After heavy monsoon rain, the water level in Periyar river increased considerably, and as usual, the water entered the Aluva Shiva Temple. Half of the Aluva Mahadeva Temple got submerged in water, and this situation is locally known as "Arattu". The water enters the temple during every rainy season, and it is quite a normal thing.
But still people have the memory of 2018 flood in their mind and when the water starts swallowing the temple, fear rises in the minds of the people. The images and videos given in this blog post shows the current situation of the Aluva Shiva Temple and Manappuram area today morning.
People are seen coming to Manappuram for their normal rituals, and there are certain people who have arrived to see the temple submerged in Periyar river water.
Aluva Shiva Temple and Manappuram Bridge
Aluva Manappuram after Water Resided
Aluva Manappuram
Aluva Shiva Temple Submerged in Water from Periyar River
A notification has been issued for acquisition of land for Aluva-Alangad road widening project. The District Collector has issued a Section 11 (1) notification for acquisition of 0.81 hectares of land in various survey numbers of Aluva West and Kadungallur villages. Minister P. Rajeev said that the project, which was only on paper for a long time, is reaching the construction stage because the state government has intervened with willpower. P. Rajeev also said that those who give away land for road development will be provided compensation as per the rules.
Angamaly P.W.D Land Acquisition Special Tehsildar is the Gold Valuation Officer. Complaints related to land acquisition should be submitted within 15 days. The social impact assessment under the Land Acquisition Act had already been completed and the expert committee had submitted its inspection report. The public hearing was last November. Those who participated in the public hearing expressed their approval of the plan and alignment prepared by the government. Industries Minister P Rajeev said that the remaining steps will be completed quickly to realize the long-term demand of road development.
The road will be 12 meters wide. A 12 meter wide road is envisaged along with seven meter wide tar road along with service road, drain cum footpath and cable duct. It was agreed to widen the road in a high-level meeting held in Thiruvananthapuram on October 13, 2021 after the last assembly elections. Following this, it was decided to speed up the further steps in the meeting of the representatives of the local bodies that the road passes through in Aluva. The approval of the Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department had already been received for the new alignment. Minister P. Rajeev also said that with the widening of the road in the Thottakkattukara-East Kadungalloor section, which is facing severe traffic jams, there will be more safe travel facilities.
Embarking on a road trip by car is not just about reaching a destination; it's about the journey itself, the moments woven between miles, the sights etched into memory, and the stories waiting to be told. And when the route winds through the picturesque landscapes of West Kadungalloor to the bustling Thottakkatukara Junction in Aluva, every turn unveils a new chapter of exploration.
Starting from West Kadungalloor, nestled in the verdant embrace of Kerala's countryside, the car journey commences with the gentle hum of the engine and the promise of adventure lingering in the air. As the wheels roll over the smooth tarmac, quaint villages pass by, each with its own unique charm and character. Palm-fringed roads sway in the breeze, and the sight of the residential and commercial buildings by the side of the road is something worth watching.
The road meanders through narrow but busy areas as the road is considerably narrow when commpared with the amount of daily traffic. The PWD has plans to increase the width of the route from Kadungalloor to Thottakkattukara in the near future, and once it is done, it will bring respite to the ever growing traffic blocks in this area.
As the journey progresses, the scenery undergoes a subtle transformation, giving way to the bustling town of Aluva. Here, the tempo picks up, and the streets thrum with life as vendors peddle their wares and locals go about their daily routines. The vibrant hues of the marketplaces and the rhythmic clang of metal against metal at the local workshops create a vibrant tableau of urban life against the backdrop of Kerala's rustic charm.
Finally, the journey culminates at Thottakkatukara Junction, a bustling hub where roads converge and journeys intersect with the National Highway 544 (formerly NH 47). Here, amid the hustle and bustle of traffic, one can't help but reflect on the moments spent traversing the scenic route from West Kadungalloor. Each bend in the road, each fleeting glimpse of the landscape, becomes a cherished memory, etched forever in the annals of travel. On the way, you can also see the famous and historic Sri Narasimha Swamy Temple in East Kadungalloor, that attracts believers from different places on a regular basis.
In retrospect, the journey from West Kadungalloor to Thottakkatukara Junction is not merely about covering a distance; it's about embracing the essence of exploration, immersing oneself in the beauty of Kerala's countryside, and savoring the joys of the open road. So, the next time wanderlust beckons, consider embarking on this scenic odyssey and discovering the wonders that lie between West Kadungalloor and Thottakkatukara Junction in Aluva.
Here is to a small video that tells more about this small trip from West Kadungalloor to Thottakkatukara junction that intersects that National Highway 544 or NH 544 in Aluva.
The Trip on a car from Aluva Marthandavarma Bridge to Petrol Pump Junction is something that really does not makes us bored. The Marthanda Varma Bridge is a twin-bridge located in the city of Aluva, in the Ernakulam district of Kerala, India. The Marthandavarma bridge lies on the National Highway 544 (or the old National Highway 47) connecting the banks of the Periyar river. The old bridge opened in June 1940 and is regarded the second arch bridge in Asia, which was built in memory of Marthanda Varma, the sculptor of Travancore.
A new bridge was constructed parallel to the old bridge to increase the traffic capabilities to four lanes, and was opened to the public in June 2002.
The Marthanda Varma Bridge is regarded as one of the important landmarks of Aluva town and played a major role in its development into an industrial city. It has been featured in many Malayalam films and several literary works.
The bridge is a popular tourist destination and offers a scenic view of the Periyar river and the surrounding area.
The Aluva Marthanda Varma bridge is also a popular spot for fishing and photography.
The route from Aluva Marthandavarma bridge to Pump junction helps you travel through the heart of the city and from the pump junction you can divert to the railway station and KSRTC bus station in Aluva. Apart from diverting to Aluva railway station and KSRTC bus station, one can also head towards Munnar hill station via Perumbavoor, and the route is one of the oldest one towards Munnar.
Aluva is under partial lock-down these days due to Corona virus effect and falls under the green zone areas that are recommended by the central Government. Here is how the road traffic looks in a rural place in Aluva during the Covid 19 lock down. The video is taken from a car trip that was done from Valavu bus stop in West Kadungalloor to Paravur Kavala in Aluva, a couple of days back.