Belagavi's Ambitious Waste Management Project Hangs in the Balance
Belagavi city secured a prestigious spot in the national CITIIS 2.0 program in 2024. The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs selected the city for this innovative initiative. However, the project now faces a serious threat of cancellation. Authorities might even shift it to Hubballi instead.
Funding Delays Stall Critical Modernization Work
The CITIIS 2.0 project promises Belagavi a substantial Rs 135 crore to completely overhaul its solid waste management system. This modernization is desperately needed. For the project to move forward, the Belagavi City Corporation must contribute 20% of the total cost. This amounts to Rs 18.7 crore.
The corporation passed a resolution agreeing to this contribution over a year ago. Yet, the funds remain undeposited. This delay has completely stalled the tender process. The central government has already released an initial Rs 7.5 crore to kickstart the work.
State Government Rejects Support, BCC Must Find Its Own Funds
The Belagavi City Corporation sought partial financial support from the state government. This proposal met with rejection. State authorities directed the BCC to mobilize the required Rs 18.7 crore entirely from its own resources. This directive has created a significant funding impasse.
In response, Mayor Mangesh Powar and Deputy Mayor Vani Vilas Joshi convened an urgent meeting on Tuesday. They discussed the crisis with corporators and officials. The goal was to find a swift solution to expedite the funding.
Immediate Deposit Required to Save the Project
Kavitha Warangal, Managing Director of Belagavi Smart City Limited, spoke to the press about the situation. She stated that the BCC must immediately deposit at least 20% of the Rs 7.5 crore already released by the Centre. This immediate deposit is crucial to proceed with the tender notification.
"If the BCC deposits this amount, we can issue the tender notification," Warangal explained. "The deadline is end of March. Meeting it could save the entire project."
She provided a potential solution, noting that the BCC's contribution could be paid in four phases. This information came directly from the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
Risk of Project Shifting to Hubballi Looms Large
Warangal issued a stern warning. "However, if the tender is not floated by the end of March, there is a strong possibility that the project may be shifted to Hubballi," she cautioned.
This threat is very real. The CITIIS 2.0 challenge saw intense competition. In 2023, 84 cities from across India participated. Only 18 cities were finally selected. Belagavi emerged as the sole city from Karnataka to make the cut.
A Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity at Stake
City officials are sounding the alarm. Any further delay could cost Belagavi a transformative opportunity. This project represents a chance to build modern, sustainable urban waste management infrastructure. Such an opportunity may not come again for a generation.
The city stands at a crossroads. Swift action on funding is the only way to secure this vital project for Belagavi's future.
