A heated debate over the pushkarini row during HDMC general body meeting
Mayor Durgamma Bijawad announced the decision during the general body meeting at Sabha Bhavan after members discussed the alleged encroachment, related roadworks and the work order issued by the corporation. The issue triggered heated exchanges, with Congress members objecting to allegations that the work had been carried out overnight, leading to confusion during the proceedings.
He said the matter should be resolved peacefully without creating unrest in the city. BJP corporator Tippanna Majjigi said historical records indicated the existence of the Pushkarani and urged the corporation to conduct a thorough inquiry. MLC Lingaraj Patil said references to the pushkarani could be found in the Bombay Gazetteer.
Corporator Veeranna Savadi proposed the formation of an all-party committee to scrutinise relevant documents and submit a report to the department of archaeology. Alleging that encroachments on parks and public spaces were turning Hubballi-Dharwad into a garbage city, he called for the issue to be brought to the attention of the state govt. MLC HF Jakkappa urged Municipal Commissioner Rudresh Ghali to conduct a comprehensive investigation based on historical records. He also suggested making the reading of the Constitution’s Preamble a regular feature before general body meetings.