17/05/2026
FOAB Decides to Hold Direct Discussions With Ministers, MLAs and Deputy Commissioner on 7 Critical Issues
Belagavi:
The Federation of Associations of Belagavi (FOAB), which has identified seven critical issues requiring urgent attention for the development of Belagavi, has decided to hold direct discussions with district ministers, MLAs and the Deputy Commissioner regarding these matters.
Representatives from more than 20 organizations under FOAB gathered on Thursday evening at the Foundry Cluster auditorium and held detailed discussions for nearly two hours. In the first phase, the organization identified several priority issues including the railway overbridge project planned for the city’s development, the ring road project aimed at easing traffic congestion, the Smart Cities 2 project which is on the verge of slipping away, the neglected CDP and STP projects, the urgent upgradation of HESCOM power stations, and the implementation of GAIL gas pipeline, biogas and Gobar-Dhan projects.
The meeting also held extensive discussions regarding the problems created by the unscientifically planned railway overbridges already constructed in the city, and how additional overbridges of a similar nature could adversely affect Belagavi’s future development. Experts explained, citing successful examples from several cities across the country, that instead of constructing more road overbridges, developing elevated railway tracks by building overbridges for railway lines could significantly accelerate the city’s growth. They noted that such a model would also help improve urban aesthetics, preserve heritage sites and offer several other long-term benefits.
Participants further pointed out that although Belagavi had been selected for the Central Government’s Smart Cities 2 project, official negligence has pushed the project to the verge of being lost, which would become a major setback for the city’s development. The meeting also discussed how the delay in land acquisition in just two villages has stalled the ring road project for several years, resulting in severe traffic congestion across the city.
It was observed that the City Development Plan (CDP), which should have evolved along with the city’s growth, has remained pending for a long period, preventing planned and positive urban development. Members also expressed concern that despite the need for ward-wise Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) projects, the city does not have even a single such facility, which could become dangerous for a rapidly growing urban centre. The administration was urged to immediately focus on these concerns.
The meeting also highlighted that all power stations in the city are functioning under excessive load conditions. Participants warned that unless a 400 KV station and several substations are established urgently, Belagavi could face a major power crisis within the next year.
Along with these issues, the meeting expressed concern over the possibility of severe traffic congestion if the proposed flyover construction work at Nar proceeds before opening the Mahatma Phule Road connecting the Halaga–Machhe bypass and Yediyurappa Marg for public traffic movement.
The meeting resolved to first hold discussions with the Deputy Commissioner at the earliest and subsequently meet the district in-charge minister, other district ministers and MLAs of Belagavi city to draw their attention to these urgent development issues.
Presiding over the meeting, senior industrialist and Foundry Cluster Chairman Ram Bhandare said that FOAB’s initiative for the development of Belagavi is highly commendable and much needed. He emphasized that in the coming days the organization should work by taking all associations, public representatives and government officials into confidence.
FOAB Convener Chaitanya Kulkarni welcomed the gathering and delivered the introductory remarks. Another convener, M.K. Hegde explained the future plans and delivered the vote of thanks.
Among those present were Chamber of Commerce President Prabhakar Nagaramunoli, Professional Forum members Dr. H.B. Rajashekhar and B.G. Dharenni, Laghu Udyog Bharati representative Sachin Sabnis, Indian Institute of Engineers representative C.B. Hiremath, CREDAI President Yuvaraj Hulji and member Anand Kulkarni, Foundry Cluster Secretary Sadanand Humbarwadi and member Vijay Muchandikar, FOAB Coordinator Rajendra Mundad, Chemists and Druggists Association representative S.S. Gadiyannavar, and representatives of various organizations including Prasanna Kochari, S.B. Dandagi, Amit Kalakundri and Anil Ramdurg, among others.
