The Belagavi Urban Development Authority (BUDA) has faced another setback in the High Court concerning 29 acres of land designated for Residential Scheme No. 16 in Kanabargi, stalled for 17 years due to a legal dispute with farmers. A previous ruling favoured the farmers, who own several residential buildings on the land. BUDA's commissioner acknowledged a technical issue and indicated a potential appeal. Meanwhile, farmers of the remaining 131 acres have agreed to proceed with the project, urging BUDA to move forward. Under pressure, BUDA recently called for tenders, stating there are no current obstacles to implementation.
The Belagavi Urban Development Authority (BUDA) has encountered another setback in the High Court regarding the use of 29 acres of notified land for Residential Scheme No. 16 in the Kanabargi area. In 2007, BUDA designated a total of 160 acres for the residential project, but it has remained stalled for the past 17 years due to a legal dispute initiated by farmers who own the 29 acres in question.
Several residential buildings owned by farmers are situated on the 29 acres of land, and the farmers are unwilling to lose their properties. Previously, a High Court bench in Dharwad had ruled in favour of the farmers. BUDA appealed to a double bench, but faced another setback on Wednesday. BUDA commissioner Shakeel Ahmed mentioned to the Times of India that it was a technical issue, and they were considering appealing the double bench's verdict. Meanwhile, farmers of the remaining 131 acres have expressed their consent to proceed with the residential project, consistently urging BUDA to advance. These farmers have agreed to a 50:50 share of the developed land.
Under pressure from farmers, BUDA recently called for tenders to develop the acquired land after securing permission from the urban development department. When questioned about this, BUDA commissioner clarified that there was no need to recall the tender, as it was specifically for the development of the 131 acres of land already in their possession. He stated that there were currently no obstacles to implementing the project. BUDA is facing significant pressure since it has not developed a single residential layout in the past two decades, contributing to skyrocketing land rates in the city.
As BUDA wrestles with the legal complexities surrounding the 29 acres of land, the pressure to initiate development is rising. The longstanding dispute has not only stalled the residential project but also contributed to soaring land prices, intensifying the need for timely action. While many farmers are open to collaboration, the unresolved status of the 29 acres poses a significant challenge. To regain momentum, BUDA must find a way to balance legal considerations with community needs, ensuring that it can effectively address the housing crisis and foster sustainable urban development in Belagavi.
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