Forest clearance delay stalls Belagavi Ring Road project
The Centre approved the project in three phases, allocating Rs 1,622 crore for the construction of a 34.5-kilometre ring road in the first phase. Union minister for road transport and highways
Nitin Gadkari
laid the foundation stone in Feb 2024, calling it a key infrastructure upgrade for Belagavi.
The proposed road cuts through 27.3 hectares of reserve forest in the villages of Honaga, Kakati, Sonatti, Kanabargi, and Kalakhamb.
Belagavi deputy conservator of forests (DCF) Maria Christu Raja D submitted his inspection report in Aug 2024, and based on his report, the state forest department recommended the diversion of forest land to the Centre in Jan 2025.
However, questions have now been raised over the accuracy and completeness of the report submitted by the DCF. Bengaluru-based environmental activist Ramprasad flagged potential discrepancies, citing satellite images that allegedly show encroachment on portions of the forest land recommended for diversion, which were not mentioned in the DCF's report.
Following the activist's complaint, the central forest department asked the state govt to submit a factual report by June 10, a deadline that has since lapsed without compliance. The failure to provide a factual report is now the primary reason for the delay in greenlighting the Ring Road Project. DCF Maria Christu Raja D declined to comment on the matter.
Meanwhile, Belagavi South MLA Abhay Patil, a strong advocate for the project, expressed his frustration over the delay. "We worked hard to get this major project sanctioned by the Centre, but the inefficiency of local forest officials is stalling it. If the DCF fails to submit the required factual report within 15 days, I will protest in front of his office," he warned.
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