The Federation of Associations of Belagavi (FOAB) has identified 7 urgent areas of concern crucial for the city’s growth.
To push these initiatives forward, the federation has decided to hold direct discussions with the district’s ministers, MLAs, and the Deputy Commissioner (DC).
The decision was made during a two-hour meeting attended by representatives of more than 20 organizations, held at the Foundry Cluster conference hall under the leadership of Foundry Cluster Chairman Ram Bhandare.
The 7 Key Issues Identified:
In the first phase of their development plan, FOAB highlighted the following priorities:
- Railway Over-Bridge (ROB) Projects: Resolving issues arising from previously built unscientific over-bridges and planning future ones properly.
- Ring Road: Constructing a ring road to alleviate growing traffic congestion in the city.
- CITIIS 2.0: Securing and managing the “City Investments to Innovate, Integrate and Sustain” (CITIIS 2.0) project, which is currently at risk of slipping away.
- Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP): Addressing the long-neglected CDP for structured urban growth.
- Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) Projects: Reassessing and revitalizing neglected wastewater management systems.
- HESCOM Power Stations: Urgently upgrading the electricity infrastructure managed by the Hubli Electricity Supply Company (HESCOM).
- Green Energy & Gas Pipelines: Accelerating the implementation of the GAIL gas pipeline, Bio-gas facilities, and the Gobardhan scheme.
Key Discussion on Infrastructure
A significant portion of the meeting focused on how poorly planned, unscientific railway over-bridges have harmed the city’s flow. Infrastructure experts at the meeting suggested that instead of building massive over-bridges over roads, the city should implement an elevated railway track system.
They explained with examples that an elevated track would speed up city development, preserve the city’s heritage sites, and improve overall aesthetics.
Next Steps and Action Plan
The forum decided to initiate a first-round discussion with the District Deputy Commissioner very soon. Following this, they will hold formal meetings with District In-charge Minister Satish Jarkiholi, Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar, and local city MLAs to draw their immediate attention to these issues.
Prominent Attendees
The meeting featured leadership and insights from:
- Ram Bhandare (Chairman, Foundry Cluster)
- Chaitanya Kulkarni & M.K. Hegde (FOAB Convenors)
- Prabhakar Nagarmunoli (President, Chamber of Commerce)
- Dr. H.B. Rajashekar & B.G. Dharenni (Professional Forum)
- Sachin Sabnis (Laghu Udyog Bharati)
- C.B. Hiremath (Indian Institute of Engineers)
- Yuvraj Hulaji & Anand Kulkarni (CREDAI)
- Sadanand Humbarwadi & Vijay Muchandikar (Foundry Cluster)
- Rajendra Mundada (FOAB Coordinator)
- S.S. Gadiyannavar (Chemists and Druggists Association)
- Representative members: Prasanna Kochari, S.B. Dandagi, Amit Kalakundri, and Anil Ramdurg.
