to June.

Drinking Water and Groundwater Status Residents rely mostly on open wells for drinking water. The well water is clean, as is stream water during periods of flow, mainly because the beds of the wells and the banks of the streams consist of rock.

However, water from borewells drilled in various parts of the Panchayat contains high levels of sulfur, making it unfit for consumption. Experts from the Ground Water Department indicate that underground water reserves here are extremely low.

There are only two public ponds:

• Kuttikkattu Pond at Kadayanikkadu

• Perunkavu Pond

Additionally, nine small private ponds exist across various locations, but all experience significant drop-offs in water levels during summer. Due to the steep slopes of the land, a major portion of rainwater runs off and is lost. Although watershed management projects were partially implemented, the benefits have not fully reached the public. There are also 15 small streams running through different parts of the Panchayat.