Pune: Revised Delimitation Proposal for Chakan Municipal Council Sent to Urban Development Department

Sumit Singh

Chakan, 17th December 2023: The District Collector’s Office has forwarded a revised proposal concerning the proposed delimitation of Chakan Municipal Council in Khed Taluka of Pune District to the Urban Development Department of Maharashtra at Mantralaya, Mumbai.

Earlier, the Chakan Nagar Parishad at Khed had passed a general resolution advocating for an increase in limits. The unanimous approval of the proposal to expand the boundaries of Chakan Nagar Parishad by incorporating sixteen adjacent villages marked a significant development. It was suggested that integrating these villages into the city council and adjusting the boundary limits accordingly would be appropriate.

The combined population of the sixteen villages stands at approximately 82,865. Given that nearly fifty percent of non-agricultural employment is prevalent in these villages, the Urban Development Department has been apprised that there should be no objection to expanding the municipal council limits. Notable villages to be included in the extension are Kadachiwadi, Medankarwadi, Nanekarwadi, Kharabwadi, Chimbli, Kuruli, Moi, Nighoje, Mahalunge, Khalumbre, Ambethan, Biradwadi, Gonwadi, Pimpri Khurd, Rohkal, and Waki Khurd.

While Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) had previously suggested keeping these villages within the PMRDA, the Gram Panchayats and villagers of the concerned areas have not officially demanded inclusion in Chakan Nagar Parishad. No consultations or exchanges have occurred with the respective Gram Panchayats in this regard. The decision to increase the limit was made five years ago by the municipal council, although the villages slated for inclusion have expressed opposition.

A recent meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar discussed the matter, with Khed MLA Dilip Mohite and department officials in attendance. Pawar directed the government to formulate a proposal for expanding the limits of Chakan Nagar Parishad and establishing Chakan-Alandi Municipal Corporation. The Chakan Municipal Council, operating smoothly for eight years since its establishment, faces challenges in providing adequate infrastructure to the large industrial area within the Gram Panchayat limits.

Gram Panchayats, facing financial constraints from the Zilla Parishad, are unable to furnish essential facilities like roads, water supply, sewage systems, and solid waste management. Consequently, adjacent Gram Panchayats have stagnated, placing pressure on the municipal council to offer additional amenities. The existing independent planning authorities of Municipal Council and Gram Panchayat have impeded proper development, leading to a fragmented urbanization pattern in Chakan city.

Post-delimitation, the villages included in the municipal council will receive substantial funds, facilitating improved infrastructure. This, in turn, will empower the city council to provide better amenities such as roads, water supply, sewage systems, and solid waste management. The proposal, aligned with the directive of Deputy Chief Minister Pawar, has been submitted to the collector’s office with a newly revised resolution for increasing the city council’s limits.

Collector Dr. Rajesh Deshmukh expressed the opinion that considering the demands of people representatives and citizens, it would be appropriate to proceed with the proposed delimitation of Chakan Nagar Parishad. The Collector’s office is now recommending further action in accordance with the rules based on the proposal submitted by the Chief Executive Officer of Chakan Municipal Council.

Advocate Nilesh Kad, a social activist from Chakan and District Congress spokesperson, has consistently advocated for the expansion of Chakan Municipal Council and the inclusion of sixteen villages. He emphasizes the need to enhance municipal council limits for citizens to access essential facilities and amenities. Kad urges the government to effectively communicate the advantages of this expansion to the concerned Gram Panchayats and ensure a thoughtful consideration of citizens’ interests.

Despite some opposition from certain village panchayats, it is evident that the majority of citizens and the working class support the inclusion of Chakan Municipal Council in the delimitation process. Citizens and workers advocate for government consideration in this matter, anticipating positive changes and improvements in the wake of the municipal council’s expansion.