A proposal to incorporate over a dozen local bodies into the Coimbatore Corporation has reportedly been submitted to the Tamil Nadu government by the District Administration. Sources indicate that if the proposal is approved, the area of the Corporation, currently at 257.05 sq.km., will expand to 438.54 sq.km., a 70% increase.

This expansion follows a directive from the state government, which had previously sought input from the district and city administrations on whether adjacent local bodies could be merged with the Corporation. Recommendations were requested for areas where such mergers might be feasible.

Sources shared that after consultations with local body administrations, a proposal was sent to add 16 local bodies to the Corporation limits. While a trusted report suggests that no areas have been officially finalized for merger, sources indicate that regions in Coimbatore district such as Madukarai, Irugur, Pallapalayam, Vellalore, Kurudampalayam, Somayampalayam, Perur-Chettipalayam, Keeranatham, Neelambur, Mayilampatti, Pattanam, Vellanaipatti, Kallipalayam, Chinniyampalayam, and Seerapalayam are likely to be included.

If the proposal is accepted, the number of wards in the Coimbatore Corporation could increase from the current 100 to 150 or even 200, according to reports. The key question remains: if such a significant expansion takes place, will the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation be able to effectively enhance public amenities in these newly added wards?

The possibility of expansion has generated considerable public interest over the past few months, with even a fake map showing potential areas for inclusion circulating widely.

PC: ragu_ram.s/Instagram