Belagavi City has once again demonstrated its leadership in urban innovation by hosting a distinguished delegation as part of the CITIIS 2.0 (City Investments to Innovate, Integrate, and Sustain) Challenge. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), the initiative selected Belagavi as one of 18 finalists from 84 eligible cities, drawn from over 100 total applicants.
The visit marked a key moment in the progression of the ambitious VIISWAS Project (Vision to Implement Integrated Solid Waste Management and Sustainability). This initiative is jointly implemented by Belagavi Smart City Limited (BSCL), the Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA), MoHUA, the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), and international stakeholders—Agence Française de Développement (AFD), Germany’s KfW Development Bank, and the European Union. The collaboration underscores a unified commitment to advancing sustainable waste solutions through innovative infrastructure and international cooperation.
The delegation began its Thursday visit with an extensive inspection of major solid waste management facilities in the city. Stops included the Vehicle Service Center and Dry Waste Collection Centre (DWCC) at Sadashiv Nagar, the Turmuri SWM Waste Processing Unit, the Wet Waste Biogas Plant in Khasbag (operated under NULM), and the Secondary Transfer Station cum DWCC. They also toured the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) at Visvesvaraya Nagar, the central hub for smart city operations.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were Mayor Shri Mangesh Pawar, Deputy Mayor Smt. Vani Vilas Joshi, City Corporation Commissioner Smt. Shubha B, and BSCL Managing Director Smt. Syeda Afreen Banu S. Bellary. Their presence reinforced the administration’s strong commitment to forward-thinking urban governance and sustainable development.
A working session was later held from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the ICCC Board Room, focusing on refining timelines and strategies to maximize the project’s outcomes. Both the Mayor and Deputy Mayor actively participated, reaffirming Belagavi’s vision to blend advanced technology with inclusive urban growth.
