Ten villages have given positive response to merger with KMC: Minister Madhuri Misal

Kolhapur: Minister of state for urban development Madhuri Misal informed the state assembly on Tuesday that while 10 villages have agreed to be merged into the Kolhapur Municipal Corporation (KMC) limits, the actual merger is likely to occur only after the 2027 Census. Additionally, a technical team from COEP Technological University, Pune, has been appointed to conduct a survey of the Kalammawadi direct pipeline scheme to address frequent disruptions.The minister was responding to a ‘calling attention motion' raised by MLA Rajesh Kshirsagar, head of the state planning commission. Kshirsagar highlighted that Kolhapur's territorial limits have not been extended since the council was upgraded to a corporation in 1972. He argued that rapid urbanization has forced the KMC to shoulder the burden of providing amenities to suburban areas that are effectively part of the city but remain outside its official jurisdiction."Due to the failure to extend municipal limits, the KMC is unable to benefit from various Central and State government schemes," Kshirsagar stated. He also noted that the 2019 and 2021 floods, combined with "Blue Line" (flood zone) restrictions, have led to a severe scarcity of open spaces for public recreation.Raising concerns over the city's water security, Kshirsagar pointed out flaws in the Kalammawadi direct pipeline scheme. "Frequent disruptions compel citizens—particularly women—to take to the streets to demand water during festive seasons. Furthermore, the pollution of the Panchganga river remains a grave concern," he said, while also seeking a probe into past property tax and TDR-related irregularities.In her response, minister Misal traced the history of the merger proposals, noting that while plans for 42 villages were discussed in 1992 and 18 villages in 2015, the Kolhapur Urban Area Development Authority (KUDA) was eventually formed in 2017 to manage the fringe areas."The 2011 census recorded Kolhapur's population at 5.49 lakh, but the city's ‘floating population' puts an immense strain on existing civic amenities. KMC submitted a fresh merger proposal in 2025, which is currently under active consideration. All stakeholders have now consented to incorporate 10 villages into the municipal limits," Misal said, adding that the process is tied to the upcoming census.Addressing the water crisis, the minister explained that the Kalammawadi pipeline's power cables pass through forest patches, leading to occasional trips caused by wildlife. She stated that the system currently pumps 178 million litres per day (MLD). To tackle river pollution, Misal noted that out of 149 MLD of sewage generated, the KMC treats 106.7 MLD through three treatment plants, with further remedial measures underway.Regarding the shortage of public spaces, Misal informed the House that a dedicated committee has been formed to facilitate land acquisition for roads and amenities through Transferable Development Rights (TDR). She assured that "amenity spaces" designated in the city's revised development plan would be developed as funds become available.