Kolhapur Civic Boundary Debate Intensifies as Pro‑Merger Action Committee Escalates Protest Plans

Kolhapur’s pro‑merger action committee intensifies protests demanding expansion of municipal boundaries to include fringe villages, threatening civic poll boycott and dharnas as government deliberations drag on.

Kolhapur | December 17, 2025:Tensions over the long‑pending Kolhapur Municipal Corporation (KMC) boundary expansion issue have sharply increased, with the Pro‑Merger Action Committee stepping up protests and threatening to boycott upcoming civic elections unless the state government moves forward on incorporating surrounding villages into city limits.

The committee, representing residents and activists seeking inclusion of fringe villages into the municipal boundary, has called on civic authorities and political representatives to take decisive action on the merger demand. They argue that without expansion, Kolhapur city cannot meet modern governance and development needs, especially given its population growth while its official area has remained unchanged for decades.

In recent weeks, pro‑merger activists have issued strong warnings and signalled a range of protest actions, including potential boycotts of Kolhapur civic polls, if the government does not agree to merge peripheral villages into the city limits ahead of elections. Former mayor R. K. Powar and committee members have criticised the lack of progress, highlighting that Kolhapur has not seen boundary expansion since its last major adjustment nearly 50 years ago.

The activists contend that merging the 42 surrounding villages is essential for equitable access to urban services, infrastructure and proper planning. They have emphasised that staying within the current limited municipal boundary places unnecessary stress on city resources and hinders efforts to address challenges such as traffic congestion, pollution control, flooding, waste management, and limited space for new development. The committee has also demanded high‑level discussions with senior state officials, including the chief minister, deputy chief minister, and urban development authorities, arguing that only coordinated government action can ensure a meaningful boundary revision. In parallel, they have organised plans for dharnas and public demonstrations to maintain pressure on leaders and highlight the urgency of their demands.

In response to the heightened protests, KMC administration officials have scheduled talks with pro‑merger activists to discuss their concerns and seek a way forward. However, uncertainty remains over whether formal approval for expansion will be granted before the upcoming municipal corporation elections, which has become a focal point of the committee’s campaign strategy.

The boundary expansion debate underscores broader questions about urban governance, equitable development and long‑term planning in Kolhapur. As both sides prepare for further engagement, the issue is likely to shape local political dynamics ahead of the next civic polls.

Follow us On Our Social media Handles :
Instagram
Youtube
Facebook
Twitter

Also Read- Pune