VMC ward count likely to increase from 64 to 86

Vijayawada: The number of wards in the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) is likely to increase from the present 64 to 86, as per the latest circular issued by the state govt. The circular says larger wards will be split into smaller ones to accommodate the new wards across the three circles in the city."While there is no clarity on the exact number of new wards to be added, there will be a definite ward revision, which will be completed before the ensuing municipal corporation elections in the city. If the ward revision is carried out as per the 2011 Census, the civic body is likely to gain up to 22 new wards. Further, if the civic body is transformed into a greater municipal corporation, it is likely to have around 150 wards, as the population within the expanded limits will exceed 2.5 million, and the number of wards will increase proportionately," a senior VMC official said on the condition of anonymity.As per the 2011 Census, Vijayawada city had a population of 10.21 lakh, while the present population within the Vijayawada urban limits is estimated to be around 12.30 lakh.The Times of India (TOI) has learnt that the govt will accord greater status to the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) and conduct municipal elections in Greater Vijayawada."The state govt has already indicated to the municipal corporation that the Vijayawada civic body will be upgraded into a greater municipal corporation. Accordingly, the administration has been carrying out the process in an expeditious manner to ensure that the civic body attains greater status," the senior official added, noting that elections for the civic body are likely to take place after the completion of the census exercise.The official further said that wards with more than 10,000 electors will be split into smaller ones for better administrative purposes, besides paving the way for political parties to field more candidates once the wards are revised.