Padmanabhapuram eyes balanced growth in infrastructure and development

Padmanabhapuram, the constituency that houses two of the primary reservoirs of Kanniyakumari district-Pechiparai and Perunchani dams is ramping up for the forthcoming Assembly elections, with the residents hoping for a term marked by steady progress in constituency across various sectors such employment, improved healthcare accessibility and more.

The Padmanabhapuram town once served as the capital of erstwhile Travancore kingdom, before the capital moved to Thiruvananthapuram in the late 18th century. However, in the post-independence era, especially in the last two decades, the constituency had been a stronghold of DMK, as it has consistently elected its MLA from DMK for the constituency since 2006.

However, for the forthcoming Assembly election, the seat has been allotted to CPI(M), from which R. Chellaswamy is contesting against the BJP Candidate P. Ramesh. This is one of the two constituencies in Tamil Nadu, in which CPI(M) is directly facing the political opponents of completely two different spectrums.

One of the primary issues in the constituency, which the residents are expecting a clear solution, and which has become key point for the opposition parties, is the quarrying in the Chithirancode to Valiyattumugam stretch. This has caused irreversible damage to the green and lush region and has raised serious concern among the residents.

Residents feel that even though the number of operating quarries have declined, the movement of mineral-laden vehicles has not come under any control.

T. Sounder Raj, a CPI(M) member from Kulasekaram said that these crushing units have caused a significant amount of damage to the region, including pollution, health hazards and other associated damages.

“Commuters passing through this route affect both during summer and rainy seasons, as in summer heavy dust pollution is a major concern while in the rainy season, the stretch is slushy and difficult to navigate,” he added.

Highlighting the need to upgrade facilities at the government hospital in Kulasekaram, he said that the people from Kulasekaram and from hill areas such as Modhiramalai, Puravilai and others are often referred to the government facility in Thuckalay or Vettumani for treatments.

“The people from the tribal settlement are already travelling more than 25 km to reach Kulasekaram. Adding to that they are referring to other distant facilities. At least services as such in Vettumani must be brought to the hospital,” he noted.

Mr. Raj has also emphasised the need to desilt Pechiparai and Perunchani dams in the constituency, as the desilting of these waterbodies are expected to create more capacity, which would be beneficial for residents and farmers across the district.

Rubber plantation

He further noted that the region is known for rubber plantation, and an establishment of industry based on rubber and its by-products would help generate local employment.

Rajan, a trader from Thuckalay pointed out the severe traffic congestion on Kanniyakumari-Thiruvananthapuram road. He noted that adequate measures must be taken to ease the congestion, which includes the strict monitoring to prevent the rampant parking of vehicles on both sides of the road, especially from Thuckalay Bus Stand to Sub Collector office.

C. Soundar Raj, a resident of Kani tribal settlement, Modhiramalai said, “The construction of small water conservation facilities like check dams in the hill area will be beneficial for the tribals for their agricultural activities.”

He added that the road from Zero Point to Kodhayar has been completely laid, bringing much relief for the residents of tribal settlements.

The constituency is also home to Thirparappu waterfalls, which attract thousands of tourists every day. However, local residents feel that the tourist spots such as Thirparappu waterfalls and Pechiparai can be better promoted, which will create livelihood opportunities for many residents.

“If the Pechiparai dam is developed with improved facilities supporting shops, it will attract many visitors. Products like dam fish and other goods from tribal settlements can provide significant livelihood opportunities ” said Arun, a resident of Kulasekaram.

He added that the region has aplenty of natural resources, which must be properly utilised to attract more revenue.

From regulating quarrying activities and improving healthcare access to promoting tourism, residents of the constituency are looking for steady and inclusive development.

Published – April 05, 2026 10:11 pm IST