The announcement of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Friday about the upgradation of Pudukkottai Municipality into Corporation drew mixed reactions from its residents.
The panchayats that will be merged with Pudukottai Corporation include Vagavasal, Mullur, Thirukkattalai, Thirumalairayasamuthiram, Kavinadu Kizhaku, Kavinadu Merku, 9 A Natham Pannai and 9 B Natham pannai, Wards 1, 2 and 3 of Thekkattur panchayat, wards 3 and 4 in Thiruvengaivasal panchayat and wards 7, 8 and 9 of Vellanur Panchayat wards.
Various civic issues ranging from desilting of ponds, drinking water supply, the condition of the new bus stand, poorly maintained parks and waste management would be some of the key challenges before the civic administration.
S. Viswanathan, retired professor of history of H.H. The Rajah’s College, said: “Becoming a Corporation will be an added pride to Pudukkottai. The Smart City Mission may be through this. As this town is a historic place, maintaining it well will develop it as a tourism hub. However, there is a fear on the possible increase in taxes for residents since this region is an economically backward one.”
S.A. Manikandan, a social activist who has been actively campaigning for “Say No to Corporation” here, said: “There won’t be any benefit from becoming a Corporation. Look at Thanjavur Corporation; nothing has changed for them. It is only a name change. In the Republic day Grama Sabha, many panchayats have passed resolutions not to merge them with the Corporation fearing rise in taxes. The residents here are not in favour of this decision. We believe it only helps hire more officials and give them salaries, nothing will be for people. There are many practical difficulties in changing it to a corporation as well.”
J. Raja Mohammad, Councillor, said: “There is an unnecessary fear about the upgradation. We need development in the town and becoming a corporation will be a boon. More funds will be allotted. It is normal to fear anything that’s new. We are of firm belief that there would be great infrastructure developments here soon.”
