In Belagavi, a proposal to transfer hundreds of acres of Cantonment land to the city corporation has left contractors hesitant and residents uneasy. The district administration is pushing for the handover of around 860 acres, but the Cantonment board is still weighing the move—and the delay is causing real-world ripple effects.

Key facts

  • Proposal seeks transfer of ~860 acres from Cantonment board to city corporation
  • Based on Union government directives on civilian areas in military cantonments
  • Cantonment Board CEO says no final decision has been made
  • Uncertainty affecting contractor participation in tenders

Why the confusion?

Contractors are holding back, worried they might not get paid if the land changes hands mid-project. Sudam Harivijay Manchalwar, the Cantonment Board CEO, acknowledges the apprehension but insists payments will be honored regardless. "All payments for works completed will be made as per rules," he told reporters on Wednesday, urging people not to rely on rumors.

Two proposals, no answers

This isn’t the first time transfer plans have surfaced. Two years ago, the Cantonment Board submitted a proposal to excise 112 acres—a plan still awaiting state government approval. Now, the district administration has upped the ante with a new push for 756 acres. Military authorities have raised objections, and technical snags have stalled progress. Nothing is finalized.

“The Cantonment Board or the State government cannot by themselves finalise the transfer.”
— Sudam Harivijay Manchalwar, Cantonment Board CEO

What happens next?

The final call rests with the Ministry of Defence, not local or state bodies. Until then, the board will keep issuing tenders—cautiously—and Manchalwar promises stakeholders’ interests will be protected. But for now, Belagavi holds its breath, waiting for clarity on land that hangs in the balance.