At a glance
Nilamel Panchayat is a midland area in the Chadayamangalam block of Kollam district. Located about 25 km from Kottarakkara, this panchayat has an area of 22.02 sq km. It is a land of parallel hills and valleys, and the tributaries of the Ithikkara River originate here.
The panchayat is bordered by Chadayamangalam Panchayat to the north, Kadakkal Panchayat to the east, and Pazhayakunnummel and Kilimanoor Panchayats of Thiruvananthapuram district to the south. Two main roads pass through the panchayat, which has a road network of 85 km, mainly in the north-south and east-west directions.
The southern part is mountainous in terms of topography. Pullipcha Kunnu in Banglakunnu ward is an area of about 160 m above sea level. Paddy fields are found in the lower areas.
The panchayat, which is rich in streams and ponds, has public ponds such as Variyavidu pond, Kshetra pond, Vazhottukulam, and Pappanamkode pond. Three main streams flow through the panchayat and join the Ithikkara river.
Agriculture is the main source of livelihood. Rubber farming is the most widespread single crop. In addition, mixed farming such as coconut, banana, tapioca, moringa, yam, and yam is also widespread. Agriculture began three centuries ago in the land that was once known as the “paddy field of Kottarakkara taluk”. Native paddy seeds such as Arakan, Aramvella, Kechuvidhu, and Njavara were mainly used.
A veterinary hospital and two sub-centers are functioning in the field of animal husbandry. A veterinary hospital was established in 1991, and sub-centers were established in Kaithode and Murukkuman areas during 1993-94.