Heritage sites are considered as worthy conservational objects which are located on the different geographical landscapes. They are mainly seems to be monuments or cultural sites that makes sense to groups of settlements belonging to many generations. Proper maintenance of past records to new generation may helps to the integration and association of new meanings which help to pave the way for bridging traditional and new information. Nowadays different types of natural disasters affect heritage sites and caused damages to its virginity, sanctity and beauty. UNESCO, World Heritage Centre and Tourism Industry are mainly concentrated for the promotion of such sites and taking initiation for the preservation. According to (1974) is: “culture is the man-made part of the environment.” In Cochin cultural tourism satisfies the visitors to make understand among the old properties, in terms of art, culture, history and architecture.

The present paper is an attempt to examine cultural heritage sites and its spatial distribution in the periphery of Cochin City with special reference to Chendamangalam Panchayath. In Kerala UNESCO designated sites like Jews settlements, SYNAGOGUS, PALACES, and FORTS are generally called as MUZIRIS SITES was a home to a multitude of faiths and cultures. The geographical position of Kerala between Arabian Sea in the west and Western Ghats in the east influenced the development of two natural or cultural sites. The location advantage and spatial distribution of heritage sites in the study area shows the chance of occurring natural disasters like flood using Geospatial techniques.

The present study is based on primary and secondary data. Primary data collection is based on GPS Survey, Field observation, Interviews, and the focus group discussion. Cartographic analysis was done with the help of geospatial techniques using Arc GIS software. The secondary data have been drawn from books, reports, articles, and newspapers.

The major injury faced by synagogue is the removal of plastering on the walls and paintings on the windows and doors. (fig- 1)

One of the famous handloom industries in Kerala is a Chendamangalam handloom which is affected by flood during the year 2018 and it is the only place where the traditional handloom weaving was carried out in the State. The industry has been associated with the rulers of Paliam family, who have been used handloom cloths in early times. The weavers of Chendamangalam were migrated from Tamil Nadu by the order of Paliath Achans. It is estimated that six hundred weavers spread across in the societies are engaged in traditional handloom weaving. At the time of flood around 255 looms of seven cooperative societies had totally damaged due to the water level of 6ft. Stock worth of 75lakh to 1 Crore including the finished the products like dothis, sarees etc. were lost during the flooding.

They are located North Eastern part of the study area and the palace was the official seat of Paliath Achans, who were resided at Chendamangalam in the period of 1662 to 1809.Paliath Achans, who were the prime ministers of the Kochi kings. The special attraction of this heritage site is with its architecture, includes Kerala style as well as Dutch. The ground floor of the palace was totally affected by flood (2018) with the water level of 5ft.and most of the valuable things like manuscripts, artifacts were spoiled. It is estimated that about 50lakh loss occurred at the time of flood and it is the heavy loss for the future generation. Nalukettu is a traditional home where several generations of a joint family lived together. It was built in 1786 and consists of a main house along with four blocks-Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western. Due to the proximity of Paliam ferry and the adjacent canals were paved the way for occurring flood in 2018 with the water level of 3 ft.(figure :1)

It is the only site which is repeatedly affected by flood during 2018 and 2019. During the time water was raised at the level of 9 ft. and 3 ft. respectively due to the presence of nearby River Periyar. Both boat jetty and office of Tourism Promotion Council (Nakshathra Holidays & Resorts) were severely affected. Mosque is another important religious place located here but because of the management of construction in the elevated spot is not affected much during flood. Even though the premises of mosque especially on the slope is much affected by river water during 2018 &19 repeatedly.

Figure 3

The study concluded that proper identification is needed for protecting heritage monuments and sites from all possible disasters. In the study area water logging and flooding by heavy rainfall caused threat to life and cultural wealth due to climate change. Flooding would be devastated for cultural institutions, historical monuments and manuscripts and there is a possibility of flood soon after monsoon rains in Kerala. It is necessary to introduce basic tactics for saving life and property protection mission in the wake of a disaster in the study area. The major challenges are Lack of understanding and appreciation of cultural monuments and buildings. Identifying worst affected cultural heritage centers, sites and monuments needs preparedness in advance to limit the damages. The well preserved heritage sites like synagogues, palaces, Nalukettu are the sources of repository genetic materials needs more conservation in the study area.

The major suggestions are to protect drainage channels blocked due to sea wages in all streams in the study area. Flooding would promote the growth of fungi and affects artifacts of organic origin needs more conservation measures scientifically. Advices should be taken from conservators and conserving agencies in order to save flood affected painting on the external walls and doors. Moreover water proofing walls and roofs helps to prevent damage from floods and heavy rain falls. Water level indicators to forewarn of floods should be needed. Maintaining micro film copies of manuscripts and cultural reports in a separate location may be recommended. It is necessary to develop a mitigation plan for repairing and restoring process through major strategies and tactics for immediate evacuation. Finally it can be achieved by communication of plans to all employees in the related institution using model posters and banners. Educating the visitors towards disaster mitigation and giving train to employees.