Panniyannur
Grama Panchayat

Physical Features

Panniyannur Grama Panchayat is situated in the southern part of Kannur District, approximately 7 km east of the Arabian Sea. The Panchayat lies between 11°43′ and 11°46′ North latitude and between 75°32′ and 75°34′ East longitude. The total area of the Panchayat is 10.02 square kilometres.

The major portion of the Panchayat consists of plateau areas with an elevation of less than 20 metres. The hill range located approximately in the central part of the Panchayat directs the natural drainage towards Mahithodu in the south-eastern direction and towards Chadalapuzha (Thalassery River) in the north-western direction.

Boundaries

The Panchayat is bounded by Kadirur and Mokeri Grama Panchayats to the north, Chokli Grama Panchayat to the south, Panoor Municipality to the east, and Mahe, a Union Territory, to the west.

Chadalapuzha (Thalassery River) flows along the north-western boundary of the Panchayat.

Based on the physical features, the Panchayat can be divided into three geographical zones:

1. High Laterite Plateau
2. Sloping Region
3. Low-lying Plain

The area of each zone is given below.

Table 1 – Physical Features

Elevation Categories

1. Areas up to 20 metres above sea level
2. Areas between 20 and 40 metres
3. Areas above 40 metres

Most of the Panchayat area falls under the first category. Certain parts of Kottakunnu in Ward No. 6, Mayiladikkunnu in Ward No. 8, and the Mullakkad area in Wards 4 and 5 have an elevation of more than 40 metres. Water availability is comparatively low in these areas.

Approximately 70% of the Panchayat area has laterite-type red soil. In some places, the soil is mixed with gravel, while in other areas it is mixed with sand. The remaining areas consist mainly of alluvial soil.

The types and extent of the surface soil are given below.

Table 2 – Types of Soil