PCMC adds new villages
Earlier last month, it was reported that the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) had planned to merge 20 additional villages to its limits, as part of urbanization in the region. However, about fourteen villages included in the list, lying to the north of Pimpri-Chinchwad city, have opposed the move in fear of losing their agricultural land for civic amenities.
Chakan, Dehu, Kuruli, Nanekarwadi, Hinjewadi, Vitthalnagar, Khalumbe, Kadachiwadi, Chimbali, Mahalunge, Nighoje, Moyi, Kharabwadi, Kelgaon, Alandi, Gahunje, Maan, Marunji, Nere and Jambhe are the villages which were planned to be absorbed with the PCMC. Among these, Gahunje, Hinjewadi, Maan, Nere, Marunji and Jambhe lie to the south of the PCMC while Dehu, Vitthalnagar, Mhalunge, Nighoje, Moi, Kuruli, Nanekarwadi, Kharabwadi, Chakan, Kadachiwadi, Chimbli, Kelgaon, Alandi and Khalumbre lie to its north.
Reasons for opposition
While a few of the villages oppose the move stating that they already have sufficient resources to fund developmental projects in their lands, others have opposed the merger fearing that they would be thereafter left landless.
Letters opposing the merger of 14 villages into the PCMC limits along with the copies of resolutions were sent by an MLA to the municipal commissioner, chief minister, deputy chief minister, Pune divisional commissioner, district collector and the chief executive officer of Pune Zilla Parishad.
Advantages of merger
A healthy growth is promoted in the city by the expansion of borders. It not only improves the economic diversity but also plays an important role in rational urbanization. Reports reveal that overall live-ability quotient; including infrastructure and market potential of geographically expanding cities are much higher to those which do not expand in terms of area.
The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation has drafted the developmental plan with care, taking into consideration the growing residential, commercial and industrial needs of the city. Most of the localities that are planned to be merged with the existing villages of PCMC are popular for various reasons. While Dehu and Alandi are among the famous pilgrim destinations in the city, Chakan is well-known for its industries. Similarly, Maan and Hinjewadi are IT hubs and the presence of an international cricket stadium at Gahunje makes the locality famous. It is hoped that once these villages are merged with the PCMC, development would occur in a faster pace.
The proposal for merging the 14 villages that have raised opposition against the move would be tabled for approval at the next city improvement committee (CIC) meeting. The same will then be forwarded to the civic general body for further approvals.
