Belapu - A model GP in Udupi dist

Three tier system of governance was basically introduced to give more importance to the development in rural areas. Belapu seems to have set an example for other Gram Panchayats in the district with many developmental works taking place rapidly. Here one can come across the conceptualisation of Gandhiji’s dream of rural India, i.e., ‘Grama Swarajya’.

Speaking to City Herald, Belapu Gram Panchayat President Deviprasad Shetty informed that Belapu has won national award twice for its all round development. The key aim of the Gram Panchayat is to introduce all sorts of basic infrastructural facilities to the villagers, he said.

Belapu is certainly a role model to other Gram Panchayats as it is undergoing the developmental changes by adopting various welfare programmes, right from drinking water facilities to educational programmes. Agriculture, animal husbandry, roads, fishing, forest development, small scale industries, handicrafts, adult literacy programme, health and sanitation, welfare of backward communities, alcohol-free society, insurance scheme and many other aspects are covered under all round development programme framed exclusively by the Belapu Gram Panchayat. The village consists of as many as 3,684 population in an area of 3,571 sq kms. Annual income of the village is about 3.20 lakh. There are about 728 families in the village.

Shetty said that the blueprint for first phase of development project was designed in the Five Year Plan of Belapu Gram Panchayat. Priority was given according to the necessity of the needs, he added.

Of the 728 families in Belapu, about 504 families are dependent on Municipality for drinking water. Drinking water project worth Rs 80 lakh was initially planned to provide safe drinking water for the entire village. Nearly Rs 1 crore has been invested on roads for concretisation and up gradation of the starches in every nook and corner of Belapu.

Good quality roads will minimise the difficulties encountered while traveling. The other issue that was tabled the list of importance was well maintenance of underground drainage system to beautify the village. Belapu has won Nirmala Gram Purskar during the year 2006. Solid waste management, toilets, ban on plastics have enabled the village to get acclaimed with the special recognition.

Attempts were made to improve the ground water level by introducing percolating ponds and vented dams. Awareness was created among the people regarding rainwater harvesting. The project was set up at the cost of Rs 90 lakhs. Street lights and electricity facilities were made available to all houses. A sum of Rs 964 lakh has been invested to build electricity sub stations in Belapu.

Education was another area that was given more thrust because people in Belapu felt education is the only way to enlighten the minds of people. Two primary schools and one high school were opened to impart education in the area. Besides it, adult literacy programmes were also introduced. Afforestation programme to grow medicinal plants and other saplings were taken up in as many as 94 acres of land. Benefits of most of the government sponsored welfare programmes like housing schemes, employment schemes and many other programmes are procured by the villagers.

The other projects that are nearing completion include Grama Vikhasa Soudha built at the cost of Rs 24 lakhs, Ambedkar Bhavana built at the cost of Rs 10 lakh, sophisticated public library and cremation ground. Administrative decentralisation in fact helps out multifaceted task of development. However, the success largely depends on the interest of people representatives who come forward to utilise the available resources to the maximum level. Political leaders in Belapu have taken up the lead keeping aside the party differences. Miracle can happen, if the achievements in Belapu village is replicated elsewhere too.