The Coimbatore City Corporation has proposed a merger plan to the Tamil Nadu state government, which, if approved, would make it the largest civic body in the state. The proposal involves merging one municipality, four town panchayats, and 11 village panchayats with the existing city limits, increasing its administrative area from 257.04 square kilometers to 438.54 square kilometers. This expansion would surpass the size of the Greater Chennai Corporation, which currently spans 426 square kilometers. The proposed merger includes the addition of Kurudampalayam, Somayampalayam, Perur Chettipalayam, Keeranatham, Neelambur, Mylampatti, Pattanam, Vellanaipatti, Kallipalayam, Chinniyampalayam, and Seerapalayam village panchayats, as well as Irugur, Perur, Pallapalayam, and Vellalore town panchayats, and Madukkarai municipality. City Corporation Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabakaran emphasised that the list is tentative and subject to change until an official order is received. Mayor K. Ranganayaki mentioned that the list was initially prepared ahead of the Lok Sabha elections and has now been finalised. If the proposal is approved, 50 new wards will be added to the current 100 wards, expanding the civic body’s administrative reach. The proposal has generated mixed reactions among elected representatives and residents of the areas being considered for inclusion. Some are concerned about potential tax hikes and reduced local representation, while others welcome the move, anticipating better infrastructure and development. Jagadeesh, a councilor from Madukkarai, expressed opposition to the proposal, noting that since its upgrade to a municipality in 2021, property taxes and building plan charges have already increased. He fears further hikes if the merger goes through and argued that the reduction in the number of local ward councilors from 27 to just two would decrease public representation. Similarly, G. Jeyakumar, Vice President of Irugur town panchayat, recalled that similar proposals were made in 2006 and 2010 but were successfully opposed. However, considering the area’s recent rapid development, including plans for an international cricket stadium and airport expansion, Jeyakumar now believes merging with the corporation could be beneficial. In contrast, residents like B. Kumar from Keeranatham village panchayat voiced concerns over losing direct access to local representatives and an increase in taxes without corresponding improvements in services. On the other hand, Deepam Swaminathan, Coordinator of Coimbatore South Development Federation, cited Kurichi municipality’s successful merger in 2011 as an example. After joining the corporation, Kurichi saw significant infrastructure improvements, including road expansion, enhanced street lighting, better water supply, and ongoing drainage work. He believes the proposed merger could similarly benefit the newly added areas. The final decision now rests with the state government, which will consider public opinions and potential benefits before giving the green light to the proposed expansion. (ET)