Kerala map set for a change: Tirur and Muvattupuzha likely to become new districts

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala is likely to get two new districts with Tirur and Muvattupuzha as headquarters, along with around a dozen new taluks, as the government moves ahead with a study on administrative expansion. The demand for dividing Malappuram district has been a long-standing one raised by the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), while the proposal for a separate Muvattupuzha district has been supported by the Congress.

The state budget announced the formation of a commission to study the creation of new districts and taluks. This has increased expectations that the proposals may become a reality. Demands for five more districts have also emerged. However, the huge financial cost is a major challenge.

There are demands to create more districts by dividing existing ones. These include Neyyattinkara by dividing Thiruvananthapuram, Shoranur by dividing parts of Palakkad and Thrissur, Vadakara by combining Vadakara, Nadapuram, Kuttiady and Perambra regions, an eastern district by dividing Kollam, and Manjeri by combining hilly areas of Malappuram.

The decision will be taken after considering the upcoming census. A committee headed by the Land Revenue Commissioner will study district formation and the expenses involved. Administrative convenience, travel difficulties faced by people, and geographical factors will be considered while creating new districts and taluks.

The push for a separate Tirur district, encompassing the Tanur, Tirurangadi, and Ponnani taluks, was brought to the Kerala Assembly by K.N.A. Khader in 2019. The Malappuram district panchayat had also passed a resolution on the demand in 2015.

When Malappuram district was formed on June 5, 1969, by dividing parts of Palakkad and Kozhikode districts, its population was around 14 lakh. The population has now increased more than three times. Today, Malappuram has the highest population among Kerala districts and is the third largest district in terms of area.

Former Chief Minister K. Karunakaran had announced the formation of Muvattupuzha district in 1982. However, the proposal was dropped after opposition from leaders including P.J. Joseph, who argued that adding Thodupuzha would make Idukki a Tamil-majority region. Joseph Vazhakkan had also demanded a separate agricultural district for the development of eastern Ernakulam.

Parts of Palakkad and Thrissur districts will also be included

1. Malappuram district, which has a population of around 47 lakh and an area of 3,550 sq km, may be divided to form a new district with Tirur as the headquarters.
2. Some areas from Palakkad and Thrissur districts, which together have a population of over 30 lakh, may also be added to the new district. This possibility is under consideration.
3. A Muvattupuzha district may be formed by combining Muvattupuzha, Kothamangalam, and Piravom assembly constituencies from Ernakulam district, along with parts of Perumbavoor.

Huge financial cost

• New districts will require facilities such as civil stations, collectorates, SP offices, hospitals, and government offices.
• A large number of new government posts will also have to be created. The main benefit will be easier access to government services for people.
• Kerala had only five districts when the state was formed. Kasaragod was the last district created in 1984.

Kerala has fewer districts compared to other states
State Population (Crore) Number of Districts
Tamil Nadu...…….....7.76..........................38
Karnataka......……....6.1.....................…...31
Rajasthan.................4.5.....................…...50
Telangana......……...3.8............................33
Assam.........….........3.6..................….…..35
Jharkhand...….........3.4.............................24
Andhra Pradesh.......3.6......………............26
Kerala............…...….3.5................…........14