MLA Abhay Patil urged the State government to announce a special development package for Belagavi city, stressing the need to fast-track long-pending infrastructure and industrial proposals, including the IT Park project.
Participating in the discussion in the Legislative Assembly, Patil said the proposal to set up an IT Park in Belagavi had “fallen through the cracks” despite repeated assurances. He demanded that around 745 acres of land held by the Army at Turkmatti (NH 48) be acquired and utilised for the city’s all-round development. He also pointed out that government land near Turkmatti, currently under the Forest Department, should be taken over to establish the proposed IT Park.
Patil highlighted the severe shortage of funds for managing large industrial areas in Belagavi after the closure of Indal, stating that while nearly ₹850 crore is required, the district receives less than 10% of the funds allocated to other districts.
Referring to Mahatma Gandhi’s historic visit to Belagavi, the MLA said a proposal had been prepared to develop a Freedom Struggle Theme Park on 300 acres in coordination with the Central and State governments. However, he expressed disappointment over the lack of progress and slow implementation of the plan, including the development of sites visited by Gandhi.
He further demanded the establishment of an independent textile industry park for women in Belagavi and called for focused promotion of local and agricultural products such as Basmati rice, Shahapur sarees, Belagavi kunda, Hukkeri brinjal, Khanapur cashew and Sankeshwar chilli.
Patil also sought a special policy to promote foundry, defence manufacturing, railway and aerospace industries in the region. Additionally, he demanded immediate funding for the Karnataka Maratha Development Authority and the creation of a separate development corporation for the Sali community.
Calling Belagavi a key growth centre of north Karnataka, the MLA urged the government to move beyond announcements and ensure time-bound implementation of development projects.