Berhampur Municipal Corporation clears merger of 13 more panchayats amid push for urban expansion

The Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC) formally resolved to merge 13 neighbouring panchayats into its administrative fold, marking a significant step in the ongoing efforts to expand the civic limits of the Silk City and ensure integrated urban development.

The decision was passed unanimously during a special meeting of the municipal corporation held on Wednesday, as per the council’s post on X.

Of the 13 panchayats, seven are under the Rangeilunda block and six under the Digapahandi block. The panchayats had earlier expressed their willingness to merge with the corporation and conveyed their resolutions to the Ganjam district administration.

Among the panchayats approved for inclusion under BeMC are Dura, Ganju, Phulta, Satakutuni, Bhabinipur, Haladiapadar, and Badakusasthali from Rangeilunda block, and Jagdalpur, Lathi, Anantei, Nimakhandi, Ankushapur, and Dakhinapur from Digapahandi block.

The BeMC, in turn, has offered its no-objection to the proposed integration and is expected to officially communicate its decision to the district authorities shortly.

Push for a Larger Urban Jurisdiction

The latest resolution reflects growing momentum toward expanding BeMC’s jurisdiction to accommodate the city’s increasing population, infrastructural needs, and urban sprawl. With the 13 newly approved panchayats, the total number of rural administrative units seeking merger with BeMC has now risen to 15.

Long-Term Vision for Berhampur’s Urban Growth

The expansion aligns with a broader urban planning vision that aims to bring unplanned settlements and fast-growing peri-urban villages under a unified administrative and service delivery framework.

Back in June, BeMC had renewed its pitch for the merger of specific villages under the Gounju and Badakuthali panchayats. The municipal administration cited both the rising population density in these areas and the strategic importance of linking them with Berhampur’s core infrastructure network.