Belagavi Corporation Greenlights Rs 5 Crore Annual Funding for CITIIS 2.0 Smart City Project
The Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) general body has given its formal approval to allocate Rs 5 crore annually for the City Investments to Innovate, Integrate and Sustain (CITIIS 2.0) project. This significant financial commitment will be channeled through the Belagavi Smart City Limited (BSCL) initiative, marking a major step forward in urban development efforts.
Emergency Meeting Addresses Funding and Implementation Concerns
An emergency meeting was convened at the BCC office on Monday to discuss the provision of funds from the corporation for the CITIIS 2.0 project. The gathering was chaired by Mayor Mangesh Pawar and attended by senior officials including Corporation Commissioner M Kartik, Deputy Mayor Vani Joshi, and various corporators.
During the meeting, senior officials presented detailed explanations about the project being prepared for Belagavi's development across 10 distinct components. However, several corporators expressed substantial doubts about the implementation process and raised concerns about the preparedness of officials.
Corporators Voice Implementation Concerns and Demand Clarity
Ruling party leader and advocate Hanumant Kongali highlighted issues related to systematic planning and grant adjustment, emphasizing that officials need to be fully prepared before project implementation begins. Multiple corporators objected to the officials' plans, arguing that BCC and BSCL officials might not be fully aware of the city's pressing problems.
"Many rounds of complaints have revolved around the implementation of this project," noted concerned corporators during the discussion. They pointed out numerous complaints about the performance and attitude of BCC officials, suggesting these issues must be resolved before the project moves forward.
The members collectively suggested that before implementing what they referred to as the "City Two" project, a separate meeting should be convened specifically for corporation members and officers to discuss, seek suggestions, and prioritize resolving citizens' problems.
Taxation Proposals Spark Debate During Meeting
The meeting also addressed significant taxation matters, including a proposed 3% tax hike for the current fiscal year within corporation limits. Congress member Ramesh Sontakki strongly objected to this increase, noting that "it is not right to increase property tax by 3% again this year after increasing it by 5% last year."
Additionally, the discussion turned to the controversial topic of double taxation on unauthorized buildings constructed within BCC limits. Officials defended the practice of collecting double taxes on such structures, informing the meeting that provisions in the law allow for this approach.
The BCC has issued permits allowing payment of revenue for these buildings, but the law does not permit declaring them as authorized structures. As officials clarified, an unauthorized building does not become authorized simply because a fine has been paid.
CITIIS 2.0 Project Background and National Context
The CITIIS 2.0 initiative was launched by the Union Government on November 16, 2023, with the specific design of supporting innovative circular economy projects across select smart cities in India. The program particularly focuses on integrated solid waste management systems, representing a forward-thinking approach to urban sustainability challenges.
With the annual Rs 5 crore allocation now approved, Belagavi joins other smart cities in implementing this nationally significant program. The coming weeks will see dedicated meetings to gather suggestions from members and officials for executing the project across its 10 components while addressing related implementation issues.
