Residents of the camp area in Belgaum are urging the Union government to transfer all civilian zones within the military cantonment to the city corporation. However, officials from the cantonment board prefer to transfer only specific areas, which contradicts directives from the Ministry of Defence (MOD), according to residents.
These areas have been under the jurisdiction of the cantonment board for over a century, with municipal services provided by the local corporation. The MOD decided in June to transfer these areas to urban local bodies. The Belgaum Cantonment Residents’ Welfare Association has raised concerns that despite the MOD’s decision, officials in Belgaum are reluctant to proceed with the full transfer. They have communicated their grievances to MOD officials, the state government, and district administration through formal letters.
Omar Farooq Nawab, president of the association, and Ranjan Shetty, secretary, have urged Mohammad Roshan, Deputy Commissioner, to safeguard their interests by compelling the board officers to adhere to the MOD’s order issued on June 26. In a letter to the DC, the association highlighted that during a meeting on Saturday, the CEO of the board, Rajeev Kumar, agreed to transfer only 112 acres out of the total 1763 acres of notified civilian area land to the Belgaum City Corporation. The letter expressed discontent that despite objections raised by Members of Parliament Jagadish Shettar and Iranna Kadadi, and MLA Asif (Raju) Sait, the board CEO submitted a report to the MOD without acknowledging these objections. The letter emphasized that this action wrongly assumes consent from elected representatives, which is not the case.
Mr. Shettar informed The Hindu that he had voiced opposition to the selective transfer of areas. He questioned the board officers about their decision to transfer only approximately 112 acres, specifically the market area and other public assets already under the State government’s control. He expressed frustration that despite attending the meeting, the board officers seemed determined to uphold their viewpoint without considering objections, prompting him to plan to raise the issue with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
Mr. Kadadi stated that the officers must comply with the MOD order and cannot unilaterally make decisions. He indicated the necessity for another meeting soon to clarify their stance.
Local academician Nitin Khot, a resident of the cantonment area, urged both the Union and State governments to ensure proper implementation of the MOD’s directive concerning the excision of civilian areas in Belgaum cantonment. Dr. Khot stressed that regardless of the transfer of civilian areas, it is the duty of the State government and city corporation to provide essential municipal services and amenities such as electricity, water, sanitation, roads, and maintenance. He cautioned against accepting the transfer of only 112 acres, arguing that it would create financial strain on the city corporation and necessitate reliance on State government funds. Dr. Khot suggested rejecting the offer as it does not serve the long-term interests of the city and the State.
Mr. Roshan confirmed his intent to address these concerns at an upcoming meeting with relevant officials on Tuesday.
