RIVERS

The following three important rivers flow through this district.

Manimala River

          The villages of Manimala, Mallappally, Kaviyoor, Kalloppara, Thalavadi, Kozhimukku and Champakulam lies in the course of the river Manimala, which has a length of 91.73 kms. and drainage area of 802.90 sq. kms.

Pamba River

          The river Pamba, which has its origin at Peerumedu, after traversing a distance of 177.08 kms. itself in the Vembanad lake. The catchment area of this river is 1987.17 sq. kms. And has a marginal length of 74.02 kms.

Achancovil River

          The Achancovil river on entering this district at about three miles from the west of Kaipattoor adopts a westerly course till it reaches Chennithala. After that it takes a southwesterly course and joins Pamba at Veeyapuram. The catchment area of this river is 1155.14 sq.kms. And has a marginal length of 32.19 kms.

LAKES:

Vembanad Lake

         The Vembanad lake stretching from Alappuzha to Cochin borders Cherthala, Ambalapuzha and Kuttanad taluks of this district.

Kayamkulam Lake

          Kayamkulam lake lies in both Alappuzha and Kollam districts.

          The lakes are used for inland water transport of passengers and cargo.

POPULATION

          According to 2001 census (bifurcated) Alappuzha district has got a population of 2,105,349. During the1981-91 decade this district showed the lowest growth rate. But as far as density of population is concerned, Alappuzha district stands 1489 persons per sq. km. while that of the State is only 819. The sex ratio recorded in this district is 1079 females to 1000 males.

SOCIOECONOMIC CONDITIONS

          Alappuzha is a backward district in terms of the standard of living of the people. The majority of population of the district comprises, agricultural labourers and coir workers. Most of these people live in huts, which, by any standard, are not worth living. Though literacy rate in Alleppey district is in the second rank as compared to other districts, employment rate is not proportionate to the literacy rate. The awareness of democratic equality and the land reform measures offered a feeling to the individual that each is equal to anybody else. The high literacy level coupled with the achievements of the labour class has speeded up the breakdown of the coterie of casteism and landlordism in the district.