Bittoo: Bapu!

Bapu: Yes Bittoo.

Bittoo: There’s a good news Bapu! Air India flights connecting Belagavi to Bengaluru will commence from August 10, which will be in addition to operations facilitated by Alliance Air.

Bapu: I just got to know about this today. Let us thank political leaders, industry and trade organizations and the district administration whose collective efforts saw this happen again after the aberration due to the withdrawal of air services by the SpiceJet. It is an important connectivity for any city to expedite its economic growth Bittoo.

Bittoo: What about infrastructure Bapu?

Bapu: O’course! Mere air connectivity is not sufficient for the growth of trade and industry. It also greatly depends on proper infrastructure facilities with proper roads, drainage, educational and health institutions, a responsible and proactive civic administration, as also strong civic responsibility among the citizens who play an active role in the better upkeep of the city and it’s environment.

Bittoo: Oh! Do you think the present working system and the kind of civilian responsibility is good enough to common objectives of growth and progress of Belagavi city Bapu?

Bapu: I don’t know Bittoo.

This is a citizen-centric new column, wherein the author(Bitto) is an ordinary, politically unaffiliated common man of the city who in his/her inimitable approach takes up various issues with the Bapu’s soul! Apparently, the interaction between them portrays ironies of sorts encountered by the common man and others in the city in a lighter vein. The author’s name will not be disclosed to the readers as he/she represents the common man of the society. This column aims at creating awareness and sensitising cross sections of our city on various issues of public concern only but in a lighter vein without holding any contempt against any institution or individual.

Read Earlier Stories Here

The post Bapu-Bittoo: Of hopes and ground realities appeared first on All About Belgaum.

Over the past couple of weeks, the mention of Congress road is on everyone’s talk and how it has gone bad over the months. Now the Corporation has finalized that the Congress road will be made of Concrete after a suggestion of the consulting firm for Belagavi Smart city limited (BSCL).

This suggestion was made about 6 months back and was sent for approval and in the meeting held on Saturday, Commissioner Sashidhar Kurer who is also MD BSCL said that Congress road will be made of concrete as due to trees the asphalt roads will not withstand the load and hence again break.

The new Concrete Congress road will have Gutters, footpaths on both sides and also cycle track and also after all the cables and utility lines are put as once the Concrete road is made it would be difficult to dig it. The work can be commenced after the rain is over as per the commissioner.

In the meantime, pavers would be fixed in the coming week on Congress road to make it easier for the commuters.

Some points to ponder upon:
Work might not actually commence until the RoB work at Gogte circle is over as the entire traffic will be moving to and fro on Congress road

For the RoB to be complete it would take another 6 months, so work on Congress road might not start until then otherwise it will be totally chaotic

The post Concrete Bhagya for Congress road appeared first on All About Belgaum.

by Dr Madhav Prabhu

Let’s move on, three words seldom heard before, these words were the worst one could think of once in a relationship. Relationships lasted a lifetime, in fact, people fancied the same relationship for seven lives, never to move on, never to move away.

Times, however, don’t remain the same and change is but inevitable, the eternal truth. Today, you get tired of a relationship or annoyed with a person, you don’t adjust, you just move on. I actually have nothing against moving on, it lets you get off a relationship in which you are not happy, instead of frustrating both the persons, you can be free and in so saying may just be an evolution to how relationship status changes. My actual worry, however, is the attitude of moving on that has crept into every aspect of our life, and that seems disillusioning.

Of all the crimes ever committed rape is the worst, a living soul, a beautiful life, a daddy’s angel is wronged by a bunch of animals. There are an immediate hue and cry, all hell breaks loose. Women’s groups are on the road with their black flags, there is immediate outrage. Students come out in numbers, there are candle marches and memorials. Politicians are in business and come out of their slumber. The opposition promises to hang the culprit, the ruling party promises swift justice and media explores every angle in the story. But then exactly then and somehow almost in no time, the story is not on page one.

The Mahila mandals are back to cooking competition, the students back to RPD corner, the media back to Saif Ali Khan’s son and the politicians back to tamashas, everyone seems to just move on.

Does anyone think of what happened to the girl or her parents, did anyone follow up the case and see what happened to the criminals. The girl is dead, her parents devastated and the perpetrators of crime are out on bail, cases will go on for years and we just move on, as if nothing ever happened.

It’s not that we move on because we want to, but it has become sort of an instinct, we don’t like venturing into struggles where we can’t get selfies, most protests are me-centric and not society centric. The growing spate of suicides, for example, every time there is one, there is so much outcry. Crowds gather outside colleges to punish the management, there is huge sympathy for the parents from the relatives and friends. Organizations hold anti-suicide marches, a few colleges get counselors for their students, there is so much deliberation on the streets, the media calls in the experts, there is analysis of every aspect of the students life, the caste of the student, the economic status, the parents interpersonal relationship is all in the open. The politicians promise intervention, they are however choosy, they participate if an underprivileged or a farmer is involved, you know otherwise there is no publicity or vote bank. Again the opposition promises corrective measures to prevent suicides, the government promises swift action to prevent such incidences in future and student bodies come out with their black flags.

