Belagavi’s ₹442 Crore Budget Sparks Water vs Dog Debate

Major focus on sanitation, infrastructure development, and civic workers’ salaries across 58 wards

Belagavi City Corporation has presented a ₹442.54 crore budget for the financial year 2026–27, estimating an expenditure of ₹441.62 crore and aiming to achieve a surplus of ₹92.32 lakh.
For more details : https://www.prajavani.net/district/belagavi/belagavi-city-corporation-budget-presented-more-funds-allocated-for-stray-dogs-than-drinking-water-3799144

The budget was tabled on Wednesday during a meeting chaired by Mayor Mangesh Pawar. Standing Committee Chairperson (Taxation, Finance and Appeals) Reshma Hoogaar presented the budget and handed over copies to the Mayor and Deputy Mayor Vani Joshi before the session.

Focus on Basic Infrastructure and Sanitation

As in previous years, priority has been given to city cleanliness, development of basic infrastructure in all 58 wards, payment of electricity bills, and salaries of civic workers.

Key allocations include:

  • ₹38.25 crore for outsourced sanitation services
  • ₹11 crore for salaries of directly recruited civic workers
  • ₹2 crore for civic workers’ food allowance
  • ₹4 crore for scientific solid waste management
  • ₹6.95 crore for road, drain and footpath maintenance
  • ₹50 lakh for streetlight maintenance
  • ₹27 crore for infrastructure works in all wards, including new CC roads and drains

Additionally, ₹22 crore has been earmarked for drainage repairs, new drains, and community toilets. Other allocations include ₹2 crore for corporation property maintenance, ₹1.35 crore for park development, and ₹1.45 crore for e-office systems and computerization.

Stray Dog Control Allocation Draws Attention

The corporation has allocated ₹2.10 crore for stray dog control measures, including sterilization and construction of shelters. The allocation has drawn attention as it is significantly higher than the ₹25 lakh earmarked for drinking water and open well development. Similar allocations were made in the previous two budgets, though concerns over rising stray dog numbers persist.

Revenue and Tax Collection Drive

The corporation plans to intensify efforts to improve tax collection. However, similar drives announced in previous budgets have not achieved expected results.

For 2026–27, the corporation expects to generate ₹85 crore from its own revenue sources, including:

  • ₹7.55 crore from property tax
  • ₹9.90 crore from property transfer fees and penalties
  • ₹11 crore from building permits and development charges
  • ₹9.75 crore from sale of vacant plots
  • ₹4 crore from solid waste management fees
  • ₹5 crore from trade licenses
  • ₹1.5 crore from new underground drainage connections
  • ₹1.7 crore from road-cutting charges
  • ₹1.3 crore from debris disposal

The budget outlines a continued focus on essential civic services while aiming to maintain financial discipline with a modest surplus.

Read also : Land Acquisition Completed for Dharwad–Belagavi Rail Project

Shreeya
Shreeya

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