PRAYAGRAJ, June 6 -- The demand for the creation of 10 new Nagar Panchayats in Prayagraj district has resurfaced ahead of Census-2027, with local representatives and residents pressing for urban status for several rapidly growing settlements. If approved, the number of Nagar Panchayats in the district would rise from 8 to 18, significantly expanding the urban local governance network, said district officials. A parallel proposal seeking the upgradation of Phulpur into a municipal council has also been forwarded to the state government. Approval of the proposal would make Phulpur the district's first municipality, they added. Officials said a proposal for the formation of 10 Nagar Panchayats had earlier been submitted in 2021-22 but did not receive clearance. With preparations for Census 2027 underway, the issue has gained renewed attention as many rural pockets have witnessed substantial population growth over the past decade. Confirming the development, ADM (city) Satyam Mishra said that a proposal for Nagar Panchayats and a municipal council in the district is with the state government and further action would be taken after a formal go ahead is received from it. Under existing norms, a settlement with a population of around 20,000 becomes eligible for Nagar Panchayat status, while gram panchayats are generally constituted for population of about 1,000. The existing urban local bodies in the district were largely formed on the basis of the 2011 Census data. The areas proposed for conversion into Nagar Panchayats include Karma, Karachhana, Soraon, Jari, Jasra, Ghoorpur, Baraut, Manda Khas, Janghai Bazaar and Barokhar. The proposed jurisdictions cover clusters of villages that have experienced increasing residential and commercial activity in recent years. Residents and local representatives argue that urban local body status would facilitate planned development, including better roads, drainage networks, public buildings, parks, sports facilities, libraries, and improved water and electricity infrastructure. They contend that the growing population and changing character of these settlements warrant a governance structure better suited to urban needs. Compared to neighbouring districts in the Prayagraj division, Prayagraj currently has fewer urban local bodies. Kaushambi has eight Nagar Panchayats and two municipalities, Pratapgarh has 18 Nagar Panchayats and one municipality, while Fatehpur has eight Nagar Panchayats and two municipalities....