BELAGAVI: On Thursday, the Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) ramped up its efforts against illegal constructions, initiating a partial demolition of a four-storey building in the bustling Maruti Galli area. The operation, carried out with JCB machinery, signifies a notable intensification in the enforcement of regulations against unauthorized structures in the city.
The demolition captured significant public interest, drawing large crowds as sections of the building were dismantled. While many locals applauded the enforcement as a necessary assertion of civic oversight, it has also sparked controversy and raised concerns regarding governance, due process, and accountability within the urban local body.
A tenant, Yunus Jamadar, claimed the demolition took place without any advance warning, leading to substantial financial losses. “We were not given any time to vacate or retrieve our belongings. Materials have been seized, and we have incurred losses amounting to several lakhs,” he asserted, demanding compensation. Such claims have intensified scrutiny over whether proper procedures were followed during the demolition.
This incident has also highlighted the roles of the corporation’s town planning and revenue departments, shedding light on lapses in monitoring, verification, and enforcement. Questions are being raised about how buildings that allegedly breached regulations managed to secure crucial approvals, including completion certificates (CCs) and property identification (PID) numbers.
