സെന്റ് സെബാസ്റ്റ്യൻസ് എൽ.പി.സ്കൂൾ നീണ്ടകര/എന്റെ ഗ്രാമം

Neendakara

Neendakara is a historic coastal town in the Kollam district of Kerala, India. Known for its fishing port and scenic coastal landscape, Neendakara has a long and vibrant history tied to maritime activities, trade, and fishing.

Historical Sri Durga Devi Temple overlooking the seaParasuraman who is described as the creator of KeralaA legend exists that it was consecrated.Sri Velutambi Dalava who was a brave patriot escaped from the British attack and lived in hiding.It is located next to this panchayat.That area is known as Dalavapuram today.

Historically, Neendakara played a significant role as a port town, connecting Kerala to various parts of the world through trade. The name "Neendakara" is derived from the Malayalam words "neendu" (long) and "kara" (land), which refers to the long stretch of land extending into the sea. This geographic feature made it a strategic point for maritime trade, attracting merchants from the Middle East, China, and Europe. Some believe that Neendakara was a stop for ancient spice traders who ventured to Kerala in search of pepper, cardamom, and other spices.

Today, Neendakara is one of the largest fishing harbors in Kerala and is especially known for its rich fishing grounds. The harbor, established in the 1980s with Indo-Norwegian collaboration, transformed the fishing industry in the region, modernizing local fishing practices and creating economic growth.

The town is also significant for its scenic backwaters and as a spot where the Ashtamudi Lake meets the Arabian Sea, creating a beautiful estuarine ecosystem. This confluence supports a diverse range of marine and bird life, adding ecological value to the region.

Public Institutions

The main public institutions and facilities in Neendakara, excluding educational institutions:

1. Healthcare Facilities:

   - Community Health Center (CHC): A primary healthcare facility that provides general medical services to the residents.

   - Homoeopathy Hospital: Offers alternative medicine treatments, serving those who prefer homoeopathy.

   - Ayurveda Hospital: Provides traditional Ayurvedic treatments, which are popular in Kerala.

2. Fisheries Infrastructure:

   - Fishing Harbor and Landing Centers: Neendakara is famous for its large fishing harbor, a crucial point for fish landing and export, with facilities supporting the fishing fleet.

   - Ice Plants and Cold Storage: Essential for preserving the catch, Neendakara has several ice plants, making it one of the most well-equipped fishing villages.

   - Artificial Reefs and Solar-Powered Streetlights: Part of an effort to promote sustainable fishing and energy use within the fisheries sector.

3. Public Utility Services:

   - Street Lighting and Electrification: The village is equipped with numerous street lights, including solar-powered options, with ongoing upgrades.

   - Roads and Maintenance: Roads like Musaliar Road and Beach Road connect Neendakara to nearby areas, with regular maintenance needs.

4. Public Welfare Programs:

   - Fisheries Welfare Programs: Neendakara’s fisherfolk benefit from insurance and pension schemes managed by the Fisheries Board (Matsya Board), including coverage for old age and widow pensions.

   - Sanitation and Water Suppl: Facilities for sanitation and safe drinking water are present, with efforts to improve and expand these services regularly.

5. Coastal Protection and Disaster Management:

   - Seawall and Bio-Shield Projects: For coastal protection, Neendakara has seawalls to mitigate erosion and protect against flooding.

   - Communication Systems for Disaster Response: There are shore-to-vessel communication setups to ensure safety for the fisherfolk during emergencies.

These facilities and services make Neendakara a vital hub for both the local fishing community and the surrounding area.

Educational Institutions

In Neendakara, Kollam, several educational institutions serve the community. Prominent schools include:

1. St. Agnes G.H.S. School – This secondary school offers classes from grades 6 to 10 and is co-educational. It operates under the Kerala Board of Public Examinations and has facilities like a library and a playground, with computer-aided learning resources available. Established in 1948, the school has a rural setting and provides mid-day meals on-site​ .
2. St. Sebastian’s L.P.S. Neendakara – A primary school serving early education needs, focused on foundational academic skills and child development​.
3. G.L.P.S. Neendakara – Another government-run primary school providing education at the lower primary level and contributing to the local education landscape.