Keeriparai’s distancing from ‘fast cities’ keeps it COVID-free

Keeriparai, located amid the dense forest adjoining the Western Ghats in Thovalai block around 30 kms away from Nagercoil, with flora and fauna in abundance has 103 families with a total population of 550 people, most of whom are estate workers. 

Their main occupation is to maintain rubber estates and rubber tapping. Despite Kanniyakumari district recording a huge number of corona cases right from the beginning, this village escaped being infected. 

The residents claimed that none in the village have even experienced common fever and so the visiting hospitals have not been of use yet. 

“We live far from the crowded human habitat and lead a peaceful and healthy life with pure air, clean water and the serene environment. The water itself has a lot of medicinal value as it flows along the herbs available in the area and taking a bath in it would drive away any disease,” said Thangappan (54), a resident from Keeriparai. 

“We have heard of the disease through officials who came to visit us and created awareness among us. Since we have been practicing cleanliness, none in our village has any symptoms yet,” Thangappan said. 

Kannan, another resident, said, they depend on a few hospitals which are close by for emergencies and during the lockdown, they were given essential items by the district administration. 

“Until there is any emergency, we do not go out of the village and so there is no question of social distancing and quarantine,” Kannan added. A senior police officer told DT Next that these people never come out of their village unless there is a need. Since they all are estate workers, their owners take care of their requirements and their children who would live in hostels for studies are now with their parents as schools are closed. 

“They are very particular about their lifestyle and cleanliness, hence they hardly fall sick,” the official said.