Pune: Demerger of Uruli Devachi, Phursungi May Reduce PMC Corporators, Raise Representation Concerns
Pune: PMC Invites Residents To Participate In Citizens Participatory Budget 2026-27
PUNE: The demerger of Uruli Devachi and Phursungi from Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is likely to impact the number of corporators in the civic body, raising concerns about adequate representation ahead of the upcoming elections.
The elections will be based on the 2011 Census, which recorded Pune’s population at 31.5 lakh. This figure does not include the population surge from 11 newly merged villages (around 1.5 lakh people) and 23 areas merged later (approximately 2.5 lakh), pushing the current estimated population to 35.5 lakh.
As per the amended Bombay Provincial Municipal Corporation Act (1949), a population above 30 lakh warrants 161 corporators, with an additional corporator for every one lakh people. By this logic, PMC should have 166 corporators. However, with Uruli Devachi and Phursungi—added in 2017 but demerged in 2024—excluded from voter counts, the actual number could drop.
Political analysts say this could mean fewer corporators, making it harder to meet the governance demands of a rapidly growing city. Civic officials confirmed the uncertainty, noting that guidance from the State Election Commission is still awaited.
Since the demerger, Uruli Devachi and Phursungi have been placed under a B-category local governing body, limiting their ability to generate funds. Projects such as water supply and drainage upgrades risk delay or cancellation.
Residents further added that even after the original merger, basic needs like water and roads remained unmet. With representation further diluted, their hopes now rest on both civic and state bodies to address these longstanding issues.
In 2013-14, a proposal to merge 34 villages with PMC was approved.
By 2017, 11 villages were merged, including Uruli Devachi and Phursungi.
In 2021, PMC expanded by adding 23 more villages.
In 2024, Uruli Devachi and Phursungi were demerged and received separate municipal councils.
These areas will no longer participate in PMC’s electoral delimitation, resulting in reduced representation.
