Mumbai: BMC Ward Formation Process Expected to Conclude by August, Say Civic Officials

Mumbai, 13th June 2025: The much-awaited ward formation process for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is expected to reach completion by August 2025, according to senior civic officials. This development is a crucial step ahead of the upcoming municipal elections, with the new ward boundaries set to play a significant role in the city’s political landscape.

Sources within the BMC confirm that the ward delimitation exercise, delayed due to legal challenges and the recent Lok Sabha elections, is now progressing rapidly. “We have completed the initial survey and data collection phases. The draft proposal for new ward boundaries is being finalized and will be released for public objections and suggestions by the end of June,” said a senior official from the BMC’s Election Department.

Once the draft is published, citizens and political parties will have a window of 15 days to submit their feedback. The BMC will then review the suggestions and objections before sending the final proposal to the Maharashtra State Election Commission for approval. “We anticipate the entire process, including state approval, to be wrapped up by August, paving the way for timely civic elections,” the official added.

The ward formation process is being closely watched by all major political parties, as changes in boundaries could impact traditional strongholds and voter demographics. The last delimitation exercise was conducted in 2017, and since then, Mumbai’s population and urban landscape have seen significant changes, necessitating a fresh review.

The BMC, Asia’s richest municipal body, governs a population of over 12 million. The new ward structure is expected to ensure more equitable representation and better resource allocation across the city’s diverse neighborhoods.

Civic activists have welcomed the move but stressed the importance of transparency and public participation. “It is vital that citizens are given ample opportunity to review and respond to the draft ward boundaries, as these decisions will affect local governance for years to come,” said Aditi Deshpande, a Mumbai-based urban policy expert.

The Maharashtra State Election Commission has also indicated its readiness to expedite the approval process once the BMC submits the final proposal, ensuring that the municipal elections can be held as per schedule.