On Wednesday, 8th January, 2025, The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), and I for Humanity Foundation, through its flagship scheme- Smart Cities Mission launched ‘Accessible Cities’ initiatives for the development of accessible and inclusive cities for diverse user groups, including the elderly, persons with Specially Abilities, women, and children in the coming years.
Out of 100 smart cities, 10 smart cities have been selected for this ‘Accessible Cities’ initiative, and Belagavi is among of them. For the selection, Belagavi Smart City Limited (BSCL) submitted a proposal in Aug/Sept- 2024 covering the work taken by BSCL.
The work consists of various gardens, for example, Mahatma Phule Garden for Specially Abled Children, and other gender equality projects for which BSCL has won the United Nations – Smart Solution & Inclusive Cities award.

‘Accessible Cities’ initiative will be instrumental in enabling persons with disabilities to live a better life. Also, ‘Accessible Hospitality’, ‘Accessible Banking’ and ‘Accessible Elevators’ initiatives were launched to guide the hospitality industry, banking institutions, and elevator manufacturers in incorporating universal guidelines in hotels, bank branches and ATMs and elevators.In the initial phase, 10 cities have been shortlisted including- Chandigarh, Sagar, Satna, Jabalpur, Dehradun, Belagavi, Pune, Raipur, Lucknow and Varanasi.
Hon’ble Minister of State, Shri Tokhan Sahu appreciated the initiatives and motivated dignitaries and participants present in the program to pledge to implement universal design and standards in all the projects and make sincere efforts to make our country inclusive and accessible. He also stated that these initiatives are aligned with India’s ‘Accessible India Campaign’ (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan), which was launched by the Prime Minister.
Congratulations to BSCL for being selected as ACCESSIBLE CITY PROJECT of the government of India. It is feather on the crown. All the very best to BSCL for their achievement.
I am talking about Belagavi, since I stay here for last 3 years , city has come up with smart city projects , notice change to , however my concern is sustainable actions and effective governess of city between BMC and BUDA
Both are not fully in synergy to take care of good upkeep of city and developed facility systematic sustainability
Ex: parks are I’ll mentioned in Ramathirt Nagar , District cricket stadium not at all used / functional , drainage system in complete , Maint of green plantation , Shivalay park and road side waste disposal aa BMC is not taking care of it fully and even community awareness is poor and not effective, administrative enforcement is missing link between people and BMC / BuDA has it’s old pending issue and no effective target dates finish jobs and hand over area to BMC, hence Ramnath nagar extension is suffering
I do seep poor coordination between corporates and MLA /MP to build effective systematic controls
Public awareness is out of touch as no one question wrong practices of public and commercial establishments
Normal culture is take it easy – chalta hai
Both state and centre to look in to
I fact I have written to PMO in this matter
Taxpayers money is wasted
Urban Design & Planning along with Landscape Architecture should include barrier free design and construction approach for enhancing accessibility. Civil Engineering, MEP and Architecture should always work in unison for the Citizens’ Gain.
I don’t know what is improving…
Gadiwala for garbage comes every 2 week in our location. Also there are no public dustbins nearby too. What is happening? They used to come every 3 days previously. I don’t know where to throw my garbage 😢