PRAYAGRAJ, May 28 -- Amidst the buzz of UP Panchayat elections 2026 gaining pace, the exercise has started for delimitation of existing Gram Panchayats afresh. Under the Peri Urban Scheme in Prayagraj, a list of 141 Gram Panchayats, which are either very close to the urban boundary or near Nagar Panchayats, has been prepared, share district officials. A call on their status and boundaries will be taken by the administration, after which the new delimitation will be undertaken, they added. "Under the Peri Urban Scheme, a survey was conducted in the district. A list of 141 Gram Panchayats very close to the municipal corporation area or close to the Nagar Panchayat has been prepared and sent to the government. Now further decision will be taken at the government level," said Ravi Shankar Dwivedi, district Panchayati Raj officer, Prayagraj. A "Peri-Urban Scheme" refers to a plan or initiative focused on the development and management of areas surrounding urban centers. These areas are often characterised by a mix of urban and rural characteristics and are crucial for a city's growth and sustainability. Peri-urban schemes aim to address challenges like unplanned expansion, infrastructure gaps, and environmental concerns in these transition zones. During delimitation, such Gram Panchayats where agriculture work is decreasing and shops are increasing continuously, petrol pumps have come up, good schools and colleges have opened and banks have been established can be removed from the category of "rural areas" and be included as "urban areas" or within Nagar Panchayat limits. The Panchayati Raj department has selected 141 such Gram Panchayats of different development blocks of Prayagraj, said officials. Under this, 20 Gram Panchayats of Bahadurpur block, 14 of Handia, one of Kaudihar, 13 of Koraon, two of Manda, seven of Mauaima, five of Shringverpur Dham, 10 of Soraon, five of Urwa, three of Meja, 16 of Chaka, four of Bhagwatpur, 14 of Karachhana, four of Sahson, six of Shankargarh, 11 of Phulpur and six Gram Panchayats of Jasra development block are included....