Ponnani
Block Panchayat

Ponnani Block Panchayat

Comprehensive Development Through Public Participation

Ponnani Block Panchayat is located in Ponnani Taluk of Malappuram District. The Block Panchayat comprises four Grama Panchayats: Vattamkulam, Edappal, Kaladi, and Tavanur. Spread across the villages of Tavanur, Vattamkulam, Edappal, and Kaladi, Ponnani Block Panchayat has an area of 85.50 square kilometres and consists of 14 divisions.

Bharathapuzha lies to the north, Palakkad District to the east, Perumpadappu Block to the south, and Ponnani Municipality to the west. Certain areas of the Block are situated at an elevation of 15 to 20 metres above sea level.

The major soil types found in the region include sandy soil, acidic soil, and laterite soil. The western parts are generally level terrain. Moving towards the east, the land rises to elevations of 15 to 20 metres above sea level. Due to the coastal nature of the western region and the moderately hilly terrain in the east, the area has diverse soil types.

Ponnani has maintained extensive commercial relations with the Arab world since ancient times. It is also believed to be one of the regions where Arabian gold coins circulated in India. The widespread circulation of gold coins is associated with the origin of the name Ponnani.

Ponnani Block was formed in 1967. Initially, the Block included Ponnani, Ezhupathiruthy, Edappal, Vattamkulam, and Tavanur Panchayats, along with some wards of Maranchery Panchayat. Later, changes in the administrative boundaries occurred following the formation of Ponnani Municipality and the transfer of wards from Maranchery Panchayat to Perumpadappu Block. In 2000, Ezhupathiruthy Panchayat was merged with Ponnani Municipality, further reducing the administrative area of Ponnani Block.

Bharathapuzha meets the Arabian Sea at Ponnani. The region is rich in natural water resources, including the Ponnani Kole wetland areas, Biyyam Kayal, Ayinichira Kayal, and Manur Kayal.