Dist bifurcation will improve governance, says Minister Satish Jarkiholi

PWD to build state-of-art Patrika Bhavan at a cost Rs 10 crore

Belagavi: Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi has expressed support for the bifurcation of Belagavi district, stating that such a move would benefit the people and enhance governance.

Speaking to reporters here on Friday, the minister noted that the aspiration to divide the district is shared by many and that the decision ultimately lies with the state government.

He recalled that during former chief minister J H Patel’s tenure, a gazette notification had already been prepared to split Belagavi into three separate districts. While many districts in Karnataka currently have only five or six assembly constituencies, Belagavi remains one of the largest. Creating a new district for every six assembly constituencies would be a practical step, he said, and emphasised that it would be better to implement this now rather than a decade later.

Jarkiholi pointed out that people from remote taluks like Athani are currently forced to travel long distances to access medical services at the Belagavi District Hospital. The creation of three districts would allow for the construction of three new district hospitals, ensuring quicker and more accessible healthcare. He also said that efforts are underway to build new hospitals in Gokak and Chikkodi.

Expired medicines

Responding to a question regarding the discovery of expired medicines worth Rs 97 lakh at the government drug warehouse in Gokak, the minister said such negligence is unacceptable and that Health Department officials must take responsibility.

Refuting allegations of widespread corruption in Belagavi, he stated that cases have been filed against those involved in illegal sales of government land, and criminal proceedings are underway.

He also shared updates on infrastructure development in the district. A grant of Rs 50 crore has been sanctioned to upgrade the Belagavi-Sambra Road into a four-lane highway. An annual allocation of Rs 10 crore has been made for the construction of a new district sports stadium.

Additionally, irrigation facilities will be provided to one lakh hectares of agricultural land through lake-filling projects. A new Patrika Bhavan building, costing Rs 10 crore, will be constructed in Belagavi under the Public Works Department.

Yellammanagudda temple

When questioned about poor sanitation facilities at the Yellammanagudda temple, Jarkiholi said a development plan modeled after Tirupati has been prepared, and construction work will begin soon. In the meantime, temporary toilet facilities will be arranged for devotees.

Addressing concerns from residents of Ugaragola village, the minister said land will be reserved for cattle grazing, and the remaining area will be developed. Measures will be taken to prevent rainwater from flooding the Yellamma temple, and steps will be implemented to provide better amenities for traders.

He further mentioned that several projects launched during Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s earlier tenure in 2013 have now been completed. The Chief Minister will be invited next month to inaugurate these works.

On the delay in opening the new super-specialty wing at the district hospital, Jarkiholi said the shortage of doctors and technical staff has caused setbacks.

However, some departments have already begun operations, and the official inauguration will happen soon.

He ruled out the possibility of handing over the facility to a private organisation, stating that the responsibility for managing the hospital may instead be assigned to the deputy commissioner or the chief executive officer of the Zilla Panchayat.