Whether the Government’s move is a bane or boon to the rural folk is a million dollar question.

While the government is contemplating to get additional funds from the Union Government by the merger, locals are fearing that the existing taxes may be raised.

Many panchayat members and presidents are apprehensive that they may lose their identity.

The district administration prepared the list of villages to be merged with the Municipal Corporation of Rajahmundry, Municipal Corporation of Kakinada and municipalities such as-- Amalapuram, Mandapeta, Ramachandrapuram, Samalkot, Peddapuram, Pithapuram and Tuni.

Meanwhile, the Government is trying to get people’s consent through grama sabhas to avoid any problems. Ramanaiahpeta, Vakalapudi, Valasapakala, Timmapuram, Sarpavaram, Ganganapalli, Swamy Nagar, Indrapalem, S Achtyutapuram, Chidiga, Kovvada, Turangi, Penumarthi, Tammavaram, Suryaraopeta, Nemam, Panduru, Madhavapatnam, Rameswaram, Nadakuduru, Artlakatla, Kovvur, Repuru, Chollangi and Uppulanka villages will be merged with the Municipal Corporation of Kakinada.

While Dowleswaram, Bommur, Hukumpeta, Pidimgoyy, Satellitcity, Kolamur, Katheru, Rajanagaram, Palacharla, Diwanchervu, Lalachervu and Vemagiri will be merged with Municipal Corporation of Rajahmundry.

In the wake of the government’s move, some village panchayats are demanding an assurance from the government not to raise taxes for the next 10 years.

The Government is expecting funds for projects like Integrated Housing Slum Development Project, Andhra Pradesh Urban Infrastructure Project, Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for Small and Medium Towns if the villages are merged with the urban areas.

According to sources, the stage has been set to merge villages with urban areas and the list of villages has been finalised.