The District is characterised by large migration of people from Kerala's
main land as also labourers from neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu.
About 3 decades ago almost all the present growth centres in the highland
region were thick forest. During 1890-1920 on account of plantation,
people came to this place to work in plantation, while during 1920-30
the migration was on account of the poverty, due to after effect of
World Wars. 1933-47 saw migration on a smaller extent for the reason
of Pallivasal Project. The Pallivassal Hydro-electric Project, the
first Hydro-electic Project of the State was initially constructed
by the Tea Companies for their industrial use. During 1946 Government
allotted forest land for 2000 persons while in 1950 Colonies were
established for Ex-servicemen. In 1951 under grow more Scheme 1500
acres of land was allotted to 1000 persons, which made more and more
people migrate to this District. During 1960 and 70's many migrated
on account of the construction of the Historic Arch Dam at Idukki.
From 1901 to 1971 the population of the district has increased about
16 times and is on a higher scale compared to the rate of growth of
population of the State.
Between 1971-81 the population of the district showed an increase
of about 27 percent as against an increase of 19 percent for the state
as a whole. Since most part of the district is covered with dense
forests and plantations there is lesser area for habitation. There
is also large scale conversion of forest areas into arable lands for
past two decades. This has resulted in the increase in population
in the hilly taluks of the district, especially in Udumbanchola and
eastern parts of Thodupuzha taluk. The establishment of the gigantic
Idukki Hydro-Electric Project in Thodupuzhs taluk also has influenced
the growth of population in the district. The inability of the industrial
sector in the district and neighbouring areas to absorb the labour
force also acted as a catalyst for the large scale encroachment of
forest areas
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