INTRODUCTION

 

Payyannur Grama Panchayat, one of the three panchayats established by the erstwhile Madras Government, was formed in 1935. The Panchayat had an area of 54.63 square kilometres, and its first President was V. G. Nayanar. In 1990, Payyannur Panchayat was upgraded to Payyannur Municipality. In 2014, the Municipality was elevated to the First Grade Municipality.

Payyannur is a town located in Kannur district of Kerala. It is situated along the Kannur–Kasaragod National Highway. The name Payyannur is traditionally associated with the phrase meaning “the land of the young one,” referring to Lord Subramanya, who is also known as Payyan. The renowned Payyannur Pavithra Ring is one of the distinctive cultural and religious symbols of the region. The ring is believed to have been designed during the renovation of the Subramanya Swami Temple. Payyannur is also traditionally believed to be one of the villages where Parashurama settled Brahmins. With the advent of Aryan influence, sacred groves and traditional worship sites gradually evolved into temples. The region was governed by vassals and subordinate chieftains under the Kolathiri Raja.

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

  • Villages: Payyannur, Vellur and Korom
  • Taluk: Payyannur
  • Assembly Constituency: Payyannur
  • Parliamentary Constituency: Kasaragod

2. BOUNDARIES

  • East: Kadannappalli-Panapuzha Grama Panchayat and Eramam-Kuttur Grama Panchayat
  • South: Ramanthali, Cheruthazham and Kunhimangalam Grama Panchayats
  • North: Karivellur-Peralam, Kankol-Alapadamba and Eramam-Kuttur Grama Panchayats
  • West: Trikaripur and Valiyaparamba Grama Panchayats

3. GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES AND WATER RESOURCES

Payyannur Municipality is surrounded by backwaters, marshlands and streams. Based on its geographical features, the municipal area can be broadly classified into three regions: midland hillocks, coastal plains and riverine marshlands.

The Municipality has approximately 25 major ponds, including those with areas ranging from 12 cents to 150 cents, along with nearly 100 smaller ponds. These water bodies constitute important water resources in the region. Their conservation is essential to maintaining the agricultural productivity and ecological balance of the Municipality.

4. ENVIRONMENT AND BIODIVERSITY

Payyannur Municipality is characterised by several distinctive environmental features. Its kaanams (traditional forest patches) are known for their perennial springs, while riverbanks lined with mangrove forests and sacred groves representing remnants of natural lowland forests contribute significantly to maintaining ecological balance.

The municipal area also contains wetlands and mangrove ecosystems that support and sustain biodiversity. Conservation of these natural ecosystems is essential for preserving the environmental quality and ecological stability of the region.

5. AGRICULTURE

Agriculture is an important sector in Payyannur Municipality. The major crops cultivated in the area include paddy, coconut, arecanut, banana and vegetables. Pepper, cashew and rubber are also cultivated on a smaller scale.

Despite the importance of agriculture, several paddy fields remain fallow due to labour shortages, inadequate irrigation facilities and the intrusion of saline water. These factors adversely affect agricultural production and the effective utilisation of cultivable land. Appropriate measures are required to address these issues and to promote the sustainable development of the agricultural sector.

6. EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES

Payyannur Municipality has a well-established educational infrastructure comprising government, aided and unaided educational institutions. The educational institutions in the municipal area include 12 Lower Primary (LP) schools, 8 Upper Primary (UP) schools, 2 high schools and 5 Higher Secondary schools, along with recognised unaided educational institutions.

These institutions play an important role in providing educational opportunities and supporting the social and intellectual development of the local population.

7. SOCIAL, CULTURAL AND LITERARY ACTIVITIES

Payyannur takes pride in the numerous distinguished personalities who have made significant contributions to its social and cultural life. The region has produced renowned literary figures and eminent scholars of Sanskrit, contributing to its rich intellectual and cultural heritage.

Promoting literacy and fostering a reading culture are essential for the cultural advancement of society. At present, approximately 38 libraries and reading rooms operate within Payyannur Municipality with the recognition of the Library Council.

The Municipality also has a vibrant cultural environment, with more than 50 cultural organisations and associations conducting various artistic and cultural activities. In addition, several sports clubs provide training facilities and opportunities for aspiring sportspersons. These institutions and organisations contribute significantly to the preservation of cultural traditions and the promotion of community participation.

8. DAIRY DEVELOPMENT AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY

Despite the importance of agriculture and allied activities in Payyannur Municipality, milk production has been declining year after year. The number of dairy farmers is also decreasing annually, indicating the need for measures to strengthen the dairy sector and support the livelihood of dairy farming households.

The Municipality has approximately seven broiler chicken farms. However, no layer poultry farms are currently reported to be operating within the municipal area.

The declining interest of the younger generation in traditional occupations is another major concern affecting the development of agriculture and traditional industries. Suitable interventions are required to encourage the participation of young people in these sectors and to ensure their long-term sustainability.

9. SMALL-SCALE AND TRADITIONAL INDUSTRIES

Small-scale industrial activities in Payyannur Municipality include several traditional industries, such as handloom weaving, Khadi production, coir processing, beedi manufacturing, pottery, bronze sculpture and utensil manufacturing. These industries continue to operate on a limited scale and form an integral part of the region's traditional economic activities.

In addition to traditional industries, several small-scale and cottage-industry enterprises have emerged in the food production sector. Light engineering units and woodworking-related enterprises are also functioning in the Municipality.

An industrial estate owned by the Municipality is functioning in Korom Village. This facility provides a base for industrial activities and offers opportunities for the development of small-scale enterprises and local employment.

The declining interest of the younger generation in traditional industries remains a significant challenge. Promoting modernisation, skill development and entrepreneurship can help sustain these industries and strengthen the local economy.

10. FISHERIES AND INLAND AQUACULTURE

Fishing activities in Payyannur Municipality are primarily dependent on inland water bodies. However, only a limited number of people are engaged in this sector, and their standard of living remains relatively low.

In addition to fishing, people involved in this sector also undertake fish marketing and other allied activities to supplement their income.

Freshwater and brackish-water fish farming are practised on a limited scale within the municipal area. There is scope for further development of inland fisheries and aquaculture through appropriate support measures, improved infrastructure and livelihood-oriented initiatives.

11. HEALTHCARE FACILITIES

Payyannur Municipality, in coordination with the Health Department, has made considerable progress in the healthcare sector. Several government healthcare institutions and private medical establishments provide healthcare services to the residents of the Municipality.

The major healthcare institutions in the municipal area include:

  • Payyannur Government Taluk Hospital
  • Government Ayurveda Hospital, Kandoth
  • Government Homoeo Dispensary, Kanayi
  • Various private healthcare institutions

In addition, nine Family Welfare Sub-Centres function within the jurisdiction of Payyannur Municipality under the administrative control of the Pazhayangadi Taluk Hospital.

These healthcare institutions and facilities play an important role in delivering medical services, promoting public health and improving the overall health and well-being of the local population.