Chokli
Grama Panchayat

Chokli Grama Panchayat is situated in Panur Block of Thalassery Taluk in Kannur District. Chokli Grama Panchayat, which falls within the jurisdiction of Chokli Village, has an area of 11.98 square kilometres. The boundaries of the Panchayat, which covers an area of 11.98 sq. km, are Panur Municipality to the east, the Mayyazhi River to the south, New Mahe Panchayat and a part of the Union Territory of Puducherry to the west, and Panniyannur and Panur Municipality to the north.

Chokli Panchayat was formed in 1979 by merging the Panchayats of Menapram and Olavilam. In 1979, the areas of Pallipram, Peringadi and Mangad, which were part of Chokli Panchayat, were included in New Mahe Panchayat, and Chokli Panchayat was formed with its present boundaries. There was once a check post near the present Chokli Registrar’s Office. The area came to be known as “Chowki Halli”, meaning a village with a chowki (check post). Later, the name was shortened and evolved into “Chokli”. The area was once home to what was considered the world’s largest centre of the cane industry.

Chokli Panchayat extends over an area of 1,198 hectares, stretching from Mayyazhi in the south to Vannathithodu in the north, and is predominantly a level plain. Kottalakkunnu in the Olavilam area, Thuluvar Kunnu in Olavilam, and the Laksham Veedu area in Kolayi are the only areas that can be considered elevated terrain. About 95% of the Panchayat is plain. Along the riverbank from Montal Bridge to Pathikkal, black alluvial soil is found, while the hilly areas have sandy soil and the low-lying areas have reddish soil mixed with gravel.

The present Panchayat Office building was inaugurated in 1974. The Cultural Centre was inaugurated on 16-11-1991. The Primary Health Centre was established in 1988. The Panchayat Children’s Home was inaugurated on 13-09-1993.

The Nidumbram Desam of Chokli Panchayat was formerly part of Panniyannur Desam, while Menapram Desam was part of Peringalam Desam. Menapram Desam was formed later. There was once a check post near the present Registrar’s Office. The area came to be known as “Chowki Halli” / “Chokna Halli”, meaning a village with a chowki (check post). Later, the name gradually evolved into “Chokli”.