Activists urge Karnataka govt to ensure proper implementation of CITIIS 2.0 project in Belagavi

Activists and members of civic society groups have urged the government of Karnataka to ensure properly implementation of the City Investments to Innovate, Integrate and Sustain (CITIIS 2.0) project, a sub-component of the Smart Cities initiative.

In a memorandum submitted to Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan, activists have alleged that the project size had been scaled down by nearly 45% due to the negligence of the Belagavi city corporation and lack of support from the State Government

“The initial estimated plan size was ₹135 crore, with the Centre and the State contributing 40% each, and the urban local body adding the remaining 20% of funds. But the government of Karnataka was reluctant to contribute 40%, citing paucity of funds. This reduced the plan size to ₹75 crore. This would also mean that the total burden on the BCC would grow to 60%. BCC should have taken up the matter with the State Government, demanding its rightful share, as Belagavi is the only city in Karnataka selected for the project. The project is being undertaken in only 18 cities in the country. But, the BCC did not do so,” activists Sujit Mulgund, Rajkumar Topannavar and advocate Nitin Bolbandi stated in the memorandum.

CITIIS is a scheme introduced by the Union Government, with funds received as loan from various European agencies. Belagavi was selected under the CITIIS 2.0 programme aimed at strengthening urban infrastructure, climate resilience, and sustainable waste management systems.

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As per the initial proposal, projects worth ₹135 crore were planned for the city. But the reduced outlay would lead to curtailment of key infrastructure components, reduced effectiveness of waste management systems, limited coverage of climate resilience initiatives, and loss of economic opportunities, including local employment and MSME participation, according to the memorandum.

The activists urged the DC to seek higher allocation from the State Government, and to seek an explanation from the local officials concerned for scaling down the project.

Appeal to Regional Commissioner

Meanwhile, members of the Belagavi Citizens Council have urged Janaki K.M., Regional Commissioner, to ensure that CITIIS 2.0 Project for Belagavi is properly implemented.

The approved project, valued at approximately ₹135 crore, aims to strengthen solid waste management systems, and promote sustainable, climate-resilient urban infrastructure.

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“Some recent reports about procedural delays, pending financial contributions, and tender-related issues have caused concern among citizens and stakeholders. There is apprehension that prolonged delays may affect timely execution, and potentially jeopardise the project allocation. These delays have reportedly placed the project at risk, with concerns that the sanctioned funds may be withdrawn or diverted to another city if timely action is not taken,” they stated.

They urged the RC to review the current status of the CITIIS 2.0 project implementation in Belagavi, direct the authorities concerned to expedite release of the required funds, ensure immediate completion of pending tender and administrative procedures, and to take necessary steps to safeguard the project allocation for Belagavi.

Signatories to the memorandum include Satish Tendulkar, Basavraj Javali, Vikas Kalghatgi, Nitesh Jain, Mukesh Khoda, and Kamlesh Khoda.