As per the order from the Secretary, Kannada Culture the state is taking steps to declare the Belgaum fort as a protected monument site. The order issued on March 20, 2014 states that, the State is taking steps for declaring the Belgaum Fort and its area as protected area. It has been seen that the Income tax department is trying to do some construction near the fort, hence the DC is requested to stop any such work near the Fort.
It may be recalled that, on the 7th of February 2014, the Hon’ble Minister of State for Finance, Shri Jesudas Seelam, in deference to the sentiments of the people of Belgaum for Belgaum Fort, cancelled his proposed trip to Belgaum on 9th February 2014 to lay the foundation stone of the Income Tax Office-cum-Residential Quarters Complex in the foreground of the Belgaum Fort, almost in front of the main gate of the Fort.
The Hon’ble Minister directed that alternate land sites may be offered to the Income Tax Department and we learn that this avenue was also explored by the District Administration.
The move of the Karnataka State Government to take this Fort into protection is timely and highly appreciated.
