A natural ‘poonchira’ (check-dam) that passed into history at Ilaveezhapoonchira, near Thodupuzha, has got a rebirth. Myth and history intermingle at this scenic spot, located 3,200 ft above sea level in Kottayam district, bordering Idukki.
Though the older generation claims the existence of the natural check-dam, it was filled with mud and rubble over the passage of years. How the perennial water source sustained itself on the peak of the hill, however, remains a mystery. The Minor Irrigation Department has tapped it now without disturbing the natural beauty or land pattern. The apple-shaped poonchira now has 1.75 lakh litres that can provide water to the entire low-lying areas during the extreme drought season.
The myth regarding Ilaveezhapoonchira is that Panchali, along with the five Pandavas, visited the hilltop during the days of ‘vanavasa’ and had a bath in the natural poonchira. The water was clear and pure, without a leaf in it — giving it the name Ilaveezhapoonchira.
Work on the project was started two years ago and only the boundary wall, a curve and some finishing works remain. The idea of a natural poonchira was conceived by the then Kottayam District Collector U.V. Jose, who had specifically directed that the new poonchira should not mar the natural landscape. The engineers of the Minor Irrigation Department were surprised when they noticed that the poonchira was filled with water even during extreme drought conditions.
An engineer at the site told The Hindu that it was interesting to study the water preservation capacity in the area. All the rainwater was absorbed by the poonchira and stored for the summer days. The soil condition and its natural landscape pattern could be a reason, he said adding that one of the tributaries of the Thodupuzhayar had its origins in the poonchira . The water may have moved through the underground stream, making it the perennial source.
A visit to Ilaveezhapoonchira is rejuvenating with its cool climate, mist and the rhythmic murmuring of the wind. From the grasslands, one can see three districts — Idukki, Ernakulam and Kottayam. Though the poonchira is in Kottayam district, a large portion of Ilaveezhapoonchira lies in Idukki. One can reach Ilaveezhapoonchira via Kanjar travelling 23 km from Thodupuzha or from Muttom via Melukavu covering 21 km.
