Belagavi is witnessing fast-tracked development across key infrastructure and tourism projects, with coordinated efforts from district-level officials, according to Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan. He was speaking at a Meet-the-Press session organised by the Belagavi Media Association at the Department of Information on Thursday.
Roshan highlighted that officers are actively working alongside Union and State authorities, NGOs, and stakeholders to speed up critical initiatives, including forest conservation, urban development, and religious tourism.
Saundatti Yallamma Temple to Become a Major Tourism Destination
In a major boost to religious tourism, the DC announced an ambitious master plan for the development of the Saundatti Yallamma Temple, which sees over 3 crore visitors annually—ranking second only to Tirupati Balaji in footfall.
A Temple Management Authority and Tourism Development Board have been established to implement the 1,098-acre project, which includes a 100-acre temple complex atop the hill.
Key highlights include:
- A queue complex for 7,000 devotees with lounges, LED screens, and other modern amenities
- A Dasoha Bhavan capable of feeding 15,000 people at once
- Open kitchens in all parking zones
- A 40-acre commercial area to relocate street vendors
- Dedicated parking for bullock carts and a fodder distribution center
- Road widening and repairs at an estimated cost of ₹30 crore
The project will also feature technological upgrades like an online donation (Hundi) system with expenditure tracking, e-booking portals, and battery-operated, eco-friendly buggies. Detailed project reports have been approved, and tenders will be issued soon. The foundation stone is expected to be laid within two months.
Rail Connectivity Set to Improve
Roshan also shared updates on the long-awaited Dharwad–Belagavi railway line via Kittur. “Eighty percent of the 1,200 acres required has been acquired in just four months. The final land notification will be issued within a week, after which the land will be handed over to the Railways,” he said.
The alignment remains unchanged due to no objections, and construction will commence immediately after the land transfer. This line is expected to significantly improve connectivity across North and Northwestern Karnataka. The efforts have received appreciation from Union Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna and other leaders.
Urban Flood Mitigation and Outer Ring Road
To address urban flooding in Belagavi, especially along the Ballari Nala, the district is coordinating with NHAI on long-term engineering solutions. “Issues like encroachments and uneven terrain are disrupting natural water flow,” Roshan explained. Plans include a tunnel and overflow bypass to facilitate smooth drainage, with desilting operations scheduled post-monsoon in collaboration with NGOs.
Land acquisition for the Outer Ring Road and city bypass projects is nearing completion, with construction expected to begin shortly.
Conservation and Eco-Tourism
Roshan also mentioned ongoing efforts to relocate forest dwellers voluntarily as part of conservation measures. One of the 14 identified villages has already been fully relocated, and others will follow based on resident requests. Compensation will be provided in phases.
Eco-tourism activities, such as jungle safaris, are being introduced to increase public awareness about forest ecosystems. The Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary, home to endangered Wroughton’s Free-tailed Bats, recently featured in a National Geographic documentary. The district aims to protect and preserve such critical habitats.
Senior journalists, officials from the Department of Information, and members of the Belagavi Media Association, including its president Vilas Joshi, were present during the interaction.
