Belagavi admin seeks 860-acre Cantonment transfer; board cites uncertainty
Belagavi district seeks transfer of ~860 acres from Cantonment to city corporation; board says decision rests with MoD.
The Belagavi district administration has formally sought the transfer of approximately 860 acres of land from the Cantonment Board to the city corporation, following Union government directives on excising civilian areas within military cantonments. The proposal, however, remains pending as the Cantonment Board says it has not received any final approval.
Cantonment Board CEO Sudam Harivijay Manchalwar told reporters on Wednesday that the proposal is still under consideration. He acknowledged that the uncertainty has created confusion among citizens, employees, and contractors, particularly over ongoing works and new tenders. Some contractors, he said, appear reluctant to bid, fearing non-payment if the area is later transferred to the municipal body.
Manchalwar sought to allay those concerns, stating that all payments for completed works will be made as per rules, regardless of any future decision on excision. He added that the board will continue issuing tenders only after obtaining required approvals and in line with regulations. If excision is eventually approved, the transfer of assets and liabilities to the municipal corporation or other local authority will follow the applicable procedure.
The CEO also urged the public not to rely on rumours about the Cantonment's future, assuring that the interests of citizens, employees, and stakeholders will be considered during the process.
Details of the proposals remain complex. About two years ago, the Cantonment Board submitted a proposal to the State government for excision of 112 acres from Cantonment limits, but has not received any official written communication approving it. Separately, the district administration has submitted another proposal for transfer of 756 acres. The board sought views from the Defence Estates Officer (DEO) and the Local Military Authority (LMA) on the latter. The LMA has raised objections, and the DEO in Bengaluru has flagged certain technical aspects. No final decision has been taken on either proposal.
Manchalwar clarified that the process is being handled separately at the State government and Ministry of Defence levels, and that the final decision rests with the MoD. Neither the Cantonment Board nor the State government can finalise the transfer on their own.