MLA Abhay Patil urged the State government to announce a special development package for Belagavi, stressing the need to expedite long-pending infrastructure and industrial projects, including the proposed IT Park.
Speaking during the Legislative Assembly discussion, Patil said the IT Park proposal for Belagavi had been repeatedly delayed despite several assurances. He called for the acquisition of about 745 acres of Army land at Turkmatti along NH-48 for the city’s overall development. He also said that government land near Turkmatti, presently under the Forest Department, should be transferred for setting up the IT Park.
The MLA pointed to an acute shortage of funds for managing major industrial areas in Belagavi following the closure of Indal, stating that while nearly ₹850 crore is required, the district receives less than 10% of the funds allotted to other districts.
Referring to Mahatma Gandhi’s visit to Belagavi, Patil said a proposal had been drawn up to develop a Freedom Struggle Theme Park over 300 acres with the cooperation of the Central and State governments. He expressed concern over delays in implementing the project and developing sites associated with Gandhi.
Patil also demanded the establishment of a separate textile industry park for women in Belagavi and sought focused promotion of local and agricultural products such as Basmati rice, Shahapur sarees, Belagavi kunda, Hukkeri brinjal, Khanapur cashew, and Sankeshwar chilli.
He further called for a special policy to promote foundry, defence manufacturing, railway, and aerospace industries in the region. In addition, he sought immediate funding for the Karnataka Maratha Development Authority and the creation of a separate development corporation for the Sali community.
Describing Belagavi as a major growth hub of north Karnataka, Patil urged the government to move beyond announcements and ensure time-bound execution of development initiatives.
