Belagavi is facing the risk of losing the CITIES 2.0 project due to a funding dispute between the state government and the Belagavi City Corporation. The project, aimed at promoting sustainable urban development and improved solid waste management, has an estimated cost of around ₹135 crore.
For more details : https://www.prajavani.net/district/belagavi/belagavi-citiis-project-delay-due-to-political-conflict-smart-city-grants-3821085
According to the funding pattern, the central government and state government must contribute 40% each, while the city corporation must provide the remaining 20%. The central government has already released the first installment, and the corporation has agreed to pay its share. However, the state government has reportedly declined to provide its portion, asking the corporation to use State Finance Commission funds instead.
The issue has sparked political criticism, with MLA Abhay Patil questioning officials during a recent corporation meeting.
Meanwhile, delays in approvals, tender issues, and the lack of a clear framework from Smart City Limited have further slowed the project. Authorities are now considering reducing the project cost to ₹75 crore and completing it using central funds and the corporation’s share.
Read also : Review Meeting Held on Central Development Projects in Belagavi
