The Indian Express               05.07.2013

Civic body gives nod, 7 more villages to be added to its limits

The state government had earlier sought the civic administration's opinion on the inclusion of more villages to the list of 28 villages proposed to be merged with PMC limits. In its response tabled in the standing committee meeting, Municipal Commissioner Mahesh Pathak said the seven villages were geographically located adjoining to the area earlier proposed to be merged in the civic jurisdiction and hence could be added to the list.

While Vadgaonsheri village had already got the civic administration's nod, Pathak said, the other six villages could be included in the PMC limits too. He, however, added: "Bringing more villages under PMC limits is going to put pressure on the existing civic facilities. Thus, there should be financial assistance to develop infrastructure to meet the demand for civic facilities in the newly proposed areas. Also, the strength of civic staff should be increased for strengthening civic facilities in the new areas and there should be an increase water quota for the city."

In October 2012, the state government notified its intention on inclusion of 28 more villages in the PMC jurisdiction and redefine the boundaries of the city in all directions. Later, the government received the demand for adding seven more villages to the list, after which it sought the civic administration's opinion on it.

In 1997, when the Shiv Sena-BJP combine was in power in the state, the PMC had decided to include 38 villages in its jurisdiction keeping in mind rapid urbanisation. However, 15 villages were dropped from the list following opposition from villagers.

In 2007, the civic administration proposed to bring these 15 villages under the PMC jurisdiction, but a lack of consensus on the issue delayed the decision. It came up for discussion again in December 2011 but a decision on it was further delayed by the elected representatives. The state government then added 13 villages to this list and later increased the number to 28, before proposing the inclusion of seven more villages.