Geography

Here is the grammatically precise English translation of the text, maintaining its descriptive and official tone:

Geography of Thenmala Grama Panchayat

Thenmala Grama Panchayat is a beautiful hilly region located in the Punalur Taluk of Kollam district, coming under the Anchal Block Panchayat. Situated on the western slopes of the Sahyadri (Western Ghats), the geographical features of this Panchayat are detailed below:

1. Location and Area:

  • The Panchayat is spread across an area of approximately 162.34 square kilometers, including forest covers. This single Panchayat accounts for about 6.5% of the total area of Kollam district.

  • This Panchayat comprises the entirety of Edamon village in Pathanapuram Taluk, nearly 90% of Thenmala village, and parts of Piravanthoor village.

2. Boundaries:

  • North: Piravanthoor and Aryankavu Grama Panchayats, and the Ambanar stream (Ambanar Aruvi).

  • East: Aryankavu and Kulathupuzha Grama Panchayats.

  • South: Kulathupuzha and Yeroor Panchayats (with the Kallada River flowing as the boundary).

  • West: Punalur Municipality and Piravanthoor Grama Panchayat.

3. Topography:

  • Thenmala features a rugged, mountainous topography filled with mountain ranges, hills, and valleys. The region is covered with lush, dense forests and large plantations.

  • Semi-evergreen forests and extensive teak plantations are unique characteristics of this area.

4. Water Bodies and Rivers:

  • The Parappar Dam (Thenmala Dam), which is the main dam of the Kallada Irrigation Project (KIP)—the largest irrigation project in Kerala—and the Ottakkal Look-out (Ottakkal Weir) are situated in this Panchayat.

  • The presence of the Kallada River forms the backbone of the region's water resources. The right-bank canal of this project passes through Thenmala.

  • The Kallada Hydroelectric Project, which is the only hydroelectric power project in Kollam district, is also located here.

5. Wildlife Sanctuary and Biodiversity:

  • The headquarters of the famous Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Thenmala. This region is exceptionally rich in rare flora and fauna.

  • 'Thenmala Eco-Tourism', India's very first planned eco-tourism project, has been designed here in a way that preserves the pristine nature of this topography and its forest wealth.

In short, Thenmala Grama Panchayat is a unique and diverse bio-geographical zone that beautifully blends the wilderness of the Western Ghats with the water abundance of the Kallada River and rich forest resources.