The State Government has granted provisional approval for a GIS-based ‘Road Network Grid Plan’ covering nine cities and towns, including Hirebagewadi and Kudchi in Belagavi district.
Under the proposal, a two-kilometre area on either side of the proposed 30-metre-wide ring road has been designated as an ‘Impact Zone’. The plan is intended to guide future residential, commercial, industrial and infrastructure development in a planned manner.
The move comes amid delays in preparing master plans in areas where Local Planning Areas (LPAs) have not yet been officially declared. Officials have expressed concern that uncontrolled development during this period could create difficulties later, particularly when land is required for road widening, new roads and public amenities.
For Hirebagewadi in Belagavi taluk, the proposed road network will have to be taken into account while considering approvals for new settlements, layouts, construction and other development activities.
Kudchi in Raibag taluk has been included in the third phase of the plan. The proposed road network is expected to provide a framework for the town’s future expansion.
The two-kilometre Impact Zone around Kudchi’s proposed ring road will be particularly significant for landowners and developers. Various developments, including residential colonies, apartments, high-rise buildings, markets, hotels, warehouses, offices, banks, supermarkets, vehicle sales and service centres, business parks and APMC yards, may be permitted within the zone subject to applicable regulations.
The government has directed that the proposed Grid Plan be made available for public inspection at the offices of the Assistant Director of Town and Country Planning and the concerned local bodies.
60 days to submit objections
Citizens and other stakeholders have been given 60 days to submit suggestions and objections to the proposed plans.
For Hirebagewadi, objections and suggestions can be submitted to the office of the Assistant Director of Town and Country Planning in Belagavi. For Kudchi, submissions can be made to the Director of Town and Country Planning in Nipani.
The proposed grid plan could have a long-term impact on how land in and around Hirebagewadi and Kudchi is developed, particularly as the towns expand and new residential, commercial and infrastructure projects come up.