Chorod
Grama panchayat

Kerala possesses a unique climate and topography. It is a small state situated at the southwestern tip of India, nestled between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats. Its climate and landscape are inextricably linked. Geographically, Kerala can be divided into the highlands (*Malanad*), midlands (*Edanad*), and coastal regions. Chorode Grama Panchayat, part of the North Malabar region, is situated in the coastal zone, traversed by both the railway line and the National Highway. Although primarily a coastal area, the panchayat also exhibits characteristics typical of the midlands.
Established on December 23, 1945, Chorode Grama Panchayat spans an area of ​​12.75 square kilometers. The current Chorode Village—which constitutes the panchayat—was formed by amalgamating the former revenue villages of Chorode, Vaikilissery, and Muttungal. The panchayat shares its borders with Eramala Panchayat to the east, Vadakara Municipality to the south, and Onchiyam Grama Panchayat to the north. The landscape of Chorode Grama Panchayat comprises hilly terrain, flatlands, and paddy fields. There are 14 major hills distributed across the panchayat's 11 wards. The area also features steep laterite rock formations that rise sharply—between 15 and 20 meters—from the coastline. Laterite rock formations are found in the Mangattu Para and Pancharikad areas, while granite deposits exist in the Kurikkilad and Atholi Para regions. These areas are generally dry. Although the panchayat once boasted extensive paddy fields, their total area has shrunk significantly over time. The remaining paddy fields are found in localities such as Koderi Thazha, Mathath Thazha, Chemmacheri Thazha, Marakkoth Thazha, Puthakkandi Thazha, and Nalomkandi Thazha. Many of the fields once renowned for paddy cultivation have since been converted into residential plots, while many of the remaining fields lie fallow. Clay-rich soil and clay mining were other notable features of the panchayat, supporting industries like pottery and tile manufacturing. While pottery making continues on a small scale, tile manufacturing has ceased. The coastal region spans Wards 1, 17, 18, 19, and 21. Beyond Gosayi Kunnu in the northern Rayarangoth area, there is a stretch of sandy terrain extending for about two kilometers; similar sandy conditions prevail in the southern areas of Kuriyadi and Arakkal Nada. Numerous streams flow through the panchayat. Amathodu, part of the Kuriyadi watershed, serves as a major drainage canal in the coastal zone, while Punchathodu encircles the panchayat. The Azhiyur branch canal—part of the Kuttiyadi Irrigation Project—along with the main and branch canals, has completely transformed the local landscape. Chorode Panchayat is also grappling with environmental issues prevalent across Kerala; the most significant among these are paddy field reclamation and the resulting waterlogging. Last year's floods severely affected the Panchayat as well. Along the four-kilometer-long Punchathodu—the Panchayat's primary drainage channel—overgrown *Kaitha* (screwpine) thickets obstruct water flow and trap accumulated waste. (Notably, the mat-weaving cottage industry that once relied on these plants has since ceased operations.) Many streams have narrowed and lack retaining walls, leading to overgrowth and waste accumulation. Paddy field reclamation has also created environmental problems caused by stagnant water. Unless the leveling of hills and the filling of paddy fields are curbed, the environmental damage will be irreversible. Every year, the Panchayat has to undertake significant efforts to ensure the distribution of drinking water. While Kerala possesses a climate and topography distinct from the rest of India, global climate change has begun to impact the state as well. Humanity's relentless pursuit of greater comfort is inflicting severe damage on our environment. Such activities are taking place in our panchayat as well. If we do not curb them, the consequences will be serious.