Sunday, May 20, 2007

TID-2: History, Geography, Economics and our Perception of Idukki

TID-2: History, Geography, Economics and our Perception of Idukki

The first time when I heard Idukki was 'financially backward'; I
wondered how could a land so rich in natural beauty, tourism, hydro
electric power and plantations be poor.

Our perceptions of a place depend mostly on what we commonly hear and
see. The good news is that Idukki has so many positive traits (natural
beauty, vacation spots and so on) and our perception is that it is
wonderful place. The not so good news is that the positive traits mask
many of the challenges and the hardships of the people. (poverty, lack
of education and so on). We will first look at the perceptions that
give a positive impression about Idukki. Later we will look at the
paradoxes in the next article.

Even though Idukki district was only formed in 1972, the modern
history of Idukki tracks back to the late 18th century with the advent
of the European planters. Historically, people migrated from other
places of Kerala and Tamil Nadu in search of jobs in the plantation.

Geographically, Idukki is the largest district of Kerala and accounts
for 12.9% area of Kerala. Idukki shares its boundaries with developed
districts such as Kottayam and Ernakulam. Idukki is not a densely
populated district. It accounts for only 3.7 % population of Kerala.

Idukki is a district blessed with natural beauty of the high ranges,
valleys and plantations. Thekkady, Munnar, Vagamon are few among the
best tourist destinations in Kerala that is located in the Idukki
district.

Idukki is a well suited place for the agriculture of tea, cardamom,
pepper, coconut and rubber. Agriculture is the main occupation of the
people of Idukki. Famous for its tea plantations and spices, there are
many tea factories.

Idukki is known as the power house of Kerala. 66% of the power needs
of Kerala come from the eight hydroelectric power plants in Idukki.
The Idukki dam is the largest arch dam in Asia.

With all these positive traits, one would ask a question: How can
Idukki be financially poor?

To be continued…

Next Article: TID-3: Our Perception of Idukki: The Paradoxes and the Realities

Thanks,
Rajesh Vargheese
http://www.stgregoriosaustin.org/

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