CITIIS 2.0 Project For Belagavi At Risk Due To Funding Delays

Belagavi, which was selected in 2024 for the prestigious CITIIS 2.0 programme of the Union government, may now lose this major project due to delays in arranging its share of funds. There is even a risk that the project could be shifted to Hubballi if the issue is not resolved quickly. Under the CITIIS 2.0 scheme, Belagavi is set to receive ₹135 crore to modernise its solid waste management system. As per the rules, the Belagavi City Corporation must contribute 20% of the project cost by March 2026. However, delays in depositing this amount have stalled the tender process, putting the project in danger. The Union government has already released ₹7.5 crore for the project. The remaining ₹18.7 crore has to be contributed by the city corporation through the Smart City Mission. Although the corporation passed a resolution more than a year ago agreeing to provide this share, its request for partial financial support from the state government was rejected. The state government has clearly told the corporation to arrange the funds on its own. To find a solution, Mayor Mangesh Powar and Deputy Mayor Vani Vilas Joshi held a meeting on Tuesday with corporators and officials to discuss how the required funds can be arranged quickly. Kavitha Warangal, Managing Director of Belagavi Smart City Limited, said that at least 20% of the ₹7.5 crore already released by the Centre must be deposited immediately to move ahead with the tender process. She said that once this amount is paid, the tender can be issued. “The deadline is the end of March, and meeting it can save the project,” she said. She also explained that the city corporation’s total contribution can be paid in four phases, as permitted by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. However, she warned that if the tender is not floated by the end of March, there is a strong chance that the project may be shifted to Hubballi. The CITIIS 2.0 challenge, launched under the Smart Cities Mission, saw participation from 84 cities across India in 2023. Only 18 cities were selected, and Belagavi was the only city from Karnataka to be chosen. Officials warn that further delay could cost Belagavi a rare and crucial opportunity to significantly upgrade its waste management system.