Geography and Map
Topography and Location
Situated as part of the Wayanad Plateau, Muttil Grama Panchayat is located at latitude 11.64° and longitude 76.11°, at an average elevation of 750 meters above sea level. The diverse topography of this region is characterized by large hills, valleys, plains, and water bodies.
The famous Muttilmala is located in the southwestern part of the panchayat. Standing at 1,270 meters above sea level, Muttilmala is the highest point in this area. A forest area lies adjacent to this hill, making it a beautiful natural spot that attracts trekking enthusiasts.
As you move towards the eastern borders of the panchayat, the presence of water bodies becomes prominent. The water catchment area and the scenic shores of the Karapuzha Dam—one of India's prominent earth dams—fall within the boundaries of Muttil Panchayat. Apart from adding unique scenic beauty to the panchayat's landscape, the Karapuzha region plays a vital role in maintaining the local groundwater level. This sector is also witnessing significant tourism potential in connection with the Karapuzha Tourism Project.
Conversely, the lowest point in the panchayat is the Parallikkunnu paddy field area, which lies at an elevation of just 730 meters above sea level. The remaining parts of the panchayat consist of small and medium hill slopes, with beautiful paddy fields nestled between them.
Land Use and Agriculture
The total land area of Muttil Grama Panchayat is 4,685.5 hectares. Due to the presence of the Karapuzha water body and the fertile soil in the valleys, most of the land here is highly suitable for cultivation. The precise land-use statistics are detailed below:
- Cultivable Land: Out of the total area, 3,972 hectares of land are suitable for cultivation. However, farming is currently carried out on only 3,205 hectares. Approximately 20 hectares of cultivable land currently lie fallow. Agriculture can be expanded to more areas with the development of the Karapuzha Irrigation Project networks.
- Paddy Cultivation: The availability of water in the Karapuzha region and other valleys is highly favorable for paddy cultivation. Nevertheless, out of the total 1,220 hectares of paddy fields available in the panchayat, active paddy cultivation is currently carried out on only 188 hectares. The remaining paddy fields are progressively being converted for other cash crops.
- Forest and Other Sectors: The panchayat limits include 93.6 hectares of forest land, and 767 hectares of non-agricultural land used for non-farming purposes such as houses, institutions, and roads.
