The historic Belagavi Fort, a treasured landmark dating back nearly 1,000 years, is at the center of a heated debate as residents rally against the Belagavi Cantonment Board’s decision to establish a bus and truck terminus adjacent to the fort’s moat. The plan has sparked concerns over the potential environmental and heritage damage it could inflict on the area.
Guided by the principles outlined in Article 51A (f) and (g) of the Indian Constitution, which urge citizens to protect the nation’s heritage and environment, the residents of Fort Dr.Nitin Khot & Dr.Siddarth Pujari have submitted a protest letter to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Cantonment Board. Despite their efforts to convince the CEO to reconsider the decision, the Cantonment Board has reportedly begun work on the project, much to the dismay of the community.
The Belagavi Fort, surrounded by a deep moat and rich in ancient temples, basadis, and mosques, is not only a symbol of the city’s heritage but also a protected site under the Karnataka Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, of 1966. The area around the fort, known as the ‘skirts’ or ‘apron,’ has been kept clear for centuries to preserve the integrity and security of the fort. However, in recent years, parts of this land have been leased for commercial purposes, leading to various environmental challenges.
In the past, a wholesale vegetable market and a truck terminus were established in this area, causing severe traffic congestion and environmental degradation. Efforts to mitigate these issues included relocating the vegetable market and heavy vehicle terminus to more suitable locations, where waste management and pollution control norms were strictly adhered to.
The Belagavi Smart City Plan of 2017, which identified the fort as a key heritage area, had allocated ₹30.98 crores to clean the moat, repair the fort walls, and develop a park around the fort. Unfortunately, this plan was opposed by the Station Commander, who argued that increased tourism could compromise the security of the Indian Army stationed in the area. As a result, the allocated funds were returned to the Central Government, and the project was shelved.
Despite these setbacks, the Cantonment Board’s decision to reintroduce commercial vehicles to the area has reignited concerns among residents. They fear that the presence of trucks and buses will lead to traffic chaos, further damage the fort’s ecosystem, and hinder any future efforts to revive the Smart City Plan.
Residents argue that the return of heavy vehicles to this area contradicts the Station Commander’s previous stance on security concerns related to tourism. They are now prepared to pursue legal action to protect their heritage and the environment, expressing deep concern for the future of the fort and the city’s livability.
“We implore the authorities to intervene and stop this irreparable damage,” said Dr.Nitin Khot. “CEOs may come and go, but we have to live in Belagavi and make it livable for our children.”
The protest letter, along with documentation of past efforts to preserve the fort, has been submitted to the Cantonment Board.