Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) has moved e-Khata application submissions to Belagavi One centres to curb corruption and reduce delays. Following a surprise inspection revealing manipulation by agents, Commissioner Shubha B suspended manual processing and launched a digital-first system. Citizens can now submit applications directly at two active centres, with two more opening soon. A nominal INR 25 fee is charged, with no middlemen allowed. In 48 hours, BCC cleared 3,854 pending applications. Despite brief server issues, operations are stabilising. The initiative follows a state directive to resolve e-Khata cases within three months and includes public info boards and a helpline for assistance.Read more

The Belagavi Cantonment Board (BCB) has submitted a revised draft of its building bylaws to the Principal Director of Defence Estates, Southern Command, in Pune, for approval. The updated bylaws incorporate recommendations from The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) following the rejection of the previous version by authorities. The civil area is now divided into two zones, with distinct guidelines for building permissions, ground coverage limits, and height restrictions. Zone 1 covers high-density areas and permits up to three floors and 90% ground coverage, while Zone 2 focuses on low-density zones with a maximum Floor Space Index (FSI) of 0.5 and 50% ground coverage.Read more

PNT Reporter

Landowners who provided land for Belagavi Urban Development Authority's (BUDA) Residential Project Scheme No. 61 in Kanabaragi have launched an indefinite strike, demanding the project's foundation stone be laid during the winter session. Despite a 50:50 land-sharing agreement signed in 2007, development has stalled due to legal and technical hurdles, depriving farmers of income while real estate prices surge. Frustrated by years of inaction, landowners have escalated their protests and submitted a memorandum to the Urban Development Minister. Their strike underscores the urgent need for BUDA to fulfill its promises and address the delays during the upcoming legislature session.Read more

Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) is embroiled in a controversy over missing property documents and mismanagement of assets worth crores of rupees. The issue has forced BCC to launch a survey to locate and identify its properties. Allegations of document theft and corruption have surfaced, with over 95 BCC properties leased or rented out, and many leases expired or unpaid, resulting in INR 26 crore in outstanding dues. Corporators and MLA Abhay Patil demand a high-level investigation, highlighting the potential for large-scale corruption. BCC officials are taking measures to address these concerns and ensure transparency.Read more

Belagavi Airport in Karnataka is set for a major expansion with the acquisition of an additional 57 acres. The state government's move builds on the 2017 upgrade, which saw a new terminal and runway extension. Authorities, emphasizing fair compensation, are addressing local farmers' concerns regarding land acquisition. The Airports Authority of India plans to invest Rs 229.5 crore for a new terminal spanning 20,000 square meters, aimed at boosting regional connectivity and economic growth. The expansion underscores the balance between development and community interests.Read more

The Belagavi Urban Development Authority (BUDA) has called for tenders to create a new master plan for the city that will remain in effect for the next 17 years. The existing 2014 master plan covers Belagavi and 27 surrounding villages. With 28 additional villages set to be included in the new plan, BUDA's jurisdiction now extends to encompass 55 villages. A GPS-based survey, costing ?1.8 crore, will be conducted to gather detailed data in accordance with specified guidelines. The consultancy firm has eight months to submit the new master plan report. This move has sparked opposition from some organizations and farmers concerned about the inclusion of the additional villages.Read more

In the last 15 years, the Belagavi Urban Development Authority (BUDA) has refrained from launching any new residential layouts, resulting in a substantial escalation in land prices across the city. Notably, the Ramtirth Nagar layout was the most recent residential project initiated by BUDA, but it's underwhelming performance has since placed immense pressure on the authority to move forward with the Kanabargi project. With increasing land costs and a growing demand for housing, the forthcoming Kanabargi project is seen as a critical step for BUDA to meet the city's housing needs and alleviate the mounting cost burdens on residents.Read more

In a recent meeting of the Belagavi Urban Development Authority (Buda), PWD minister Satish Jarkiholi emphasized the importance of adhering to regulations in the development of roads, gardens, underground drainage, and public spaces for layouts. He sternly warned against permitting illegal layouts, stressing the need for comprehensive inspections before granting permissions. The meeting also approved the preparation of the 3rd revised master plan to include 28 villages within Buda's jurisdiction, as authorized by the government. Minister Jarkiholi additionally directed officials to rectify any inadvertent omissions in the village inclusion process.Read more

The Belagavi Urban Development Authority (BUDA) has expanded its jurisdiction to encompass an additional 28 villages surrounding the city, following government directives. This extension, made under the authority of Section 4(A)(1) of the Karnataka Urban and Rural Planning Act 1961, aims to promote systematic growth, connectivity, industries, and residential development. A fresh master plan, expected to be prepared by a selected firm, will cover these newly included villages, supplementing the 2014 plan that initially covered 15 villages. Despite a two-year delay, this decision empowers BUDA to oversee infrastructure-related projects in all 41 villages, fostering coordinated development in the region.Read more