The PMC administration last week clarified that for the proposal to be taken forward, additional quota of water would be required. The civic administration also stressed additional civic staff besides funding for basic civic facilities for the new areas that would come into being after the merger.

Responding to the state government communication, the PMC administration has now sought the approval of the Legal Committee.

“PMC has already sought 18.94 TMC water to meet the needs of the city including the already merged 23 villages. As per the state government notification to extend the city boundaries, it is necessary for the PMC to get additional water supply for the 28 villages proposed to be included,” said Municipal Commissioner Mahesh Pathak.

Pathak said PMC would require additional civic staff to ensure that civic facilities are given to these 28 villages. “The proposed area would require roads, water supply network and sewage lines, besides purification plants. PMC will also have to make primary education and health facilities available to the population as per the set benchmark,” the civic chief said, adding the civic body would need complete funding for civic facilities in the new areas.

Officials said the civic administration had given a favourable response to the extension of civic boundaries while mentioning the need for proper infrastructure development.