Civic council approval not mandatory for CITIIS 2.0: Experts

Belagavi: Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) Monday convened a special emergency council meeting to approve project components prepared by Belagavi Smart City Limited (BSCL) for Centre's CITIIS 2.0 programme and to clear the corporation's share of funds.Experts, however, say council approval is not mandatory as the formal process is largely handled at the state and central levels. Belagavi is the only city in Karnataka selected under the CITIIS 2.0 programme, which aims to strengthen solid waste management systems. Under the original proposal, the city was to receive a Rs 135 crore grant, with the Centre and the state govts contributing 40% each and the urban local body bearing the remaining 20%. After the state govt reportedly withdrew its share, BSCL scaled down the project to around Rs 75 crore. With March 31 set as the deadline to complete procedures, officials fear delays could put the project at risk of being dropped. Sources said the first stage of approval is through the State Level Technical Committee (SLTC) under the Swachh Bharat Mission. Thereafter, final clearance is granted by an apex committee headed by the Union minister for housing and urban affairs.RTI activist Manjunath Banashankari said presenting the proposal before the BCC council, though not compulsory, is generally done to ensure transparency and democratic decision-making. Sources said urban development secretary Deepa Cholan and KUIDFC managing director Poovitha S have sought details, and the proposals will be routed to the SLTC. Banashankari also noted the project is being implemented without an environmental engineer, raising compliance concerns over environmental safeguards and monitoring.