Alappad facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alappad
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Village
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 Alappad
Location in Kerala
Alappad
Location in India
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| Country |  India |
| State | Kerala |
| District | Kollam |
| Taluk | Karunagappalli |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Malayalam, English |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| PIN |
680641
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| Vehicle registration | KL-23 |
Alappad is a village located on the coast in the Kollam district of Kerala, a state in India. It sits on a thin strip of land. This land is between the Arabian Sea and the TS Canal.
The village is about 16 kilometers (10 miles) long. At its narrowest point, it's only about 33 meters (108 feet) wide. You can reach the mainland by bridges or by small boat ferries. These ferries are run by the local government (called the Panchayat) and private groups. For a long time, there was only one bridge. But after a big natural disaster in 2004, two more bridges were built.
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What is Alappad Like?
Alappad is known for its beautiful coastal views. It is a peaceful place where many people live. The village is very close to the sea. This means it has a unique environment.
How Alappad is Governed
Alappad village is part of a larger local government area. This area is also called Alappad. The local government is known as a Panchayat. The Alappad Panchayat includes several smaller areas. These areas are like neighborhoods or smaller villages. Some of these are Srayikkadu, Azheekal, Kuzhithura, Parayakadavu, Cheriazheekkal, and Pandarathuruthu.
The 2004 Tsunami and Alappad
In 2004, a very large ocean wave called a tsunami hit many coastal areas. Parts of Alappad village were badly damaged. Alappad was one of the worst-hit villages in Kerala. Sadly, many people lost their lives.
After this terrible event, the government realized more bridges were needed. They built a new bridge in northern Azheekal. Another bridge was built in Cheriyazhekkal. These bridges help people travel and connect the village better.
Protecting the Environment: Sand Mining Concerns
In Alappad, some companies dig up sand from the beaches. This sand contains valuable minerals. Two main companies involved are Kerala Minerals and Metals Limited (KMML) and Indian Rare Earths (IRE). These are government-owned companies.
However, local people in Alappad are worried. They believe that too much sand is being taken. They say it is being done in a way that harms the environment. This is called 'unscientific sand mining'. The residents have started protests to protect their village. Their main message is 'Save Alappad, Stop Mining'. They want to make sure their coastline is safe for the future.
Alappad's Population (2011 Census)
Here's a quick look at the people living in Alappad, based on information from 2011:
| Information | Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total Population | 21,655 | |
| Males | 10,689 | |
| Females | 10,966 | |
| Children (0–6 years old) | 1,999 | This is about 9.23% of the total population. |
| Female to Male Ratio | 1026 females for every 1000 males | The average for the state of Kerala is 1084. |
| Literacy Rate (people who can read and write) | 95.52 % | The average for the state of Kerala is 94.0%. |
| Male Literacy | 95.88 % | |
| Female Literacy | 95.18 % | |
| Scheduled Caste (a recognized group in India) | 361 | |
| Scheduled Tribe (another recognized group) | 18 |
Most people in Alappad are Hindus. The village has many temples. These temples are places of worship. Their committees also help organize festivals. These festivals are an important part of social life in the village.
Famous People from Alappad
One well-known person from Alappad is Mata Amritanandamayi. She is a famous spiritual leader and helps many people. She was born in Parayakadavu, which is part of Alappad. Her main center, the Mata Amritanandamayi Math, is also located there.
