Residents of 7 Villages opposes the Merging activity with Trichy in Grama Sabha

Residents and political representatives of seven villages, proposed to be merged with Trichy Corporation, passed resolutions opposing the plan during grama sabha meetings held on Republic Day, Sunday. 

The municipal administration department has already issued a government order approving the expansion of Trichy Corporation by increasing its wards from 65 to 100. As part of this plan, 22 village panchayats, including parts of Navalpattu and Kumbakudi, are set to be added to the corporation. 

Villagers have voiced concerns that merging the panchayats with the city would harm agriculture and related activities, including the MGNREGA scheme.

Protests against the merger have been ongoing, with resolutions opposing the plan passed in villages such as Adavathur, Punganur, Kumara Vayalur, Nerunjalakudi, Appadurai, Valadi, and K Kallikudi. 

"Villagers have even threatened to surrender their Aadhaar and ration cards if the merger goes ahead despite their objections," stated a DMK functionary from Nerunjalakudi, speaking anonymously.

Notably, Nerunjalakudi is located closer to Lalgudi municipality than Trichy city, further fueling opposition. 

Previously, villagers demanded that block development officers (BDOs) attend grama sabha meetings instead of panchayat secretaries and deputy BDOs, ensuring their opposition is properly recorded. 

Trichy district police have categorized 50 of the 393 Grama Sabha meetings as sensitive events due to heightened tensions. 

The proposed merger has sparked significant resistance, with residents determined to protect their local governance and agricultural priorities.