Khopoli Municipal Council
The Khopoli Municipal Council governs the city, spanning approximately 30 square kilometers in the Khalapur taluka of Raigad district. Operating under the Maharashtra Municipal Councils, Nagar Panchayats and Industrial Townships Act, 1965, it manages civic services for a population of 71,141 (2011 census), likely higher now due to industrial and tourism growth.
| Chairman | The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, also Chairman of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), oversees the council. |
| Chief Officer | The regional head, or Chief Operating Officer, manages daily operations and executes council decisions. |
| Executive Committee | A nine-member team handles planning, development, and financial oversight. |
| Departments | Multiple departments report to the Chief Officer, with the Town Planning Department leading urban development efforts, alongside units for public health, sanitation, water supply, and roads. |
| Wards | The city is divided into 26 wards, each with an elected councilor chosen every five years, ensuring localized governance. |
| Responsibilities | The council provides water supply and sewerage to over 16,266 households, maintains roads, ensures sanitation, and collects property taxes to fund infrastructure. |
Connection to Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA)
As part of the MMR, Khopoli's administration aligns with the MMRDA, established in 1975 to coordinate regional infrastructure. The Chief Minister's dual role integrates local efforts with projects like the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and the Navi Mumbai International Airport, approximately 50 km away, boosting connectivity and development.
Historical Administrative Context
Under Maratha rule in the 18th century, Khopoli was administered by Peshwa Nana Phadnavis, who built a reservoir and the Vireshwar Temple. Known as "Campolee" during British times, it saw railway development in 1856 and the Tata hydroelectric station, shaping its modern administrative evolution within Maharashtra and the MMR.
Judicial Administration
Judicial matters likely fall under Raigad district's framework, with local magistrate courts handling minor cases and the District and Sessions Court in Alibag addressing significant ones. Proximity to Mumbai provides access to the Bombay High Court for higher appeals.
Practical Administration and Services
Infrastructure: The council maintains roads linking Khopoli to Mumbai (80 km) and Pune (80 km) via National Highway 48 and the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, supported by Khopoli Municipal Transport (KMT) buses and MSRTC services.
Utilities: Water supply from the Patalganga River and sewerage systems are managed to support the industrial and residential population.
Development Planning: The Town Planning Department, in collaboration with the Directorate of Town Planning & Valuation, Maharashtra, implements revised development plans for sustainable growth, accessible via the state's town planning portal.
Current Dynamics
The administration balances Khopoli's industrial role - hosting Tata Hydroelectric Power and Alta Laboratories - with its tourism appeal, driven by Adlabs Imagica and waterfalls. Recent infrastructure expansions, like the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and the upcoming Navi Mumbai airport, highlight its strategic administrative focus.
