With the assembly session around the corner, DC Mohammad Roshan and Belagavi City Corporation Commissioner Karthik inspected Kittur Rani Channamma Circle on Thursday. The visit was aimed at assessing traffic congestion, recurring agitations, and the overall preparedness of the area.
The circle—one of the busiest junctions in Belagavi—handles thousands of vehicles daily. Officials reviewed arrangements to ensure smooth movement for citizens, MLAs, Ministers, and government staff during the session.
Commissioner Karthik stated that a formal discussion will be held with the district administration and city police on the proposal to completely restrict protests and processions at Channamma Circle. The growing size of gatherings and the expanding junction area have led to severe traffic bottlenecks, prompting the ongoing review.
District Superintendent of Police Dr. Bhima Shankar Guled, BCC Deputy Commissioner Lakshmi Nippanikar, and other senior officials were present during the inspection.
Frequent Agitations Paralyse Daily Life
Channamma Circle has, over the years, turned into a default protest point for organisations and political groups. While the democratic right to protest is unquestioned, it routinely comes at the cost of public order.
- Ambulances get stuck in long traffic jams.
- Students miss classes.
- Office-goers face delays.
- Key stretches such as Krantiveer Sangolli Rayanna Circle, Y-Junction, and College Road are often blocked.
At times, even reaching essentials like the District Hospital becomes a challenge.
Diversions Not Working
Traffic—especially heavy vehicles—coming from the south is diverted through Camp, but this alternative route is now overstretched and deteriorating. Congestion at Gandhi Circle and Camp worsens because police personnel remain deployed at protest sites.
Time for a Dedicated Protest Zone
The core question raised once again:
Why should protests in the city centre cripple daily life when a dedicated protest space can protect both democracy and public convenience?
Despite recurring disruptions, very few organisations have demanded such a designated ground for lawful demonstrations. AAB has been advocating this solution for years, and the current review by the administration indicates that Belagavi may finally move towards a permanent, structured model.
A final decision on declaring Kittur Rani Channamma Circle a No-Protest Zone is expected soon.
All About Belgaum has repeatedly highlighted the urgent need for an exclusive protest zone since as far back as 2017 (Read: Belagavi needs an exclusive protest zone). After years of growing chaos, the district administration now appears to be moving in that direction.