Keralam CM’s remarks revive debate on ‘Muvattupuzha district’

Keralam Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan’s statement supporting the proposal for a new district centred around Muvattupuzha in Ernakulam has revived the discussions over the long-pending demand. His announcement that the government would appoint a Delimitation Commission to examine the proposal has given fresh hope to those who have been advocating the cause of an agrarian economy-based district even as concerns over its practical aspects remain to be addressed.Long-pending demandCongress leader and two-time Muvattupuzha MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan, one of the key proponents of the plan, has welcomed the Chief Minister’s comment saying it’s a long-pending demand of the people of the region. “A district centred around the agrarian region is a necessity. The urban areas of Ernakulam district often find priority in use of development funds, and the eastern region receives little. We have been highlighting the issues supported by data on relevant forums including district development committee,” he said.Though there is no clear picture on the proposed delimitation, initial talks suggest the possibility of carving out a new district with parts of taluks such as Muvattupuzha, Kothamangalam and Kunnathunad in Ernakulam and parts of Idukki district.Former State Chief Secretary Jiji Thomson, who started his administrative career as the Muvattupuzha Sub-Collector, is among those who welcomed the latest government initiative. He said the regions in the proposed district come around 2,500 sq km with a population of 12 lakh which make it a strong case for a separate district. Terming the western and eastern regions of Ernakulam “literally two worlds”, Mr. Thomson said the district administration often finds it difficult to divide time for the two sides equally. He said the situation might worsen once the proposals for developing the State into a maritime economy and aviation hub catch momentum as they are likely to be centred around Kochi city.The former bureaucrat highlighted the scope of the proposed new district as an economy centred around plantations, rubber and spices. “A focussed approach to develop the furniture industry in and around Perumbavoor and pineapple cultivation in Muvattupuzha can add to the financial prospects of the proposed district,” he said.He, however, pointed out the financial challenges in forming a new district, saying it would require around ₹450 crore to make it a reality with required infrastructure and offices. The Ernakulam district leadership of the CPI(M) has taken a cautious stand on the proposal. “There were similar discussions in the past too, but they had not made much progress. The party leadership will discuss the matter in detail and take a stand,” CPI(M) district secretary S. Sathish said. Published - August 24, 2026 09:15 pm IST