Municipal Administration Minister Balachandra Jarkiholi told reporters here on Thursday that there was a demand to upgrade 400 gram panchayats.

Only 100 gram panchayats have been considered for upgrading by March next year, he said. He also said 10 town panchayats were being upgraded as town municipal councils (TMCs) and 15 TMCs were upgraded as City Municipal Councils (CMCs).

Jarkiholi said a detailed study of roads had been ordered to ascertain the total extent of roads to be constructed in 211 urban local bodies.

He said landfill sites were identified in 208 urban local bodies for disposal of solid waste, while construction of landfills was completed in 162 places.

He said a lot of irregularities and misappropriation of funds were being reported in his department.

He said: “Five to six officials have already been identified. Complaints against them will be filed before the Lokayukta.”