The process of transferring parts of the Belagavi Cantonment Board area to the Belagavi City Corporation is still under consideration, with proposals pending before the State Government and the Ministry of Defence (MoD). No final decision has been taken on either the 112-acre or 756-acre proposals, Cantonment Board CEO Manchalwar Sudam Harivijay said.
Addressing a press conference, Manchalwar said the uncertainty surrounding the proposed transfer had created confusion among citizens, employees and contractors, particularly over ongoing works and new tenders issued by the Cantonment Board.
The Cantonment Board had submitted a proposal to the State Government for excision of 112 acres from the Cantonment limits. The proposal was submitted about two years ago, but the Board has not received any official written communication from the State Government approving it.
A separate proposal for the excision of 756 acres was submitted by the Belagavi District Administration and the Belagavi City Corporation about one-and-a-half years ago. The Cantonment Board sought the views of the Defence Estates Officer (DEO) and the Local Military Authority (LMA) on the proposal.
The LMA has raised objections to the 756-acre proposal, and its views have been communicated to the concerned authorities. The DEO, Bengaluru, has also pointed out certain technical aspects that need to be considered.
Manchalwar clarified that the process is being handled separately at the levels of the State Government and the Ministry of Defence and that the final decision rests with the MoD. The Cantonment Board or the State Government cannot by themselves finalise the transfer.
Contractors need not worry
The uncertainty over the future of the Cantonment has also affected the response to tenders. Manchalwar said contractors have been reluctant to participate in some tenders fearing that they may not receive payment if the area is subsequently transferred to the City Corporation.
He assured contractors that there was no reason for such apprehension. Payments for works completed will be made as per rules, irrespective of any future decision regarding excision of Cantonment areas.
He said the Board would continue to issue tenders only after obtaining the required approvals and in accordance with regulations.
Assets and liabilities
If the excision is eventually approved, the transfer of the relevant assets and liabilities to the municipal corporation or other local authority will be carried out as per the final decision and applicable procedure.
Manchalwar said the interests of citizens, employees and other stakeholders would be considered during the process and urged people not to rely on rumours regarding the future of the Cantonment.