landscape

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🌍 Physiography, Resources & Conservation

Azhiyur Grama Panchayat • Kozhikode District

📍 Geography & Boundaries

Azhiyur Grama Panchayat is located in Kozhikode district with a total area of 9.77 sq. km. It is a densely populated coastal panchayat bounded by Mahe and the Mahe River to the north, Onchiyam and Eramala Grama Panchayats to the south, the Arabian Sea to the west, and the Mahe River with Eramala Grama Panchayat to the east.

The panchayat possesses nearly 5 kilometers of coastline and contains a combination of hills and wetland ecosystems.

🌱 Land Classification

75%

Level / Plain Areas

17%

Sloping Areas

8%

Marsh / Swamp Areas

Plain Areas (75%)
Coconut, arecanut, cashew, pepper, mango, jackfruit, and banana are cultivated extensively. Paddy cultivation exists only in limited areas.

Sloping Areas (17%)
Coconut dominates the landscape, along with arecanut, banana, tapioca, and turmeric cultivation.

⛰️ Major Hill Regions

Karappakunnu
Bungalakunnu
Pathirikkunnu
Mavilakunnu
Malol Kunnu
Kottamala Kunnu
Vettakkara Kunnu
Panada Kunnu

💧 Water Availability

The scenic Mahe River flowing through the eastern side supports water availability in Azhiyur.

Additional water bodies include:

  • Erikkil Chal
  • Kappuzhakal Thode
  • Kalathil Thazhe
  • Kottamala Pathikkal
  • Kurichikkara Pathi
Challenge:
Saltwater intrusion affects eastern regions causing drinking water scarcity and agricultural damage.
Biodiversity:
Rich ecological resources include rare aquatic species, medicinal plants, birds, and marine biodiversity.

Besides three public ponds, the historic Azhiyur Paradevatha Temple Pond is located west of the railway line.

🪨 Soil Types

Azhiyur is predominantly a riverine region.

Red gravelly soil is common in hills and slopes. Sandy soil, red soil, and mixed soil are also found.

Heavy rainfall causes severe erosion and fertile topsoil loss. Thin topsoil and underlying rock reduce agricultural productivity in some areas.

🌿 Soil & Water Conservation

Historically, conservation involved bund construction, trenching, stone retaining walls, and tree planting.

Modern lifestyle changes and land fragmentation have reduced traditional conservation practices.

Current Initiatives

  • Coir Geotextile Application
  • Percolation Pit Construction
  • Watershed Development
  • Tree Plantation
  • Earthen Embankments
  • Stone Embankments

These activities are presently implemented through the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.

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