Opposition to the proposed transfer of three key roads in the Cantonment area to the Army has gathered significant public support, with the Belagavi Cantonment Residents’ Welfare Association submitting a memorandum carrying the signatures of 14,136 citizens.
The memorandum was submitted to Cantonment Board Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sudam Hari Manchalwar, opposing the proposed transfer of Albert Ekka Road, Smart Road and Queen’s Garden Road to the Army, as well as the proposal to install high barricades on Independence Road and Gymkhana Road.
The proposals are part of Resolutions No. 26 and 27 passed at the Cantonment Board meeting held on July 17. Residents argue that implementing the proposals would cause considerable inconvenience to citizens, students, traders and daily commuters who depend on these roads.
Receiving the memorandum, Cantonment CEO Sudam Hari Manchalwar said the representation carrying more than 14,000 signatures had been received and assured the residents that the matter would be considered at the upcoming Board meeting.
He said the Board would take an appropriate decision after considering all aspects of the issue, including the relevant legal provisions.
Former MLA Anil Benke criticised the proposals, stating that closing three important roads in the Cantonment and installing barricades would amount to an injustice to residents.
Benke pointed out that citizens had previously approached the courts on two occasions to protect their rights and urged the authorities to take the latest memorandum seriously, keep the roads accessible and provide relief to residents.
The memorandum submission was attended by former MLA Anil Benke, Belagavi Cantonment Residents’ Welfare Association president Farooq Nawab, secretary Ranjan Shetty, Dr Nitin Khot, Ajay Pai, Sajid Shaikh, Cantonment Board nominated member Sudhir Tupekar, Dr Sonali Khot, Dr Rahila Shaikh, Nayana Nerli, Advocate Sultanpure, representatives of the Bar Association and a large number of Cantonment residents.
The issue is expected to come up for detailed consideration at the next Cantonment Board meeting, where the concerns raised by residents and the legal implications of the proposed road changes are likely to be discussed.