At a glance

henmala Panchayat is a hilly village nestled in the lap of the Western Ghats (Sahyadri), rich with hills, mountain ranges, rivers, and streams. In terms of size, Thenmala is the third largest panchayat in the Kollam district. It is bordered by Piravanthoor and Aryankavu panchayats to the north, Aryankavu panchayat to the east, Kulathupuzha and Yeroor panchayats to the south, and Punalur Municipality and Piravanthoor panchayat to the west. The Kallada River flows along the southern border of the panchayat, the Ambanar Stream runs roughly along the northern border, and the Kuravanpalam-Inchappally rivers flow through the central region. These rivers have numerous tributaries and streams. The Parappar Dam (the main dam of the Kallada Project, which is the largest irrigation project in Kerala) and the Ottakkal Weir are also located in this panchayat. The right bank irrigation canal of the Kallada Project passes through this panchayat. Thenmala is also home to the Kallada Hydroelectric Project—the only hydroelectric project in Kollam district—and the headquarters of the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary. Falling under the Anchal Development Block, this panchayat spans an area of 162.34 sq. km, including forest lands. It accounts for 6.5% of the total area of Kollam district.

General Information

  • Address: Thenmala Grama Panchayat Office, Thenmala P.O., Thenmala

  • Year of Establishment: 1963

  • Revenue District: Kollam

  • Taluk: Punalur

  • Block: Anchal

  • Village: Thenmala

  • Assembly Constituency: Punalur

  • Parliamentary Constituency: Kollam

  • Number of Wards: 17

  • Area: 162.34 sq. km

Boundaries

  • East: Aryankavu and Kulathupuzha panchayats

  • South: Kallada River, Yeroor, and Kulathupuzha panchayats

  • West: Punalur Municipality and Piravanthoor panchayat

  • North: Ambanar Stream, Piravanthoor, and Aryankavu panchayats

Population Details (2011 Census)

  • Total Population: 23,555

    • Males: 11,119

    • Females: 12,436

  • Literate Population: 19,729

    • Males: 9,485

    • Females: 10,238

  • Scheduled Caste (SC) Population: 3,471

    • Males: 1,679

    • Females: 1,792

  • Scheduled Tribe (ST) Population: 559

    • Males: 290

    • Females: 269