KUDIFC raps BSCL over delay in submitting action plan of Cities 2.0 project

Belagavi: The Karnataka Urban Development Infrastructure Finance Corporation (KUDIFC) has pulled up Belagavi Smart City Limited (BSCL) for the inordinate delay in submitting the action plan for the ambitious Cities 2.0 project within the stipulated timeframe.Expressing serious concern over the lapse, KUDIFC has directed BSCL to submit the pending action plan by March 31. In an official communication, KUDIFC has also warned that BSCL would be held responsible if the delay continues beyond the revised deadline. In a letter written on March 23, KUDIFC asked BSCL to submit a detailed action plan outlining the components to upgrade the solid waste management of the city by March 31. The delay has raised concerns over the progress of the project, particularly as the central govt guidelines mandate submission of a comprehensive and feasible plan before March 31. The plan must be finalised jointly by BSCL and the Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) in consultation with public representatives and relevant departments. KUDIFC issued an earlier reminder on Dec 26, 2025. Ongoing delay has raised doubts about administrative efficiency. As per procedure, the action plan must first be cleared by the state-level Swachh Bharat technical committee before being forwarded to the Centre for final approval. Any delay at this stage could impact the entire approval process. According to BSCL MD Kavita Warangal, the delay happened due to uncertainty over the contribution of the share amount by the BCC, which cleared the fog recently. Following the KUDIFC letter, BSCL has planned an emergency meeting of the stakeholders comprising all the public representatives, concerned NGOs, and related eminent personalities to finalise the components of the project.