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Trichy Corporation is set to expand its jurisdiction by merging 22 village panchayats from four different panchayat unions, mainly in the northern and western regions. The expansion comes after a preliminary study in 2021 and the finalisation of the plan by the state government. While some urbanised panchayats will be fully merged, others, like Navalpattu and Kumbakudi, will undergo partial mergers. Concerns have emerged regarding the impact on residents, particularly those in rural panchayats who fear an increase in taxes and loss of government benefits. However, urban panchayats welcome the changes, seeing potential improvements in infrastructure.
Trichy Corporation is gearing up for an expansion after 14 years by merging 22 village panchayats from four different panchayat unions, primarily in the northern and western parts of the city. Initially, 25 panchayats were considered for inclusion, but the municipal administration department has now finalised 20 for a full merger, with two others being partially merged due to their urbanisation levels. Advertisement
Back in 2011, Trichy's area increased from 146 square kilometres to 167 square kilometres after the addition of four panchayats and the Thiruverumbur town panchayat. However, aside from Panjapur, the city faced a shortage of land for implementing new projects. To address this, the city conducted a preliminary study for expansion in July 2021.
Following the study, the state government has decided to merge 22 village panchayats. Among these, urbanised panchayats like Nachikurichi, Kambarasampettai, Mutharasanallur, Somarasampettai, Gundur, Thalakudi, and Pitchandarkoil will be completely merged with the city. The partial mergers will involve Navalpattu and Kumbakudi.
A senior corporation official mentioned that the government will soon communicate about the possible increase in the number of wards, from 65 to 100. A resolution will be passed in the council soon, and a study will follow to determine ward delimitation. Some villages that were initially considered for expansion, such as Thayanur, Madakudi, Mekkudi, Solamadevi, and Manikandam, have now been excluded from the merger plans.
While a few urbanised village panchayats are eager for the merger, some residents are concerned. K Shanmuganathan, secretary of the Vasan Valley Residents' Welfare Association in Nachikurichi and Malliyampathu, stated that many residents have been waiting for improvements such as proper roads and streetlights. They are willing to accept a tax increase if these issues are addressed.
However, residents of more rural panchayats like Valadi, Nerunjalakudi, and Adavathur are uncertain about the merger. G Gunasekaran, a farmer from Nerunjalakudi, expressed concerns about losing benefits from schemes like MGNREGA, which could significantly affect senior citizens. The increase in property and water taxes is another worry for many. While landowners might benefit from a rise in property value, tenants may not share the same advantages.
Currently, residents of village panchayats pay an annual property tax ranging from INR 220 to INR 1,000, and water charges amount to INR 720. With most of these panchayats already having basic infrastructure for drinking water supply, the corporation will mainly face challenges in developing new roads and improving solid waste management. Many panchayats are still dumping waste on the roads due to a lack of proper infrastructure for waste recycling.
Trichy's upcoming boundary expansion, involving the merger of 22 village panchayats, aims to address the city's growth challenges and improve infrastructure in urbanised areas. While some residents welcome the changes, others-especially in rural panchayats-are concerned about increased taxes and the loss of government benefits. The corporation will need to overcome challenges such as developing new roads and improving waste management to ensure smooth integration. As the city moves forward with the expansion, the focus will be on balancing urban development with the needs of its diverse residents.
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