The proposed transfer of the civil area of the Belagavi Cantonment Board to the Belagavi City Corporation is still pending, with approvals from both the Central and State governments yet to be received.
The Union Ministry of Defence has formulated a policy to transfer civil settlements located within cantonment areas to the respective local self-government bodies. In line with this policy, a detailed 70-page report has been prepared for the 756-acre civil area of the Belagavi Cantonment.
However, the process has so far remained limited to the preparation of the report. Several key issues, including land ownership rights, pending liabilities, and the transfer of civic amenities and infrastructure, are yet to be finalised between the Defence Department and the State government.
The proposal is currently under consideration by the Karnataka Urban Development Department. The matter is expected to be discussed with the Ministry of Defence and the Cabinet before being referred back to the Defence Ministry.
DC Mohammad Roshan said the process could take another two to three months, while expressing confidence that the transfer would eventually receive approval.
If the civil area is transferred to the Belagavi City Corporation, residents are likely to see changes in civic services, taxation and development works. However, questions remain over the transfer of assets, personnel and infrastructure, and how responsibilities will be divided after the transition.
The Cantonment Board CEO has proposed transferring only 112 acres, a position that remains valid under the current discussions. However, the new Ministry of Defence guidelines provide for the transfer of civil settlements within cantonment limits to the municipal corporation, indicating that the entire designated civil area could eventually be transferred.
District Collector Mohammad Roshan clarified that the actual transfer process will begin only after approval from the State Cabinet and the final guidelines from the Central government.
With the proposal now moving between the State and Central authorities, residents are awaiting a final decision on the future of the Belagavi Cantonment’s civil area and its transfer to the City Corporation.