Geography and Population Profile of Kavalam Grama Panchayat

Kavalam Grama Panchayat is situated adjacent to Vembanad Lake, on the border of Alappuzha and Kottayam districts. A major portion of the Panchayat consists of paddy fields, numerous small and large canals, and wetlands. The Pamba River is the major river flowing through the Panchayat.

Kavalam is part of the Lower Kuttanad region, with large portions of the area lying up to approximately 2 metres below sea level. The Grama Panchayat covers an area of 17.26 sq. km, of which approximately 1,290 hectares comprise paddy fields used for rice cultivation. The predominant soil type in the region is loamy soil.

More than half of the geographical area of the Grama Panchayat consists of paddy fields. However, the extent of these paddy fields has declined considerably due to unscientific land-filling and reclamation.

The major sources of water in the Panchayat are rivers, canals and ponds. Unauthorised filling of wetlands has significantly reduced the availability of these traditional water resources. However, through the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) and various annual development plans, the Panchayat has been able to partially restore these water resources by cleaning and deepening canals and ponds.

There are no forests within the Grama Panchayat. However, several traditional sacred groves (Kavus) can be found in different parts of the Panchayat, reflecting the region's traditional ecological and cultural heritage.

Population at a Glance

• Total Population: 15,619
• Female Population: 7,956
• Male Population: 7,663
• Children aged 0–6: 1,059
• SC Population: 1,305
• ST Population: 3
• Female Literacy Rate: 99%
• Male Literacy Rate: 97%
• Overall Literacy Rate: 96%
• Geographical Area: 17.26 sq. km
• Paddy Cultivation Area: 1,290 hectares