| Article Title |
Spatial analysis of accessibility disparities to basic facilities among Adivasi settlements using GIS in Kottathara Panchayat, Wayanad, India |
| Author(s) | Aswathi Balakrishnan, Sarath Chandran. |
| Country | India |
| Abstract | Spatial accessibility to essential services is a crucial determinant of socio-economic development among Adivasi communities. This study examines disparities in accessibility to basic infrastructural facilities among Adivasi settlements in Kottathara Panchayat, located in the Wayanad district. Despite Kerala’s overall progress in human development, tribal communities in Wayanad continue to experience spatial marginalisation due to geographical isolation, rugged terrain, and inadequate road connectivity. The study aims to assess inter- community variations in access to schools, primary health centres, administrative offices, and financial institutions. The research integrates primary and secondary data within a Geographic Information System (GIS) framework. All 98 Adivasi colonies were geo-located using GPS, and road networks were digitised to conduct network-based closest facility analysis. A stratified random sample of 274 households representing major communities’ like Kurichiya, Paniya, Kattunayakar, Uraalikurumar, and Kurichiya converts was surveyed to contextualise spatial findings. Average road distance to major facilities was used as the principal indicator of accessibility. Results reveal significant spatial inequality shaped by settlement location, slope conditions, and infrastructure availability. Paniya settlements exhibit relatively better accessibility (6.25 km), whereas Uraalikurumar settlements record the highest average distance (8.86 km). Although Kattunayakar settlements show moderate average distance (7.73 km), their lack of formal road connectivity makes them the most physically isolated. Overall, 22 colonies lack direct road access. The study highlights the need for targeted infrastructure planning to reduce spatial exclusion and promote inclusive development. |
| Area | Human Geography |
| Issue | Volume 3, Issue 1 (January - March 2026) |
| Published | 2026/03/14 |
| How to Cite | Balakrishnan, A., & Chandran, S.. (2026). Spatial analysis of accessibility disparities to basic facilities among Adivasi settlements using GIS in Kottathara Panchayat, Wayanad, India. Cosmos: A Journal of Geography, 3(1), 44-58, DOI: https://doi.org/10.70558/COSMOS.2026.v3.i1.25443. |
| DOI | 10.70558/COSMOS.2026.v3.i1.25443 |
Cosmos: A Journal of Geography
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