Pro-merger activists meet Kolhapur MP over KMC expansion
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Kolhapur: The pro-merger action committee approached Kolhapur MP Shahu Chhatrapati on Monday to discuss the integration of the fringe villages into
Kolhapur Municipal Corporation
boundaries. The committee members emphasised that the merger request is based on scientific considerations rather than political motives, given Kolhapur city's current growth limitations.
During the meeting, the committee members urged the MP to arrange for a comprehensive discussion with Maharashtra's chief minister, deputy chief minister, urban development minister, secretary, and principal secretary. The MP assured them that he would consult with rural MLAs and coordinate a detailed meeting soon.
The committee members expressed frustration over guardian minister Prakash Abitkar's unavailability to discuss the merger issue.
They announced plans to organise a 'gherao' to press for their demands for incorporating the fringe villages into city limits.
KMC recently submitted a proposal to state govt requesting the incorporation of 18 villages and two MIDCs into Kolhapur's municipal boundaries.
Pro-merger committee activist Advocate Baba Indulkar said, "Kolhapur city has no available space as per World Health Organisation (WHO) standards.
Therefore, KMC cannot provide basic amenities to the citizens. This is a violation of Article 21 of the State Constitution. As Kolhapur Lok Sabha constituency includes Kolhapur city, the citizens are lacking their fundamental rights."
Former mayor R K Powar said, "The expansion of Kolhapur city has been stalled since 1946. The population of Kolhapur city was approximately 36,000 in the year 1946, with an area of 66.82 sqkm.
The area remains the same in the year 2025, but the population has increased to a total of approximately 10.5 lakhs."
The committee highlighted various challenges, including pollution, traffic congestion, flooding issues, a growing flood-affected population, limited development space, overburdened roads, and increased waste management problems due to daily visitors. These factors have created additional financial pressure on the Municipal Corporation, hindering Kolhapur's development.
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