Trichy expansion turns into ballot issue

Trichy: Trichy city's long-pending expansion plan has resurfaced as a key election issue, influencing voters in at least 22 village panchayats across four Assembly constituencies — Thiruverumbur, Srirangam, Lalgudi and Manachanallur.Discussed for over a decade and actively debated in the past five years, the proposal remains stalled, leaving suburban residents without basic civic amenities and recreational infrastructure comparable to those within city limits. Frustrated, residents are now pressing MLA candidates for a clear roadmap to merge their panchayats with the city corporation. While a majority of residents in the urban agglomeration favour the merger, political parties have avoided firm commitments, wary of backlash from sections of the rural population. Residents back merger despite higher taxesOf the 22 panchayats identified for inclusion, 16 have expressed willingness to merge. Opposition remains in six villages with a strong agrarian base. Residents in fast-growing suburban pockets cite poor solid waste management, inadequate roads, erratic streetlighting, lack of wastewater systems, and absence of public parks as persistent issues. "We are raising city expansion as a key election demand. Around 3,000 families and 7,000 voters across three urbanised panchayats are largely in favour of the merger," said K Shanmuganathan, secretary of Vasan Valley Residents Welfare Association. Currently, residents pay around Rs 600 annually as property tax and a similar amount for water. Despite the likelihood of a tenfold increase, many say they are willing to pay more for better services. "Newly developed areas are neglected, and panchayats lack funds for maintenance. We will press candidates during campaigns to support the merger," said T Nedunchezhiyan, a resident of Gundoor panchayat. Political tightropePolitical parties, however, are treading cautiously. A section of residents, particularly from traditional agrarian communities, along with rural representatives, oppose the move citing higher taxes and cost of living. "Economically weaker families cannot afford increased property tax or rent," said S Duraiarasan of Esanakorai panchayat near Lalgudi. Officials said the expansion proposal, first formalised in 2021, is still under administrative consideration. Of the 24 villages initially identified, Thayanur and Adavathur were later dropped following opposition. With Trichy West DMK candidate and minister K N Nehru holding the urban local bodies portfolio, sources said any decision on city expansion is likely only after the current term of elected urban local bodies ends. MSID:: 129955599 413 |