Tarur
Grama Panchayat

Tarur is a panchayat located in the midland region based on its geographical features. It is characterized by numerous hills, small mountains, valleys, and plains. One of the major water sources of the panchayat is the Gayathripuzha River, which forms its western boundary. Another important water source is the Malampuzha (Choolannur) canal.

With abundant water availability, paddy cultivation is the primary agricultural activity in the panchayat. Other important crops include vegetables, rubber, cashew, mango, groundnut, and banana. About 20% of the total land area is covered by forests. The presence of many hills and elevated terrains is a distinct feature of Tarur’s geography. The panchayat is at the forefront in the agricultural sector.

Tarur Grama Panchayat was established in 1960. It has 16 wards and covers an area of 34.72 square kilometers. Out of the total population of 24,327, there are 11,708 males and 12,619 females. The literacy rate is 67%.

The main source of drinking water is wells. There are 75 public wells and 34 public drinking water taps available for clean water supply. The Choolannur Peafowl Sanctuary and the banks of the Gayathripuzha are important tourist attractions in the panchayat.

In the public distribution sector, there are 11 ration shops and one Maveli Store functioning in the area. To ensure safe travel at night, 333 streetlights have been installed across the panchayat.

Although there are no major large-scale industries, several small-scale units such as pottery making, khadi production, and spinning operate in the panchayat. Mat weaving continues as a traditional industry. After agriculture, these small-scale and traditional industries serve as important sources of livelihood. There is also good potential for small industries like rice mills.

Modern education in the panchayat began with the establishment of Tarur Elementary School in 1913. The second school, Athippotta L.P. School, was established in 1917. As of 2010, there are 7 government educational institutions including L.P., U.P., and High Schools, while no significant private institutions have been established recently.

For animal husbandry, a veterinary hospital operates at Athippotta under the Animal Husbandry Department. A branch of Canara Bank functions at Pazhampalakode. Additionally, a Service Cooperative Bank branch operates at Pazhampalakode and an Urban Cooperative Bank branch at Thonipadam.

The panchayat has one auditorium owned by the local body, and two privately owned marriage halls at Pazhampalakode. The Electricity Board office is located at Padoor, the Krishi Bhavan at Ariyasseri, and the telephone exchange at Pazhampalakode. There are also two village offices (at Athippotta and Tarur) and five post offices within the panchayat.

Compared to earlier times, the transport sector has improved significantly. Although existing roads are motorable, further development is required. The Alathur–Tholanur Highway is the major road passing through the panchayat. The nearest railway station is Lakkidi, and the nearest port is Cochin Port.

Road transport is centered around three main locations: Pazhampalakode Bus Stand, Athippotta Bus Stand, and Tarur Bus Stand. In earlier times, ferry services operated at Kodathur Kadavu and Kuttillamukku Kadavu, but currently, there is no water transport system.

Athippotta Bridge and Kuruthikkode Bridge are important infrastructures that reflect the development in the transport sector. Pazhampalakode is a major commercial center, with markets also functioning at Athippotta and Pazhampalakode.

The panchayat has numerous places of worship belonging to different religions: 8 temples, 8 mosques, and 3 churches. Religious festivals and celebrations reflect the unity and cultural richness of the people. Major festivals include Pazhampalakode Vishuvela, Tarur Vela, Tarur Church Festival, and Ayyappan Vilakku.

Tarur has produced notable personalities such as K. P. Kesava Menon, a renowned writer, journalist, freedom fighter, and founder of Mathrubhumi, and Kosukkutti Menon, a freedom fighter. It is also a matter of pride that Shashi Tharoor, a well-known writer, social activist, and currently the Minister of State for External Affairs, hails from this region.

The K. P. Kesava Menon Auditorium is an important cultural institution. The Kosukkutti Menon Memorial Library and rural reading rooms at Pazhampalakode and Athippotta play a significant role in the cultural development of the panchayat.

In the healthcare sector, Tarur Panchayat is well-equipped. The Ayurvedic Hospital at Tarur and the Public Health Center at Pazhampalakode are key healthcare institutions.