Mega Merger Proposed in Coimbatore City: Huge Administrative Expansion on the Horizon
Coimbatore, known as the Manchester of South India, is abuzz with the news of a proposed merger plan by the Coimbatore City Corporation. If approved, this amalgamation would make the city the largest civic body in Tamil Nadu. The plan, presented to the state government, outlines the merger of one municipality, four town panchayats, and 11 village panchayats with the existing city limits. With this expansion, Coimbatore’s administrative area will increase from 257.04 square kilometers to a whopping 438.54 square kilometers, surpassing the size of the Greater Chennai Corporation itself.
The Proposed Merger Details
The proposed merger incorporates the addition of several areas, including Kurudampalayam, Somayampalayam, Perur Chettipalayam, Keeranatham, Neelambur, Mylampatti, Pattanam, Vellanaipatti, Kallipalayam, Chinniyampalayam, and Seerapalayam village panchayats. Additionally, Irugur, Perur, Pallapalayam, and Vellalore town panchayats, as well as Madukkarai municipality, would also be part of this unified civic body.
However, it is important to note that the list is currently tentative and subject to change until an official order is received by City Corporation Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabakaran. Confirmation of finalized inclusion is highly anticipated after being initially prepared ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, as mentioned by Mayor K. Ranganayaki.
Potential Expansion Impact
If the merger receives approval, the Coimbatore City Corporation’s ward count will witness a significant rise. From the existing 100 wards, an additional 50 wards will be added, creating a broader reach for administrative functions. However, this proposal has sparked a mix of reactions among elected representatives and residents of the areas intended for inclusion.
Varying Perspectives and Concerns
Some elected representatives and residents have expressed concerns over potential tax hikes and reduced local representation due to the proposed merger. Jagadeesh, a councilor from Madukkarai, fears that the merger could lead to additional increases in property taxes and building plan charges already experienced since their upgraded municipality status in 2021. He also highlighted that a reduction in the number of local ward councilors from 27 to just two would lead to decreased public representation.
G. Jeyakumar, Vice President of Irugur town panchayat, reflected on previous unsuccessful attempts at similar mergers in 2006 and 2010. However, considering the recent rapid development in the area, including plans for an international cricket stadium and airport expansion, Jeyakumar now believes merging with the corporation could be advantageous.
On the other side of the spectrum, residents like B. Kumar from Keeranatham village panchayat are concerned about losing direct access to local representatives and apprehensive about potential tax increases without proportional improvements in services.
Benefits of Merger Evidenced by Past Success
Deepam Swaminathan, Coordinator of Coimbatore South Development Federation, pointed out that Kurichi municipality’s successful merger in 2011 could serve as an inspiration. After joining the corporation, Kurichi experienced significant infrastructure improvements in terms of road expansion, enhanced street lighting, better water supply, and ongoing drainage work. Swaminathan asserted that the proposed merger has the potential to replicate these successes in the newly added areas.
Decision Rests with the State Government
The ultimate decision regarding this proposed expansion lies in the hands of the Tamil Nadu state government. The government officials will carefully consider public opinions, potential benefits, and relevant perspectives before granting approval for the historic merger. This holistic approach aims to ensure that the anticipated expansion truly serves the interests and aspirations of all stakeholders involved.
The mega merger proposed in Coimbatore has the potential to reshape the landscape of the city and establish it as the largest civic body in Tamil Nadu. The amalgamation would pave the way for enhanced infrastructure and development, but concerns around taxation and reduced representation must also be addressed. Ultimately, it is the decisions made by the state government that will shape the destiny of Coimbatore and its ever-growing population.
Source: ET
