Vilakkudy
Grama Panchayat

പൊതുവിവരങ്ങള്‍

The route followed by the old Kollam–Shencottah road is largely unknown to the present generation. From west of Kureepally in Kizhakketheruvu, Kottarakkara, the old road proceeded northwards through Kura, Pathinettam Padi, Vettukuzhi, Parangimammukal and Pazhanjithodu, reaching Muttathukadavu. From there, it passed along the southern side of the temple at the junction and proceeded through Punnala to Karavoor Mampazhathara, where it branched into two routes—one leading to Achankovil and the other to Ottakkal.
Another route branched eastwards from Pathinettam Padi and passed along the northern side of the house of Labba at Padinjattinkara, reaching the southern side of the Kidangayil Bhagavathy Temple. It then proceeded along the northern side of the Elambal Ammaveedu, past the vicinity of Arambunna Arappura Veedu, and continued eastwards through the large pathway situated to the north of the Punalur Mahadeva Temple. The route then descended to the Kallada River and proceeded through Chaliyakkara before joining the above-mentioned road at Mampazhathara.
The Kallada River flows for about 2 km along the eastern boundary of the Panchayat. Kunnikkode is the main area within the Panchayat that is gradually developing an urban character. Although Kunnikkode has developed as a market centre, cattle market and an important junction connecting routes towards Pattazhi, Thalavoor and Melila, its development has not yet reached its full potential.
Avaneeswaram is the only railway station within the Panchayat.
Before the present Panchayat system came into existence in 1953, village administration was carried out through Village Unions. In addition to government-nominated members, the Tahsildar, Karyakartha, Health Inspector and Public Works Engineer were also members of these committees.
When the elected Panchayat committee assumed administration in 1953, the Panchayat office initially functioned from a rented building at Sasthri Junction, Kunnikkode. The land where the present Panchayat office is situated was formerly Kavu Puramboke land. The present Panchayat Office Complex stands on this land. The remaining Kavu Puramboke land was subsequently assigned to several private individuals.
Near the land assigned to the Panchayat, there is a traditional Sarppakkavu consisting of a few Elanji trees and serpent idols. The traditional practice of lighting lamps in the evening and conducting the Noorum Palum ritual on Ayilyam day in the month of Kanni continues to be observed without interruption.
At the time of its formation, the Panchayat consisted of seven wards. P. J. John (Pappachan) was the first President of the Panchayat.
The vast majority of the people in this Panchayat depend on agriculture for their livelihood. Although a few cashew factories and brick kilns have provided limited employment opportunities, they have not been sufficient to address the widespread unemployment among the people. A major portion of the agricultural land is presently used for rubber cultivation. A number of workers in the Panchayat depend on rubber tapping for their livelihood.