Geography & Demographics
Vypen is a cluster of backwater islands near Kochi, with a mix of urban and rural settlements —
roughly 53% urban and 47% rural, per the 2011 census. In 2021, approximately 1.72 lakh electors
were registered—up from ~1.52 lakh in 2011 and ~1.64 lakh in 2016. The SC community forms about
11.9% (~19,500 voters) while ST presence is minimal (~0.3%). Literacy runs high (~95%+), consistent
with coastal Kerala norms.
Economic & Social Fabric
Vypen’s economy is rooted in the blue economy — fishing, backwater aquaculture, coastal
agriculture (coconut, pokkali rice), and small-scale tourism (Cherai Beach, Pallippuram Fort,
Njarakkal shores). Fisherfolk, toddy tappers, and wetland rice cultivators are active. There is
moderate NRI support and local retail & trade along ferry routes and island markets. The majority
fall into the middle-income bracket, with few highincome households and a contingent of BPL
families in villages facing lagoon flood vulnerability.
Political Representation
K. N. Unnikrishnan (CPI(M)) is the current MLA (2021), continuing a CPI(M) stronghold since 2011.
Historically, the constituency recorded 78%–80% voter turnout in both the 2016 and 2019 elections.
Recent Development Activity
 A coastal protection project spanning 22 Kerala beaches includes synthetic geotube
installations at Puthen Kadappuram, Veliyathan Parambu, and Cherai Beach in Vypen. This
₹100crore initiative, implemented via KSCADC, aims to curb erosion and boost fisheries and
tourism.
 Boat jetties at Mulavukad (Sissily), Ponjikkara North, and Hospital jetty have been fully
renovated (cost ~₹1.22 crore) to serve daily commuters and fishermen better. Premonsoon
dredging and canal cleanup (Operation Vahini) are wrapping up across Elamkunnapuzha and
other areas. In erosionprone wards (Edavanakkad, Nayarambalam, Njarakkal), geobag
installations and canal desilting are underway with ₹1.8 crore in funding.