To establish consistency in the municipal laws governing civil areas of Cantonments and neighboring State Municipal areas, a proposal has been put forth to separate certain civil areas of Cantonments and merge them with nearby municipalities. This proposal was discussed and voted upon during the general meeting of the Belagavi City Corporation, held on 16/09/2023.
Now the proposal will be forwarded to the State Government for further consideration, and only after their approval will the civil areas of the Belagavi Cantonment be merged into the Belagavi City Corporation.
The proposal encompasses various aspects, including the transfer or retention of assets and liabilities, the status of Cantonment Board employees and pensioners, and other related matters. As a result of this merger, the military areas within the cantonments will be transformed into military stations, while the civilian areas will become part of the municipality.
As per the data shared in the meeting in the country as of 5 Cantonment areas have been transferred to local municipal authorities.
Currently, there are 62 cantonments spread across the country, including Belagavi, where the British established a military station back in 1828. This decision represents a significant shift in the organization and management of military and civilian areas. The conversion of military areas into military stations is expected to enhance security and efficiency, while the merging of civilian areas with the municipality will foster greater integration and cooperation between the military and civilian populations.
Belagavi is home to several military establishments, including the MLIRC, JL Wing, and Commando Training Center. However, access roads to many of these facilities are shared, and the fort has a military station in place. The civilian areas within the camp, such as the market bazaar area, and residential areas like High Street, Kondappa Street etc., will be merged into the Belagavi City Corporation. The Cantonment area would likely be made as one separate ward itself after the order.