Pune : Fursungi and Uruli Devachi Await State Government’s Decision on Separate Municipal Councils
Pune – The district administration has given its approval to the formation of separate municipal councils for the villages of Fursungi and Uruli Devachi.
A report has been submitted to the state government, suggesting that they can be designated as ‘B’ class municipalities based on their population. Now, the decision lies with the state government, and all eyes are on what course of action it will take.
These two villages, Fursungi and Uruli Devachi, were incorporated into the Pune Municipal Corporation in 2017. However, citing high taxes and a lack of facilities, the villagers requested exclusion from the municipal corporation during a meeting with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on December 6, 2022.
Chief Minister Shinde announced the exclusion of Fursungi and Uruli Devachi from the municipal limits and the creation of separate municipalities for both villages. Subsequently, the citizens filed objections with the district administration. Within a month, over four and a half thousand objections were received.
After conducting hearings, the District Collector received the report on June 19. However, due to ongoing work in the Palkhi region of Pune district, officials and employees of the district administration were occupied with those responsibilities. On June 21, Collector Dr. Deshmukh submitted the report along with feedback to the state government.
During the state government’s decision hearing, 4,500 out of 4,679 citizens remained absent but submitted their written statements. Inclusion in the municipal limits may provide access to funds for development. The Municipal Corporation had announced an urban development plan for these villages, which could be nullified if they are excluded. Over 2,000 citizens argued in favor of keeping the villages within the municipal corporation limits. Alternatively, a separate municipality could develop its own development plan for the area.
Over 2,300 citizens supported the state government’s decision, stating that separate municipalities would enable better administration and development works. In response, the district administration has submitted a report to the state government advocating for the establishment of separate municipalities for Fursungi and Uruli Devachi.
Population Statistics:
- Total population of both villages: 75,405
- Population of Fursungi village: 66,002
- Population of Uruli Devachi village: 9,403
- Population requirement for ‘B’ Class Municipality: 75,000
“After considering the objections and suggestions regarding the establishment of a municipality for Fursungi and Uruli Devachi, a report has been submitted to the state government, along with feedback. The final decision will be made by the state government, taking into account all the relevant factors,” said Dr. Rajesh Deshmukh, Collector.
