Seal on Uruli-Phursungi demerger from Pune Municipal Corporation limits

PUNE: Nearly six years after they were merged in Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), the Uruli-Phursungi areas will be demerged. The state government issued a draft notification about it on Friday.
Except lands under the garbage depots, other areas of Uruli-Phursungi will be part of newly formed 'Phursungi Uruli Devachi Municipal Council'. A time of 30 days has been set for people to give suggestions and objections about this demerger, stated the notification issued by urban development department of the state government.
The announcement has evoked mixed reactions as a group of residents has opposed the move, while those in favour have called for long-awaited celebrations. Those supporting the move say micro-planning will be possible after the newly formed municipal council. Others are of the opinion that the demerger demand was politically motivated.
PMC had approved the proposal at the city improvement committee, standing committee and general body. It was sent to the state government in February-March this year. The draft notification was issued in accordance of sub-section (3) of section 3 of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act, 1949.
Chief minister Eknath Shinde in December 2021 had announced the formation of a separate municipal council after a delegation from these two areas met him. As per the citizens, they were unhappy due to lack of civic facilities. They claimed that the property tax charged by PMC was too high.
"Officials to soon take charge of the new municipal council should focus on providing civic facilities. The issues that cropped up during PMC's rule should not be repeated," said Vishal Harpale of Phursungi Vikas Seva Sangh, a citizens' group. Ulhas Shewale, a resident of Uruli who is opposing the move, said, "The frequent change of governing bodies will do more harm than good. The development of the areas will be hampered. Civic projects may face hurdles due to procedural delays."
Those not in favour also said they are exploring legal options. "We fought for merging the 34 villages into civic limits. The court also ruled in favour of our demand. Now, legal tangles may occur after the demerger," said Shreerang Chavan, president of the opposing group. As per civic officials, the process of suggestions and objections will be followed by a hearing. Thereafter, a final notification will be issued.