In a groundbreaking move that marks a significant shift in historical commemoration, the names of several roads within the Cantonment limits of Belagavi are set to transform the near future. A proposal has been put forth to rename 8 to 10 roads, aiming to eliminate remnants of British colonialism and pay tribute to the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers.
This proposal, which has been in deliberation for some time, is expected to gain momentum during the upcoming monthly meeting of the Cantonment Board following the Lok Sabha elections. The plan is to replace the current names of roads, which honor British officers, with names of martyred soldiers, particularly those from the Belagavi region who bravely served in conflicts like the Kargil War.
High Street, Nolan Marg, Nathu La Road, EW Fernandes Road, Lytton Road, Elphinstone Road, Havelock Road – Names of some of the roads
As part of this new initiative, streets within the Cantonment will soon bear the names of these fallen heroes, ensuring that their memory is preserved for future generations.
Additionally, the High Street is slated to be transformed into Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Marg, a suggestion put forth by Cantonment member Sudhir Tupekar. This proposal aligns with a larger movement to infuse the region’s infrastructure with names that reflect local identity and values.
However, due to the code of conduct enforced during the Lok Sabha elections, the anticipated monthly review meeting of the Cantonment could not take place in April. With the elections scheduled for May 7 in Belagavi, it is anticipated that the monthly meetings will resume thereafter, providing the platform for the approval of these proposed name changes.