Vechoor
Grama Panchayat

       Vechoor Gram Panchayat, which forms part of Upper Kuttanad, is rich in paddy fields and is a coastal region situated along the Vembanad Lake. Located to the east of the Thanneermukkom Regulator, the village gives great importance to paddy cultivation.

Based on its geographical characteristics, Vechoor Panchayat can be broadly divided into four regions: Coastal Area, Plain Land, Karineelams (low-lying paddy fields), and Elevated Terrain. The western areas adjacent to the lake constitute the coastal region. The central areas, including the Virippu paddy fields and residential areas, form the plain region. The eastern low-lying and waterlogged paddy fields constitute the Karineelams, while Koduthuruth Hill, situated at the easternmost part, belongs to the elevated terrain.

Alluvial soil is the predominant soil type found in most parts of the Panchayat. However, the nature of the soil varies according to the geographical regions. The coastal areas have sandy soil, while the plain areas have soil mixed with clay and silt. The Karineelam areas are characterized by clayey soil, whereas red soil is found around Koduthuruth Hill.

Apart from paddy cultivation, several areas of the Panchayat have been converted from paddy fields and are now used for coconut cultivation. Rubber cultivation is found in a few areas, while mangrove forests occur in certain parts along the western side adjoining Vembanad Lake.

The western boundary of the Panchayat extends for approximately 5 kilometres along Vembanad Lake. Due to its geographical similarity to the famous tourist destination of Kumarakom, this region has considerable potential for development as a water-based tourism destination, particularly for attracting foreign tourists. There is also significant scope for developing water transportation and responsible tourism in this area.

The climate and cropping pattern of this agricultural village are similar to those of Kuttanad. Vechoor Panchayat shares its boundaries with Thalayazham Gram Panchayat to the north; Kallara and Aymanam Gram Panchayats to the east; Arpookara and Aymanam Gram Panchayats to the south; and Vembanad Lake to the west.

The low-lying plain areas adjoining Vembanad Lake are situated at an elevation of only about 17 feet below sea level. Consequently, the region has extensive and wide stretches of paddy fields where cultivation is possible only after draining the water.

Although peat soil is the predominant soil type, slight variations can be observed across the four geographical regions of the Panchayat. In the Puncha paddy fields, locally known as Karineelams, about one-third of the area contains soil mixed with partially decomposed remains of trees. While digging and preparing these paddy fields for cultivation, tree remnants locally known as “Karithadi” have often been found.

Considering these facts, it may be assumed that the eastern part of the village was originally a low-lying elevated plateau. The remaining areas may have been formed later as a result of various natural geological and environmental processes.

Mr. W. King of the Geological Survey of India conducted a geological survey in Travancore around 1881. According to his observations, the lower extension of the Carnatic Plateau stretches northwards around Kanyakumari, covering parts of Travancore, Cochin and Malabar. Mr. King also conducted a detailed study of the isolated hillocks found here and there in the midland regions of Kerala.

His conclusion was that these isolated hillocks were remnants of terraces or plateaus, which later became submerged by floods and underwent significant changes due to landslides and other natural geological processes. Based on this interpretation, it is reasonable to presume that the eastern part of the village may once have been a plateau, while the other regions were formed subsequently through various natural processes.

For a more authoritative understanding of the geological history of the area, a detailed geological study of the paddy fields associated with Koduthuruth, focusing on the eastern region of the Panchayat, would be highly useful.