Farmers’ groups, Catholic Church, and local MLA from Keralam demand an exclusively high-range district

D. Babu Paul, the first District Collector of Idukki, hoists the National Flag, announcing the formation of the district on January 26, 1972. | Photo Credit: File photo Special Arrangement As discussions gain traction over carving out Thodupuzha to create the proposed Muvattupuzha district, local stakeholders, including farmer groups, Udumbanchola MLA Senapathi Venu, and the Idukki diocese under the Syro-Malabar Church, are supporting the move, demanding an exclusively high-range district.The proposal gained momentum recently when Congress MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan, speaking at an event in Muvattupuzha, urged the State government to consider forming a new district comprising parts of Ernakulam, Idukki, and Kottayam. In response, ChiefMinister V. D. Satheesan said the demand warrants consideration and called on the government to appoint a delimitation commission.The Syro-Malabar Catholic diocese of Idukki, which has a significant presence across the high ranges and regularly intervenes in regional land disputes, has also backed the bifurcation.Fr. Jins Karakkatt, director of the Idukki Diocese Media Commission, said carving out a dedicated high-range district would accelerate regional development.“The climate, geographical challenges, and farming practices in Thodupuzha differ entirely from the high-range areas. When land-related issues arise, they rarely affect Thodupuzha,” Fr. Karakkatt said.He added that most political leaders at present hail from the low ranges and lack a nuanced understanding of high-range issues. “Forming a high-range-centric district will help nurture political leadership from within the region itself,” he said.In 2023, Idukki reclaimed its status as Keralam’s largest district after the State government transferred 12,718.5 hectares from Kuttampuzha panchayat in Ernakulam district to Edamalakkudy panchayat in Devikulam taluk. The transfer expanded Idukki’s total land area from 4,48,504.64 hectares to 4,61,223.15 hectares.Demographically, Devikulam, Udumbanchola, and Peerumade have large populations of Tamil plantation workers, whereas the Idukki constituency serves as a hub for settler farmers. Due to the rugged terrain and remote geography, traveling between these constituencies often takes five to six hours.Mr. Venu said a dedicated hill district was essential to guarantee development across the region. “Thodupuzha town should be separated from Idukki to establish an exclusive high-range district,” said the MLA.Rasak Chooravelil, chairperson of the Idukki Land Freedom Movement (ILFM), also endorsed the restructuring: “Thodupuzha has a distinct culture and lifestyle that differ from the core identity of the high ranges.”However, the proposal has encountered stiff resistance from both the Kerala Congress (KC) and Kerala Congress (M) [KC(M)]. Speaking to reporters in Thodupuzha, KC chairperson P. J. Joseph argued that detaching Thodupuzha would amount to “tearing away the very heart and soul of Idukki district.”Meanwhile, KC(M) chairperson Jose K. Mani questioned the need for a separate Muvattupuzha district, reiterating that his party also opposes detaching Thodupuzha from Idukki. Political observers attribute the resistance from both the KC and KC(M) to fear of losing their electoral stronghold in the region.Idukki MP Dean Kuriakose took a measured stance on the issue. “While the proposal for Muvattupuzha district is being discussed,I support the sentiments of the people of Thodupuzha.The government has already announced plans for a delimitation commission to study the reorganisation of districts, and we should wait for its report,” Mr. Kuriakose said.Idukki district was formally established on January 26, 1972. Published - September 03, 2026 07:30 am IST