South Delhi may lose out after delimitation, east, north to gain wards

Though the process is still underway, sources in the Delhi State Election Commission said the East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) will be the biggest gainer.

The South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) will be the biggest loser in the delimitation of municipal wards, which is likely to be finalised by next month.

Though the process is still underway, sources in the Delhi State Election Commission said the East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) will be the biggest gainer. (Hindustan Times)

Though the process is still underway, sources in the Delhi State Election Commission said the East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) will be the biggest gainer.

The North Delhi Municipal Corporation will see an increase in the number of wards. The officials, however, refused to give any specific number.

Officials had previously said there would be no increase in the number of wards, hinting at a possible reshuffling among the three municipal corporations.

There are 272 municipal wards -- four each for the 68 Assembly seats.

Both the south and north corporations have 104 wards each under their jurisdiction and the east Delhi corporation has 64.

The New Delhi and Delhi Cantonment assembly seats fall under the New Delhi Municipal Council and Delhi Cantonment Board areas, respectively.

“There would be a decrease in municipal wards in the SDMC due to a decline in population in many areas under its jurisdiction. Similarly, there has been a population increase in many areas in east and north Delhi, so these areas may gain more wards,” said Rakesh Mehta, Delhi State Election Commissioner.

Sources said that of the total 70 MLA constituencies, at least 40 are likely to be affected significantly. 18 of them are likely to have between five to seven wards. In 19 constituencies, the number of wards will go down to three.

Mehta said the state election commission had sought feedback from public representatives and the process of delimitation would be finalised by mid-August.

“We have received suggestions from MPs and MLAs and the feedback will be incorporated,” said Mehta.

The geographical boundaries of each municipal ward are also likely to change. “The boundaries will be based on well defined geo-characteristics like arterial roads, canals and drains,” said a senior official.