Protests erupt over villages' inclusion in Buda

13 Sep 2023 CW Team

Residents of 28 villages surrounding Belagavi city are set to protest the government's recent decision to include their villages within the Belagavi Urban Development Corporation (Buda) jurisdiction. They argue that this move diminishes the authority of Gram Panchayats (GPs) and their members.

Former MLA Ramesh Kudachi and former mayor Shivaji Sunthakar have joined in support of the farmers opposing the government's decision. They are preparing to protest under the banner of 'Shetkari Bachao Sanghatana.'

The urban development department's instructions prompted the Buda commissioner to issue a notification incorporating these 28 villages into Buda's jurisdiction. Tenders are being solicited to create a revised master plan for the comprehensive development of the city, encompassing all 28 villages. According to Buda Commissioner Shakeel Ahmed, the government's decision will facilitate the systematic development of the city's peripheral villages.

Former mayor Shivaji Sunthakar argued that the government's decision was unlawful as it was made without prior notice or consent from the concerned Gram Panchayats. He urged the government to reconsider its order, which he believes is detrimental to the Gram Panchayats, farmers, and their members.

Sunthakar added that the government is effectively transferring the powers of Gram Panchayat members to Buda, particularly concerning infrastructure development, without consulting any GP members. This could result in more farmers losing their land, which they strongly oppose. GP members from all 28 villages plan to meet after the Ganesha festival to determine their next course of action.

Former Belagavi MLA Ramesh Kudachi pointed out that, according to the law, the government can only include areas within 6 kilometres of Buda. However, in this case, villages located 15 kilometres away from the city are being incorporated into Buda, which he deems illegal. As a member of the Congress party, he expressed his opposition to this move.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Apr 2026

InsideFPV Delivers ₹10 Crore Kamikaze Drone Order Under MoD’s EPR Route

InsideFPV, a Surat-based drone technology manufacturer, has successfully executed a ₹10 crore defence contract to supply indigenous kamikaze drones under the Ministry of Defence’s Emergency Procurement Route (EPR). The company completed the delivery of hundreds of FPV kamikaze drone platforms within a rapid two-month timeframe, highlighting its ability to meet urgent military procurement timelines.The supply orders were fulfilled under the emergency procurement mechanism, which is aimed at fast-tracking acquisitions for immediate operational needs. InsideFPV’s quick execution reflects it..

Vedanta Resources Secures Fitch Upgrade to ‘BB-’, Best Rating Since 2015

Vedanta Resources Limited (VRL), a global player in metals, oil & gas, critical minerals, power and technology, has received a credit rating upgrade from Fitch Ratings, marking its strongest bond rating in over a decade.Fitch has raised Vedanta Resources’ Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to ‘BB-’ from ‘B+’, while maintaining a Stable Outlook. The agency also upgraded VRL’s senior unsecured rating, along with the ratings of US dollar-denominated bonds issued by Vedanta Resources Finance II Plc and guaranteed by VRL, to ‘BB-’.The upgrade represents Vedan..

NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter Launched

The NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter was recently launched at Excelerate 2026 in Mumbai, marking a key step towards integrating emerging real estate leaders from the National Capital Region with the national platform. The initiative aims to promote sustainable and responsible urban development through collaboration and knowledge exchange.The event brought together young developers, entrepreneurs, and professionals from across NCR, including Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Bhiwadi, and Meerut. Discussions focused on urban development, finance, sustainability, innovation, and policy, emphasisi..