BCC approves annual allocation of Rs 5 cr for CITIIS 2.0 project

Belagavi: The Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) general body approved allocating Rs 5 crore annually for the City Investments to Innovate, Integrate and Sustain (CITIIS 2.0) project under the Belagavi Smart City Limited (BSCL) initiative.A separate meeting will be convened soon to seek suggestions from members and officials for executing the project across 10 components and resolving related issues. The meeting also discussed a proposed 3% tax hike for the current fiscal year within corporation limits and an additional levy on unauthorised buildings.The CITIIS 2.0 initiative, launched by the Union govt on Nov 16, 2023, was designed to support innovative circular economy projects, particularly integrated solid waste management systems, across select smart cities in India.An emergency meeting was held at the BCC office on Monday to discuss the provision of funds from the corporation for the CITIIS 2.0 project to be implemented under the BSCL. The meeting, chaired by mayor Mangesh Pawar, was attended by senior officials of the corporation, including corporation commissioner M Kartik.The corporators expressed doubts about the implementation of the project. The ruling party leader and advocate Hanumant Kongali said there were issues related to a systematic plan and grant adjustment. In this context, he said officials were informed that they should be fully prepared for the implementation of the project.Senior officials explained the project being prepared for the development of Belagavi under 10 components.However, corporators who objected to the officials' plan said the BCC and BSCL officials were not fully aware of the city's problems, as many rounds of complaints revolved around the implementation of this project. They said they needed more details about the plan. They suggested there were many complaints about the performance and attitude of the BCC officials, and all these issues should be resolved before the project could be implemented.Members suggested that, before implementing the City Two project, a meeting of corporation members and officers should be called to discuss, seek suggestions, and give top priority to resolving the problems of the citizens.Double taxation is being imposed on unauthorised buildings constructed within the limits of BCC. The BCC issued a permit to pay revenue, but the law does not allow it to declare the building as authorised. An unauthorised building will not become authorised just because it is paid the fine. Officials defended collecting double taxes on unauthorised buildings and informed the meeting that there are provisions in the law for this.Congress member Ramesh Sontakki objected, saying that it is not right to increase property tax by 3% again this year after increasing it by 5% last year.Deputy mayor Vani Joshi and officials were present.