The much-anticipated Belagavi Ring Road project, envisioned as a major step towards decongesting city traffic, has come to a grinding halt due to delays in securing forest clearance. According to a report by The Times of India, the impasse stems from the state forest department’s failure to respond to queries raised by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
The Centre had approved the project in three phases, earmarking ₹1,622 crore for Phase I, which involves the construction of a 34.5-kilometre ring road around the city. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, had laid the foundation stone in February 2024, hailing the project as a critical infrastructure boost for the region.
However, the proposed road alignment passes through 27.3 hectares of reserve forest, spread across the villages of Honaga, Kakati, Sonatti, Kanabargi, and Kalakhamb. Following a site inspection, Belagavi’s Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), Maria Christu Raja D, submitted his report in August 2024. Based on this, the Karnataka Forest Department forwarded a recommendation to the Centre in January 2025 for forest land diversion.
The process has now come under scrutiny after Bengaluru-based environmental activist Ramprasad raised concerns regarding the accuracy of the DCF’s report. The activist, citing satellite imagery, alleged that certain encroachments on forest land were omitted from the report, calling its reliability into question.
In response, the MoEFCC directed the state government to submit a factual verification report by June 10, 2025. That deadline has passed without any submission, leading to the stalling of the project’s forest clearance.
DCF Maria Christu Raja D declined to comment on the matter when contacted.
The delay has sparked political backlash. Belagavi South MLA Abhay Patil, who has championed the Ring Road project since its inception, voiced his disappointment. “We worked tirelessly to secure central approval and funding, and now the inefficiency of local forest officials is putting everything at risk. If the DCF fails to submit the factual report within 15 days, I will be forced to protest outside his office,” he warned.
With the city’s traffic burden continuing to grow, the indefinite hold on this key infrastructure initiative has raised concerns among residents, civic leaders, and businesses alike.
Source: TOI