The Belagavi Development Authority (BUDA) has unveiled a sweeping expansion blueprint to ease the mounting pressure on Belagavi city’s infrastructure and population density. A new township is in the works, and in a major first step, BUDA has notified the inclusion of 58 villages under its urban local planning area.
This move, backed by the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act of 1961 (Section 4A), marks the beginning of a bold vision to develop a modern, well-planned extension of Belagavi, potentially stretching up to 50 km from the city’s center by 2050. The urban sprawl of Belagavi is expected to encompass 150 to 180 sq. km within the next 25 years.
According to BUDA officials, the survey work has already commenced with an ambitious aim to develop mini-townships in all four directions of the city. The selected villages include Honaga, Kalakamba, Muchandi, Ashtagi, Nilaji, Mutaga, Sambra, Balekundri (K.H and B.K), Honnihala, Mavinakatti, and Kadoli among others—spanning a total of 58 settlements.
Honaga, Kalakamba, Muchandi, Ashte, Nilaji, Mutaga, Sambra, Balekundri, K.H, Balekundri B.K., Honnihala, Mavinakatti, Basarikatti, Mastamaradi, Kondasakoppa, Dhamane, Yallur, Yaramala, Kuttalawadi, Navage, Hangaraga, Kalholola, Sulaga, Gojaga, Mannur, Ambewadi (Jafarawadi), Alataga, Kadoli
These areas will now fall under BUDA’s jurisdiction for development permissions. All new construction activities—be it for residential, commercial, or industrial purposes—will require prior approval from the authority.
Master Plan in Motion
The master plan, already in its implementation phase, envisions integrated townships that include housing, public amenities, and industrial hubs. “This step is critical in preparing Belagavi for its future population and infrastructure needs,” a BUDA official said. “It will also significantly increase the land value for farmers and property owners in these regions.”
Rural Resistance Emerges
However, the move hasn’t been met with unanimous approval. Village administrations and local residents have voiced strong opposition to their inclusion in the BUDA planning zone. At the heart of their protest is the new mandate requiring a No Objection Certificate (NOC) and approved design for all new constructions—including homes, poultry farms, brick kilns, and small-scale industries.
Local gram panchayats have argued that such regulations would impose undue financial and procedural burdens on poor farmers, daily wage workers, and small entrepreneurs. “This will make it nearly impossible for ordinary villagers to build even a basic home,” said one village leader.
The opposition is urging the state government to withdraw the mandatory design approval clause, fearing it may disrupt traditional livelihoods and make housing unaffordable in rural belts.
What’s Next?
While BUDA remains committed to its vision of a structured and sustainable urban expansion, the growing unrest among rural communities poses a potential challenge. Negotiations and further stakeholder consultations may be necessary to address the villagers’ concerns and create a more inclusive development approach.
As Belagavi braces for its next phase of growth, the city stands at a critical juncture—balancing the promise of modernity with the preservation of rural livelihoods and autonomy.