Belagavi MP Jagadish Shettar met Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to flag key issues concerning the city and Belagavi Airport.
Shettar informed the Minister that around 16 acres of Air Force land are required for a separate taxiway at the airport. While the district administration has agreed to provide equivalent land in exchange, the Air Force has not responded, leading to operational disruptions. He urged immediate intervention to resolve the matter.
He also raised objections to the Belagavi Cantonment Board’s decision to lease 6,045 sq ft of land (GLR S.No 324-1) for a new flower market without consulting elected representatives. Shettar pointed out that an existing government-approved flower market is already functioning in Ashoknagar, and any new market requires clearance from the Agricultural Market Committee. He termed the move illegal and said it has triggered opposition from local traders.
The MP requested the Defence Minister to direct authorities to cancel the permission granted for the new market and ensure that MPs/MLAs are consulted in such decisions.
According to a press release, Rajnath Singh assured that he would examine the issues and issue necessary directions after speaking to the concerned authorities.