Polachira

Polachira
(Kadichira)
Village

Village scene
Coordinates: 8°50′26.89″N 76°42′0.3″E / 8.8408028°N 76.700083°E / 8.8408028; 76.700083Coordinates: 8°50′26.89″N 76°42′0.3″E / 8.8408028°N 76.700083°E / 8.8408028; 76.700083
Country  India
State Kerala
District Kollam
Government
  Body Chirakkara Grama Panchayat
Languages
  Official Malayalam, English
Time zone IST (UTC+5:30)
PIN 691572
Telephone code 0474
Vehicle registration KL-02
Nearest city Paravur
Lok Sabha constituency Kollam
Civic agency Chirakkara Grama Panchayat
Migratory Birds
Ambalkkulam

Polachira is a wetland spread over 600 hectares[1] located near Paravur Municipality in Kollam District of Kerala, India. Formerly part of the Chathannoor Grama Panchayath, it is now located in the Chirakkara Grama Panchayath.[2] Polachira is about 5 km south of Chathannoor town and 6 km north east of Paravur town. Chathannoor-Polachira-Ozhukupara Bund Across Road is the main access to Polchira.

Migratory Birds


As a result of the biodiversity and abundance of fish and mussels, Polachira is a favorite destination for migratory birds.[3] A 2003 census conducted at Polachira recorded over 26000 birds belonging to 37 species.[4] The famous 'Anathavalam'(elephant shelter), where one can watch or even travel on domestic elephants, is located near Polachira.

Agriculture


Polachira consists entirely of paddy fields where farmers can cultivate paddy three times a year (Moonupoovu Nilam). As the soil has high fertility value there is no need of fertilizer to cultivate paddy which will give high yields to the farmers. However, the main problem faced by farmers is that the fields are covered with water for the whole year. If needed, farmers' association takes initiatives to dry the fields by using water pumps, but it is very expensive and local self-government authorities help is needed for it to take place.

If the fields in Polachira get dry and are suitable for paddy cultivation during May, November,January.Unscientific construction of bund affeted three times paddy cultivations.


Consequently, there are complaints from farmers that the authorities of the local self-government intend to catch and sell fish from Polachira by drying its fields and have no intention to help the farmers in their paddy cultivation.

Tourism

There is a high scope to develop Polachira as a tourist spot. But the relevant authorities not yet took action for it. Presence of migratory birds, cool wind, eye catching sceneries, etc. will attract all. An organization formed in the name of "Ithikkara-Polachira Tourism Development Agency (IPOT)" with an aim to explore Polachira's tourism possibilities, owing to certain reasons, is not working now.

Important institutions


Important institutions near Polachira:

1. Paravur Railway Station
2. Puttingal Temple, Paravur
3. Sivaraja Pillai Memorial ITC, Paravur
4. Chirakkara Devi Temple
5. Kottekkunnu Subrahmanian Temple
6. Vilappuram Devi Temple
7. Chathannoor S.N. College
8. Anandavilasam Library, Vilappuram
9. Govt. H.S.S., Nedungolam
10. Govt. H.S., Uliyanad
11. Govt. H.S., Chirakkara
12. Puthankulam 'Anathavalam' (Elephants' Shelter).
13. Ozhukupara Pongalvila Devi Temple 14. Ozhukupara Govt W L P School

See also

References

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