Pune Municipal Corporation has been designated the planning authority for 23 merged villages, a move that will bring those settlements under the civic body's regulatory framework. The designation means Pune Municipal Corporation will assume responsibility for development control, land use planning and approval of building plans across the merged area. Authorities indicated the change aims to harmonise planning norms and integrate the villages into urban governance. Initial surveys will be undertaken to assess infrastructure and land use patterns. As planning authority, PMC will be charged with preparing development plans, issuing permissions for construction and ensuring compliance with building bylaws. The civic body will need to update land records and align local statutory schemes to accommodate the merged villages. Technical teams will be required to survey the areas, map infrastructure gaps and prioritise interventions within the existing municipal budgetary processes. Revisions to the local development plan may be necessary to reflect the enlarged urban boundary. The change is expected to affect delivery of municipal services such as water supply, sanitation, roads and waste management as service provision is extended to newly merged areas. Property owners and residents will fall under the municipal tax and regulatory regime, which may alter land valuations and permit requirements. Urban planners will need to engage with communities to manage transitions and to address informalities sensitively. Financial and technical support measures will be required to help residents adapt to the new regulatory regime. Implementation will involve coordination across departments and with state agencies to secure approvals and funding for infrastructure projects. The civic administration will face challenges including resolving tenure issues, upgrading informal settlements and balancing development with environmental safeguards. A phased approach to integration and clear timelines will be critical to minimise disruption and to ensure planned growth. Transparent monitoring mechanisms and public information campaigns will be important to build trust during the transition.