COIMBATORE: Residents of Somayampalayam village panchayat on Monday, petitioned the district revenue officer, opposing the proposal to merge their panchayat with the Coimbatore corporation.
The petition highlighted that over 60% of the village consists of agricultural land, with most residents being farmers and agricultural labourers who rely on the 100-day work scheme and livestock farming for their livelihood.
The merger, they argued, would deprive them of central government funds, welfare programmes, and livelihood opportunities, severely affecting their lives.
They also expressed concerns over significant increases in property tax, water tax, and other charges, which could make housing unaffordable for many. Subsidised housing schemes and essential welfare programmes for women and children would also cease, they added.
The panchayat also passed a resolution opposing the merger, urging authorities to retain Somayampalayam’s status as a village panchayat for the welfare of its agricultural community.
Residents further demanded that the merger plan be shelved, as it would burden them financially.
