Maharashtra Allocates Funds to Boost Merged PMC Villages

03 Jul 2025 CW Team

The Maharashtra government has sanctioned Rs 1.15 billion (Rs 50 million each) for 23 villages recently merged with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Uruli-Phursungi Municipal Council. This move, approved during a meeting led by the Deputy Chief Minister and monitored by the Urban Development Department (UDD), is designed to fast-track infrastructure development in these growing peri-urban zones.

Top priority has been given to resolving long-standing civic concerns. One such issue is the persistent foul odour from the Ambegaon Budruk garbage depot, which has drawn repeated complaints from residents. Authorities will now deploy decentralised waste management methods such as segregation pits and vermicomposting to handle domestic and commercial refuse sustainably.

Simultaneously, community leaders have called on the state to utilise treated water from the Jambhulwadi reservoir, which stores nearly 65 million cubic feet, to serve neighbouring areas like Ambegaon Khurd, Ambegaon Budruk, Mangadewadi, Bhilarewadi, Koliwade, and Gujar Nimbalkarvadi. Despite their inclusion in PMC's jurisdiction, these localities continue to experience erratic water supply.

To improve public engagement and reduce financial burden, an amnesty scheme has been approved to allow residents to clear pending property tax dues without penalties. Furthermore, tax structures will be realigned as per UDD’s revised slabs to reflect fairer rates, addressing public dissatisfaction over paying high taxes without corresponding civic upgrades.

The government is also reviewing the employment status of 626 former gram panchayat workers, who lost active roles post-merger due to overlapping responsibilities. These employees may soon be reassigned to suitable positions within municipal departments based on skillsets and current vacancies.

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