Now, Nilgiris has 96 grama panchayats after division of 27 for administrative efficiency

UDHAGAMANDALAM: The number of grama panchayats in the Nilgiris has gone up to 96 from 35 after the govt either bifurcated or trifurcated 27 of them for administrative efficiency.

This restructuring of grama panchayats was done based on a proposal by former district collector Innocent Divya. These divisions were recommended due to various reasons, including the hilly terrain, lack of proper road facilities and the presence of several scattered small hamlets. Creation of new grama panchayats would make it easier for residents to access the panchayat offices.

The proposal was accordingly pursued after several meetings by a high-level committee led by the additional chief secretary of rural and panchayats. The committee reorganised the panchayats, according to a government order (GO MS 330) dated Nov 27, 2025. It has to be notified in the district gazette as per Section 4 of the Tamil Nadu Panchayat Act of 1994.

Thirteen panchayats in Ooty block have been divided into 38, while four panchayats in Coonoor block have been split into 11, seven panchayats in Kotagiri block have been divided into 19 panchayats and three panchayats in the Gudalur block have been divided into 20.

Two panchayats in Coonoor block, four in Kotagiri block and two in Gudalur block have remained unchanged.



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