The Belagavi City Corporation council convened a significant meeting on Monday to address pressing urban issues. Council members tackled multiple problems affecting daily life in the city.
Stray Dog Management Sparks Debate
Corporator and advocate Hanumant Kongali raised the critical issue of stray dogs within city limits. He highlighted a conflict between state government directives and Supreme Court guidelines.
The state government ordered officials to establish dog shelters in every ward. However, Kongali argued this approach contradicts Supreme Court guidelines aimed at preventing cruelty to animals.
Mayor Mangesh Pawar issued a clear ruling during the meeting. He instructed the corporation to follow Supreme Court directives rather than state government orders. The council requested the BCC commissioner to write to the government seeking clarification on this matter.
Mayor Pawar directed officials to sterilize dogs according to Supreme Court guidelines and return them to their habitats. He suggested reevaluating the government's proposal for separate food outlets for dogs in each ward.
Flooding Concerns from Ballari Nala
Corporator Girish Dhongadi brought attention to the annual flooding problem in southern Belagavi. He specifically mentioned Ballari Nala, which requires regular desilting.
Polluted water from the nala enters surrounding agricultural lands during rains. This contamination causes significant damage to crops each year.
Council members expressed frustration that no serious action has been taken so far. They demanded that the BCC clean all nalas at least twice annually to prevent flooding and crop damage.
Administrative and Technical Challenges
The council also discussed decreasing revenue collection figures. Members expressed concern about the corporation's financial health.
E-Property Registration Issues
Technical problems with the e-property registration server have persisted for four months. Citizens face difficulties completing property transactions due to these ongoing issues.
Corporators noted that middlemen and agents are exploiting the situation. They urged the commissioner to take immediate action to resolve the technical problems and reduce agent interference.
Building Rent Disputes
Another concern involved corporation buildings with expired leases. Despite lease terms ending, the corporation has struggled to regain possession of these properties.
Council members urged the mayor to take immediate action on rent disputes. Mayor Pawar instructed officials to conduct a thorough investigation into rent payments for corporation buildings and the flower market.
Additional Council Business
MLA Abhay Patil informed the council about smart city projects. He discussed work quality and public benefits from these initiatives. Patil asked the mayor to implement measures for smoother traffic flow in the city.
Council members demanded that notices be issued to absent departments, including Hescom. They emphasized the importance of departmental participation in council discussions.
Several prominent figures participated in the debate. MLA Asif Sait joined corporators Ramesh Sontakki, Girish Nashipudi, Ravi Dotrem, Girish Dhongadi, and opposition leader Muzamil Doni in the discussions.
The meeting addressed multiple urban challenges facing Belagavi. Council members demonstrated commitment to finding practical solutions for the city's development and resident welfare.
