Residents of Swami Vivekanand Nagar, Tilakwadi, have alleged that fresh unauthorized construction has come up on a public open space despite a court order declaring the land as reserved for public use and directing the removal of encroachments.
The issue was formally brought to the attention of the Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) Commissioner by the Swami Vivekananda Welfare Association, which submitted a representation seeking immediate action against the alleged encroachment.
According to the association, the land in question is an open space belonging to the City Corporation and earmarked for public use by residents of Swami Vivekanand Nagar and nearby localities. The association stated that despite repeated complaints and follow-ups with civic authorities, no effective action has been taken.
The matter had earlier been adjudicated by the Court of the Principal Senior Civil Judge and CJM, Belagavi, in Regular Appeal No. 17/2020. In its judgment dated March 20, 2023, the court allowed the appeal and declared that the suit property was an open space reserved for public use.
The court further issued a mandatory injunction directing the removal of the encroachment and unauthorized construction from the property within four months. The order also stated that if the encroachment was not removed, the decree holders would be at liberty to execute the decree for demolition of the structure, with demolition costs recoverable from the encroacher.
However, residents allege that the court’s directions were never enforced. They claim that the illegal structures identified in the judgment were not demolished and that additional construction activity has now taken place on the same site.
The association has also pointed out that the disputed land falls within the buffer zone adjoining a major storm-water drain. Residents fear that continued construction in the area could obstruct natural drainage channels, increase the risk of flooding during heavy rains, and adversely affect public safety and environmental management.
In its representation, the welfare association has requested the Belagavi City Corporation to immediately remove the alleged unauthorized construction, restore the land to its intended purpose as a public open space, and initiate action against those responsible for violating planning regulations and disregarding the court decree.
The association emphasized that the continued inaction despite a clear judicial order has raised serious concerns among residents regarding the protection of public spaces and enforcement of civic laws.
The memorandum was submitted in the presence of Balkrishna Godse, President of the Swami Vivekananda Welfare Association; Santosh Kagawade, Secretary; Corporator Nandu Mirajkar; Nitin Nimbalkar; Deepak Pauskar; and Stephen D’Costa.
Pls share details about Land