The Suvarna Soudha in Belagavi, a legislative complex built at a cost of several hundred crores, is once again in the spotlight for poor upkeep and mounting bills. Hescom has issued a notice to the Public Works Department (PWD), warning that power supply will be cut off if arrears of over ₹1.10 crore are not cleared within a month.
The building, used mainly for the Karnataka Legislature’s winter session for just 10–12 days a year, now houses a few offices as well. Despite this limited use, the electricity bill has remained unpaid for several months. Officials confirmed that the outstanding dues have reached ₹1.20 crore, with Hescom seeking urgent payment to avoid disconnection.
Adding to the concerns, activists have pointed out that the Suvarna Soudha has once again been covered in moss during the monsoon due to lack of maintenance. Built in 2012 to serve as a symbol of North Karnataka’s importance, the complex has often been described as a ‘white elephant,’ with citizens accusing the government of neglect and stepmotherly treatment compared to Bengaluru’s Vidhana Soudha, which is maintained year-round.
Although the government allocates ₹5 crore annually for building and garden upkeep, water supply, and related works, activists say little is spent effectively. The PWD has submitted a proposal of ₹11 crore for painting, waterproofing, furniture polishing, and other repairs, but the Finance Department has yet to release funds even after 40 days.
Last year, ₹36 lakh was spent on moss removal through water-jet cleaning with mild chemicals, but the problem has reappeared this year. PWD officials say Belagavi’s heavy rainfall and cold weather, coupled with the Soudha’s isolated location on the Halaga highlands, make moss growth inevitable.
Activists, however, argue that neglect is deliberate. “The government has failed to maintain Suvarna Soudha and hasn’t even paid electricity dues. This shows its intent to let the building deteriorate. If this continues, the demand for a separate North Karnataka state will only grow stronger,” warned Adivesha Itagi of the Separate Uttara Karnataka Struggle Committee.
