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The diocese of Idukki was erected by His Holiness Pope John
Paul II bifurcating the diocese of Kothamangalam. The bull of creation
‘Maturescens Catholica Fides’ was promulgated on 19-12-2002, the
declaration was on 15-01-2003 and the Eparchy was inaugurated on
02-03-2003. The eparchy is dedicated to MAR SLIBHA.
Nature and specialty of the area
The name of the district 'Idukki' is supposed to be derived from the
Malayalam word 'idukku' which means a narrow gorge. The river Periyar,
which is one of the largest rivers of Kerala, is flowing through
Idukki and the gorge formed between the two high massive hills called
"Kuravan" and "Kurathi", is the site of the gigantic Idukki Arch Dam.
The total area of the diocese is covered by the mountainous hills and
valleys, and dense forests. Due to its special landscape it is known
as the Diocese of the Mountains.
High Ranges vary in altitude from 2000 ft above mean sea level (M S L)
to more than 6000 ft. The different levels of elevation promote the
diversity of vegetation in this region. The hills touching the skies
and being skirted round with thick rain- fed sylvan forests render a
specific charm to the region. The climate is comparatively moderate
with a temperature varying between 5 to 30 degrees. However, in the
hot summer the days are very warm. The nights have a moderate
temperature. In peaks above an elevation of 2400 m. the temperature at
times goes down to below zero in the cold months of December and
January. Occurrence of mist is usual in the high range region.
Geographical structure of the Diocese
The Eparchy of Idukki lies extended covering an area of about 3000 sq.
km. The Eparchy is situated in the eastern part of Kerala, surrounded
by the eparchies of Kothamangalam, Kanjirappally, Pala and the
Archdiocese of Madura. The boundaries of the diocese are:
North: Cheeyapara-Uzhuvathadam river
East: Kerala Tamilnadu boundary
West: Boundary of Kanjikkuzhi and Vazhathope Panchayats
South: Kinginithode- Vazhipuzha Rivers and the eastern boundary of
Arakulam village, and Idukki Dam
The Languages spoken are Malayalam 95% and Tamil 5%. The figures in
the list can vary slightly.
Parishes and Mission Stations
The Diocese is organized under 135 parishes and mission stations
spread over 10 proto-presbyterates
Migration to the High Ranges
The district is a place of large migration of people from Kerala's
main land and labourers from the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu.
About five decades ago almost all the present growth centers in the
high range region were thick forests. During 1890-1920, on account of
plantation of tea and cardamom, some people came to this place to work
in the estates. 1933-47 saw migration on a smaller extent due to the
Pallivasal Hydro-Electric Project. During 1940-60 the migration was on
account of poverty due to the after effects of the Second World War.
During 1946 Government allotted forestland for 2000 families while in
1950 Colonies were established especially for Ex-servicemen.
In 1951 under Grow More Food Scheme 1500 acres of land was allotted to
1000 families, which made more and more people migrate to this
district. During 1960’s and 70's many migrated on account of the
construction of the Idukki Arch Dam.
Increased migration caused increase in population in the hilly Taluks
of the district, especially Udumbanchola and the eastern parts of
Thodupuzha Taluk from 1970 onwards. Lack of industries in the district
and the inability of neighboring areas to absorb the labour force, and
the backwardness in the educational realm also acted as a catalyst for
the large-scale encroachment of forest areas.
The economy of the region
The economy of Idukki in the high ranges is predominantly agrarian:
cardamom, tea, pepper, coffee, ginger, and vegetables are the most
important agricultural products of the district. Farmers and
agricultural labourers constitute about 80% of the population. More
than half of them have only less than half a hector of land to
cultivate and a large number of them are daily wage workers. In recent
times there is a boom in tourist interest in the region due to the
natural beauty of the region.
Culture
Idukki is having a mixed culture due to the large scale migration to
the district from different parts of Kerala and from the neighboring
State of Tamilnadu. Christians, Hindus, and Muslims are the three
dominant religious groups in this region. Majority of the Christians
are middle class farmers
Address:
Bishop's House,
Karimban, Manippara P.O.,
Idukki - 685 602,
Kerala, India
Tel: +91 486 - 2230266, 230204, 230100 (P)Fax: +91 486 - 2230100
Web Site:
http://www.idukkidiocese.org
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