Representatives of various organisations, including the Belgaum Cantonment Residents’ Welfare Association and Belagavi Bar Association, led by social worker Nitin Khot, submit a memorandum to Belagavi Cantonment Board CEO Manchalwar Sudam Harivijay in Belagavi on Monday
Belagavi: More than 14,000 written objections against the proposed handing over and permanent closure of three roads in the Camp area were submitted to Belagavi Cantonment Board (BCB) CEO Manchalwar Sudam Harivijay Monday by various organisations led by social activist Nitin Khot. Representatives of the Belgaum Cantonment Residents’ Welfare Association, Belagavi Bar Association, Lodge Victoria No 9 Charitable Organisation, Rotary Clubs and Lions Clubs submitted memorandums and bundles of objections at the CEO’s office. “Similar attempts were made in 2018 and 2021, and citizens secured relief from the Supreme Court on both occasions. Participants also raised concerns over restrictions on movement along Savagaon Road during military parades, deployment of armed personnel in civilian areas, checks on citizens, restrictions on gig workers and people wearing shorts in certain areas, and the relocation of the 160-year-old Durgamata Tulkatamma Devi Temple idol from Army-controlled land citing security-related limitations.
Stay updated with the latest Hubballi news.
Addressing the CEO, Khot said this was the third attempt by the Army to take control of cantonment roads. He said the proposal would disrupt traffic, affect trade and business, and create difficulties for thousands of schoolchildren and residents who use the roads daily. “We demand that the BCB immediately withdraw the notification, which serves no public interest,” he said, adding that MP Jagadish Shettar and DC Mohammad Roshan had also opposed the move. Responding, CEO Manchalwar said all issues raised during the meeting would be placed before the Board’s next general body meeting. “The matters will be discussed in detail, and the outcome of the meeting will be shared with all stakeholders,” he said.
The objections were filed by parents of students studying in Camp-area schools and residents likely to be affected, along with their names, addresses, contact numbers and signatures. BCB has invited public objections and suggestions on the proposed transfer of Albert Ekka Road, Smart Road and Queen’s Garden Road to the Army for closure in exchange for Gymkhana Road. The present move to close public roads has no connection with national security,” he contended. He urged the BCB to withdraw the proposal. Former MLA Anil Benake termed the renewed road-closure proposal an injustice to citizens, noting that similar efforts had failed twice in court. Download the TOI App.