Preface

Kerala society continues to face flood disasters and pandemics one after another. To achieve the great goal of building a resilient Kerala society, the State Government has implemented a disaster management campaign called "Nammal Namukkayi" (We, For Ourselves), engaging the entire population of the state and incorporating their knowledge, ideas, and experience. The Great Flood of 2018 and the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 taught us that survival in the face of disaster is possible only through collective action.

Pallippad Grama Panchayat, situated on the banks of the Achankovil River, faces flooding every rainy season and drinking-water scarcity every summer. This disaster management plan document, prepared with greater preparedness and with the participation of the people to face flood devastation and pandemics, is hereby presented to the public.

Local Self-Government Institution – General Information

1.1 Terrain and Basic Information

Pallippad is a Grama Panchayat under Harippad Block in Karthikappally Taluk, Alappuzha District. It is bordered by Chepad Panchayat to the south, Chettikulangara and Chennithala Panchayats to the east, Viyapuram Panchayat to the north, and Harippad Municipality to the west. The panchayat comprises parts of Onattukara and Upper Kuttanad. The Achankovil River and its tributary streams flow through this panchayat. Agriculture is the primary livelihood; unscientific land reclamation and constructions that obstruct natural water flow have intensified the threat of flooding.

1.2 History

Pallippad was a locality within the boundaries of ancient Odanad (Onattu). It is believed that the place name "Pallippad" indicates that Buddhism once existed here. According to a survey report prepared between 1816–1820 by British military officers Ward and Conner, the Kingdom of Travancore was divided into 17 districts, one of which was Karthikappally District, within which Pallippad was a "pravrithi" (administrative unit).

The flood of 1924 was a major disaster faced by this region. Although the village was completely submerged during the Great Flood of August 2018, it is a relief that no lives were lost. In the years 2014, 2016, 2021, and 2025, avian influenza (bird flu) caused significant losses to duck farmers in this area. The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 was effectively contained through the collective effort of elected representatives and health workers.

1.3 Demographic Information

Source: Census Data 2011, Ward Delimitation Record 2011. The panchayat's population is 51% women and 48% men.

People Employed Across Sectors

1.6 Educational Institutions

1.7 Healthcare Institutions

1.8 Roads and Bridges

1.9 Habitable Buildings

1.10 Irrigation / Water-Resource Systems

1.11 Implementing Officers

Climate Change, Disaster Risks – Analysis

The Pallippad Grama Panchayat area faces an extremely severe flood threat, significantly impacting the agricultural sector. From January to May, the region also faces drought and consequent drinking-water scarcity. Drought-related shortages of grass and hay for cattle adversely affect dairy farmers as well.

2.1 Disaster History

• 2018 – The Great Flood, officially declared a disaster by the Central and State Governments.
• 2019 – Flooding occurred again.
• 2019–2020 – The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic spread worldwide.
• 1 August 2010 – A fire and explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit near Manakkad Temple killed three people.

2.2 Groups Requiring Special Attention

2.3 Disaster-Prone Areas

All wards of Pallippad Grama Panchayat are affected by flooding. The wards affected the most are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7. The major educational institutions located in these areas are Govt. LPPS Thekkekara and Anganwadis No. 93, 95, and 98.

Wards 1, 3, 4, and 7, which lie adjacent to the Achankovil River, are geographically the most flood-prone areas of Pallippad Grama Panchayat. In addition, this region is also affected by drought.

2.4 Public Buildings in Disaster-Threatened Areas

Both flooding and drought weaken the agricultural sector of the panchayat, thereby undermining the local economy as a whole.

Disaster Response Planning Document (Response Plan)

3.1 Grama Panchayat Committee

The responsibility for coordinating all activities in the event of a disaster rests with the panchayat-level Steering Committee. The Steering Committee is tasked with preparing and implementing the disaster management plan.

3.2 Emergency Response Team (ERT)

3.2.1 Early Warning Team

Team Leader: Sattar  •  Phone: 8606613424. This team is responsible for informing the entire population at the local self-government level in the event of an emergency. It must ensure that vulnerable groups receive adequate information according to their specific needs.

3.3 Institutions and Officials to Contact in Emergencies

3.4 Evacuation Plan

Disaster Preparedness, Mitigation & Social Empowerment Measures

4.1 Disaster Mitigation Activities

Disaster mitigation refers to sustainable interventions aimed at reducing the impact of disasters. This includes natural conservation of soil, water, and other natural resources in the area; strengthening natural boundaries; removing obstructions that adversely affect the natural flow of water; and ensuring special attention and care in areas densely inhabited by marginalized communities.

Components to be Included

4.2 Social Awareness and Building Community Resilience

Training and awareness activities aimed at social awareness-building and strengthening community resilience must form part of the disaster management plan. This can be implemented through the following organizations:

Capacities and Resources

5.1 Resource Inventory

The resource inventory manages the register of available equipment. It also includes human resources — both specially skilled and unskilled — and essential supplies for emergency response.

Means of Transport

Communication

Equipment

Human Resources

5.2 Non-Governmental Organizations / Kudumbashree / Self-Help Groups

Voluntary organizations and other associations operating within the panchayat are available to provide assistance before, during, and after a disaster.

5.3 Designated Safe Rehabilitation Centres

Schools, colleges, community halls, and places of worship that are structurally sound, located in areas free of vulnerability, and equipped with basic facilities such as water and sanitation are considered safe rehabilitation centres.

Project Recommendations for the Climate-Based Disaster Mitigation Plan

1. Deepen rivers and streams to reduce flood disaster.
2. Raising low-lying roads will enable vehicles to reach and rescue people during flooding.
3. The stretch from Thaliyakkal eastward to Nalukettumkavala–Karimpuzha Bridge remains submerged for days at Irupathettil Kadavu during floods; this road should be raised, filled with gravel, and tarred.
4. Protect the Achankovil River bank from Kuthuvazhi to Ezhuparakadavu by constructing side walls.
5. Protect the Govt. LP School by raising the access road, constructing side walls, and elevating the school ground.
6. Protect the road from Parayasseri to Kureeppuram Irupathettil Kadavu by constructing side walls on both sides.
7. Install CCTV cameras along the stretch from Anjilimoodu Bridge to Parayasseri Bridge.
8. Construct buildings functioning as relief centres with elevated foundations to prevent flooding, and provide additional facilities for basic necessities.

Important Phone Numbers

Ward-Level Supplementary Information to be Collected

Source: Disaster Management Task Force Survey. This information may be used as the basis for future ward-level disaster response planning.