Belagavi district administration is seeking transfer of land in Cantonment

The Belagavi district administration sought to transfer around 860 acres of land from the Cantonment Board to the municipal corporation. This is based on the instructions issued by the Union government to carve out civilian areas in military cantonment areas. However, the Belgaum Cantonment Board is yet to take a decision on the matter.

Sudam Harivijay Manchalwar, Director General, Cantonment Board, told reporters here on Wednesday that the proposal was still under consideration.

“Uncertainty surrounding the proposed transfer has created confusion among citizens, employees and contractors, especially regarding ongoing works and new tenders called by the cantonment council. It has also affected the response to tenders called by the council. Some contractors seem reluctant to participate in tenders because they fear they will not be paid if the area is subsequently transferred to a municipal corporation,” he said.

“However, there is no reason for such apprehension. All payments for completed works will be made as per the rules, irrespective of any future decision regarding the exemption of Cantonment areas. The Board will proceed with tenders only after obtaining the required approvals and in accordance with the regulations. If the excise is finally approved, the transfer of the relevant assets and liabilities to the municipal corporation or other local authority will be made as per the final decision and the applicable procedure as per the applicable regulations.

Mr. Manchalwar said that the interests of citizens, employees and other stakeholders would be considered during the process and urged people not to rely on rumors about the future of the Cantonment.

Based on an earlier proposal, the game board submitted a proposal to the state government to carve out 112 acres from the cantonment limits.

“The proposal was submitted about two years ago, but the board has not received any official written communication from the state government to approve it. Meanwhile, the district administration has submitted another proposal to transfer 756 acres of land. The Cantonment Board has sought the opinion of the Defense Estates Officer (DEO) and the Local Military Authority (LMA) on the proposal. The LMA raised objections to the said proposal and conveyed 6 – acre 75. The DEO, Bengaluru, also pointed out certain technicalities to be considered, no final decision has been taken on the 112-acre or 756-acre proposals,” he said.

Mr. Manchalwar clarified that the process is handled separately at the state government and defense ministry levels and the final decision rests with the MoD. “The Anti-Camp Committee or the state government cannot complete the transfer on their own,” he said.

Published – 03 Sep 2026 22:50 IST