All MLAs from Belagavi district have appealed to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to divide the district into smaller units for administrative convenience, said PWD Minister and district in-charge minister Satish Jarkiholi.
Speaking to reporters in Chikkodi after hearing public grievances on March 4, Mr. Jarkiholi said the demand for creating a separate Chikkodi district has existed for several decades and remains a legitimate request. During the winter session of the Assembly held in Belagavi, legislators from the district met the Chief Minister and urged him to consider forming smaller districts.
“I requested the Chief Minister to create three districts. He listened to our suggestions patiently. Now it is up to the State Government and the Chief Minister to take a decision,” he said.
Responding to a query, the Minister clarified that such a move does not necessarily have to be announced during the State budget. “It is an administrative decision and can be announced even after the budget,” he added.
Water release from Hidkal dam
Mr. Jarkiholi also said that, following requests from farmers, the government decided to continue releasing water from the Hidkal dam to the Chikkodi sub-canal until March 12. The earlier plan was to stop the release on March 7. “This extension will benefit rabi crops,” he said.
Inspection of bridge works and school visit
Earlier in the day, the Minister inspected the progress of the Lolsur bridge project, reviewed repair work on the Ghataprabha bridge, and visited the Morarji Desai Residential School in Ghataprabha.
He said the new bridge across the Ghataprabha river at Lolsur village near Gokak is being constructed at a cost of ₹30.21 crore. The structure will replace a British-era bridge that often goes underwater during floods. “The new bridge, built at a higher elevation, will prevent inundation and ensure smoother vehicular movement,” he said.
Mr. Jarkiholi also inspected the construction of a bridge across the Ghataprabha canal near Ghataprabha town on the Sankeshwar–Yargatti State Highway. He directed officials to complete a temporary bridge at the earliest to prevent disruption to traffic on the busy route. “Work on the new four-lane, 18.5-metre-wide bridge is progressing satisfactorily,” he said.
During his visit to the Morarji Desai Residential School, the Minister reviewed infrastructure facilities and interacted with students. He gathered information from officials about accommodation, infrastructure, and the quality of education, and encouraged students to pursue their aspirations.
