History of Block Panchayat
Located in the Devikulam taluk of Idukki district, the Adimali Block Panchayat has a rich history of transforming from a dense forest into a prominent commercial and administrative hub. Its evolution is deeply rooted in the lives of indigenous tribal communities and the resilience of early migrant farmers.
1. Early Identity and Tribal Heritage
Originally, the Adimali region was known as 'Mannamkandam'. As the name suggests, the 'Mannan' tribe was the primary indigenous community of this land, alongside other tribes like the 'Muthuvan'. Long before modern administrative systems were introduced, these communities lived in harmony with nature under a traditional tribal governance system led by chieftains known as 'Moopan' or 'Kaani'.
2. The High Range Migration
The landscape and demographics of Adimali began to shift drastically around the mid-20th century. During the 1940s and 1950s, the Government of Kerala encouraged people from midland regions to migrate to the High Ranges. Driven by the search for livelihood, thousands of hardworking farmers from places like Kottayam, Thodupuzha, Kothamangalam, and Muvattupuzha moved here.
Through their sheer grit, they cleared the dense wilderness and turned it into fertile agricultural land. Initially, paddy, black pepper, and cardamom were the staple crops, which later paved the way for rubber, cocoa, and banana cultivation.
3. Connectivity and Growth as a Commercial Hub
The turning point in Adimali’s commercial history was the development of the Kochi-Madurai National Highway (the old Aluva-Munnar Road, currently NH 85). What started as a small transit and resting point for travelers heading to Munnar slowly grew into the largest commercial center in the High Ranges. It became the central marketplace and economic lifeline for neighboring regions like Kunjithanny, Rajakkad, Santhanpara, Vellathooval, and Panickankudy.
4. Formation of the Block Panchayat
With the decentralization of power and the implementation of the Panchayati Raj system, the Adimali Block Panchayat was established to streamline local administration and rural development. Over time, the old Mannamkandam area evolved into the modern Adimali Grama Panchayat.
Today, the Adimali Block Panchayat exercises jurisdiction over the following Grama Panchayats:
Adimali
Pallivasal
Bison Valley
Vellathooval
Konnathady
Present Day
Today, Adimali stands as one of the most prominent hill-area Block Panchayats in Kerala. It strikes a unique balance between a thriving agrarian economy and a growing tourism sector, serving as the gateway to Munnar and hosting famous natural attractions like the Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls.