In a significant development, MPs Jagdish Shettar and Iranna Kadadi have recommended transferring all residential areas within the Belagavi Cantonment Board’s jurisdiction to the Belagavi Municipal Corporation. During a meeting, the MP’s, and members of the BCRWA urged officials to gather detailed information and submit a revised proposal to the state government.
The meeting discussions indicated that the proposal might include the transfer of the Bungalow Area and other eastern sections of the military station to the City Corporation. The western side is expected to retain the military station, while the eastern side might be handed over to civilian administration. A new proposal reflecting these changes will soon be sent for approval.
A preliminary discussion also focused on establishing a military station on the western side of the camp. As part of the reallocation, B-4 land could be handed over to the Cantonment in exchange for the military dairy farm, which spans 96 acres within the Cantonment area.
DC Mohammad Roshan detailed that the district administration has already drafted a proposal to transfer 928 acres of military land to the municipal corporation. Following a more in-depth discussion, the proposal will be forwarded to the Chief Secretary of the State for further submission to the Ministry of Defence.
The Belagavi Cantonment Board currently manages a total of 1,763 acres, of which the Board has already approved 112 acres for excision. Representatives, including MLA Asif Sait, Municipal Commissioner Ashok Dudgunti, and various officials from the Cantonment Board and Defence Estate, participated in the meeting.
MP Shettar emphasized the importance of transferring residential areas, particularly those housing government offices and bungalows, to the Municipal Corporation. Meanwhile, the DC Roshan called for a prompt submission of the proposal after thorough verification and discussion of the areas surveyed.
The Defence Estate Officer (DEO) underscored the need for an expedited proposal submission, stating that the Ministry of Defence would make a final decision based on the received proposal. Opinions were also voiced about the potential repurposing of the 96-acre dairy farmland if it remains unused.
Dr. Nitin Khot, and Ranjan Shetty represented Belgaum Cantonment Residents Welfare Association.