Bhubaneswar, July 25 (UDN): Uncertainty continues to surround the proposed merger of 26 villages into the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) as Odisha prepares for upcoming urban local body and panchayat elections.
The proposed inclusion of villages from seven panchayats under the BMC was notified by the Housing and Urban Development Department in December 2025. However, the process has not progressed further, leaving thousands of residents unsure about their future administrative status.
The delay has created confusion among villagers regarding civic services, governance structure and their participation in the upcoming elections. Residents are seeking clarity on whether they will come under the municipal corporation’s jurisdiction or continue under the existing panchayat system.
Officials have maintained that the merger process will follow the required procedures, while local communities are awaiting further communication from the authorities.
With elections approaching, the pending decision has increased concerns among residents of the affected villages, who are looking for a clear roadmap on their administrative transition.
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