The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has initiated the process to expand its administrative boundaries by proposing the inclusion of 71 villages across 14 panchayats on the city’s outskirts, officials confirmed on Monday.
According to official sources, village-level reports from three blocks have already been submitted to the BMC Commissioner. The merger will move forward once the Housing and Urban Development Department provides feasibility clearance.
The proposed expansion aims to improve urban governance, infrastructure, and resource management in rapidly developing peripheral areas. However, some concerns have been raised regarding infrastructure readiness, civic representation, and potential tax implications for villagers.
Villages Under Consideration
Reports suggest that the expansion plan includes villages from Tamando, Dhauli, Lingipur, Raghunathpur, Daruthenga, Andharua, Daspur, Gothapatna, and select panchayats in Balianta and Jatni. Together, they account for more than 70 villages that have submitted required documentation for the merger process.
BMC to Conduct Feasibility Studies
In an interaction with the media, BMC Commissioner Chanchal Rana stated that representatives from several villages have expressed willingness to join the municipal body.
“Not all peripheral villages have applied, but for those that have, the corporation will conduct a detailed feasibility study on infrastructure needs and costs. If the findings are favorable, we’ll forward the proposal to the state government,” Rana said.
Gram Sabha resolutions from three blocks have been recorded and submitted as part of the documentation process.
Mixed Reactions from Locals
The proposal has drawn mixed responses from residents. Some villagers expressed concern over potential increases in municipal taxes and reduced accessibility to local panchayat representatives.
A resident of Girijaput said, “Under the panchayat, we have direct access to the sarpanch and lower taxes. We worry that under BMC, requests might take longer to process.”
Conversely, Bhubaneswar Ekamra MLA Babu Singh welcomed the move, saying that inclusion within BMC limits will accelerate essential public works.
“Integration will improve drainage, sewerage, and drinking water infrastructure that often faces delays under panchayat systems,” Singh said.
Administrative Restructuring and Urban Planning
The BMC has also proposed reorganizing its administrative zones from three to six to efficiently manage the expanded area. The plan includes creating a New City Zone and a Town Planning Zone.
Officials stated that the northern zone could be reorganized along the Jayadev Vihar–Nandankanan corridor, while Tamando, Dhauli, and Raghunathpur areas may form a separate zone.
Next Steps and Timeline
The Housing and Urban Development Department has been briefed on the proposal. Gram Sabha resolutions and supporting documents have been forwarded to the Khordha district administration for review.
If the feasibility report is approved, BMC will send a formal proposal to the state government for final approval. The boundary modification will only be implemented after statutory clearances and administrative notifications are issued.
Officials said this exercise represents the first major boundary expansion in Bhubaneswar in over seven decades, driven by steady population growth and the city’s rapid urban sprawl.
