The Belagavi Urban Development Authority (Buda) has initiated the process for a new master plan that will shape the city’s development over the next 17 years. The previous plan, sanctioned in 2014, encompassed Belagavi and 27 neighboring villages. The forthcoming master plan is set to incorporate an additional 28 villages, expanding the jurisdiction of Buda to cover a total of 55 surrounding villages along with the city.
Commissioner Shakeel Ahmed revealed that the new master plan, valid until 2041, will necessitate a comprehensive GPS-based survey, for which tenders have been invited. The cost of this survey is estimated at ₹1.8 crore. The appointed consultancy company has an eight-month timeline to compile and submit the updated master plan report. The deadline for tender applications is November 23, with the scrutiny scheduled for November 24, including the opening of financial bids in the same month.
The expansion of Buda’s jurisdiction to encompass additional villages has sparked debate within the community, especially from organizations and farmers in the affected villages. Former MLA Ramesh Kudachi expressed concerns about the unilateral decision to incorporate these villages into Buda. He questions whether the authority can adequately provide facilities to these villages located 15 to 20 kilometers away from the city, despite the approval granted by the urban development department.
