Belagavi residents appeal to Cantonment Board not to bar locals from roads in camp area

A delegation of residents met officers of the Cantonment board in Belagavi earlier this week with a request not to close some roads in the cantonment and camp areas.

Members of the Belgaum Cantonment Residents’ Welfare Association submitted a memorandum containing the signatures of over 14,136 residents to Sudam Hari Manchalwar, Cantonment Board Chief Executive Officer (CEO). They are opposed to the proposed transfer of Albert Ekka Road, Smart Road, and Queen’s Garden Road to the army, as well as the proposal to install high barricades on Independence Road and Gymkhana Road.

The proposals are part of Resolutions No. 26 and 27 passed at the Cantonment Board meeting held on July 17.

Residents argue that implementing the proposals would cause considerable inconvenience to citizens, students, traders, and daily commuters who depend on these roads.

Mr. Manchalwar assured the residents that the matter would be considered at the upcoming Board meeting. He said the Board would take an appropriate decision after considering all aspects of the issue, including the relevant legal provisions.

Former MLA Anil Benake criticised the proposals, stating that closing three important roads in the Cantonment and installing barricades would amount to an injustice to residents. He pointed out that citizens had previously approached the courts on two occasions to protect their rights, and urged the authorities to take the latest memorandum seriously, keep the roads accessible and provide relief to residents.

Association president Farooq Nawab, secretary Ranjan Shetty, members Nitin Khot, Ajay Pai, Sajid Shaikh, Board nominated member Sudhir Tupekar, Sonali Khot, Rahila Shaikh, Nayana Nerli, and representatives of the Bar Association were part of the delegation.