Just when it seems the people have lost their patience, we move on. The media is back to Virushka, the students back to Dharmveer Sambhaji Circle, the politicians back to Goa or wherever and the story off the first page. One life is lost, one family is broken, one productive citizen is gone and we have just moved on.

It’s not that we have lost the ability to fight against the bad or the will to stand against injustice, is, however, a temperament to not fight for more than the time the media gives attention to the issue. We actually don’t like to take issues to closure. Every time there is an accident, for example, a young girl, a kid is crushed by a trolley, there is outrage.

The potholes that kill come into focus, the municipality becomes defensive, Congress road is back on page one, the parents and friends are out in arms, the police come out on the streets actually tearing more challans and making more money rather than regulation the traffic, the helmets are back in fashion, the media analyses the life and dreams of the student and the background and owner of the trolley which killed the victim. The politicians step in and promise better roads. The opposition promises to give better safety measures if the power, the government promises swift action to stop entry of heavy vehicles from the third gate and the colleges ban private vehicles, well what they do is they don’t allow the vehicles to be parked in their campus, so the vehicles are banned inside the campus rather than the roads. It is at this time that again, everyone decides to move on. The media is back to Priyanka’s marriage, the colleges back to admission, the politicians back to foreign study tours on how to make roads and the students back to their tuitions. Lives are lost, new tenders are invited for roads, commissions are fixed and the contractors are back to bask in their glory Nobody wants a permanent solution to the problem, the discussion on potholes like the monsoon disappears and we just move on.

I sometimes wonder if Rani Laxmibai or Kittur Rani Chennamma had just fought for fifteen days and then said ok let’s move on, would we enjoy the liberation we have today. If Gandhiji would go on Dandi march and stop the struggle there and said ok let’s move on, would we have been free today?

Somehow in between, we have lost the will to show our spine, we have lost the will to punish those who wrong our mothers and sisters, we have lost the courage to fight for our rights and for what we have to get in return for our taxes. We have just retired to the idea that we can just forget it all till it happens to us or our loved ones, we have started finding solace in that we can just adopt an ostrich approach and just move on.

The post Let’s Move On appeared first on All About Belgaum.

Bittoo: Bapu.

Bapu: Yes Bittoo.

Bittoo: Preparations to celebrate 72nd Independence Day on August 15 are underway in government offices and educational institutions. But why do we celebrate the Independence Day Bapu.

Bapu: We celebrate to remember that our country got Independence from foreign rule and also to pay our tributes to freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives during the freedom struggle.

Bittoo: That also means we got Independence from exploitation, harassment, discrimination, corruption, looting of resources, divide and rule policy and several other evils in various forms Bapu.

Bapu: Hummmmm.

Bittoo: But, is today’s India free from these evils Bapu?

Bapu: I don’t know Bittoo.

This is a citizen-centric new column, wherein the author(Bitto) is an ordinary, politically unaffiliated common man of the city who in his/her inimitable approach takes up various issues with the Bapu’s soul! Apparently, the interaction between them portrays ironies of sorts encountered by the common man and others in the city in a lighter vein. The author’s name will not be disclosed to the readers as he/she represents the common man of the society. This column aims at creating awareness and sensitising cross sections of our city on various issues of public concern only but in a lighter vein without holding any contempt against any institution or individual.

Read Earlier Stories Here

The post Bapu-Bittoo: Confusion over Independence Day appeared first on All About Belgaum.

The roads in Belagavi have turned from bad to worse following rains.

The Smart city tag which is mere a tag on paper it seems as after the rains the roads have become a dusty and commuting on them especially on two-wheelers is a major issue for motorists.

Several roads in the town have been in tatters due to various reasons and some of the potholes have been filled with mud and the loose soil is now dusty and sometimes the motorists cant even see the vehicle in the front on Congress road, even near Dharmveer Sambhaji circle, College road just to name a few.

Motorists rue that travelling on the potholed roads filled with sand has become a horrible experience. They said that they are suffering from breathing problems and reaching their workplace covered in dust.

Sujit said, “Let the elected representatives, travel on motorcycles instead of cars to feel the plight of motorists,”.

It was high-time that the authorities fill the potholes on the roads properly which will not cause health problems to motorists.

The post Now its Dusty pothole laden roads appeared first on All About Belgaum.

From rainwater harvesting to recycling the water that flows from sinks and showers, Aarati has left no stone unturned and left no tap overflowing !!

Water is necessary for life. Three-fourth of Earth’s surface is covered by water bodies. 97 percent of this water is present in seas and oceans as salt water and is therefore deemed unfit for human consumption. Only one per cent of fresh water is available and fit for human use. That being the case, it is very important to conserve this precious resource. With lesser rainfall, this scarcity will only outgrow more in the forthcoming years. We as citizens, never realize the importance of water and conveniently crib that we get drinking water only once a week or once in 10 days. Do we ever think about saving the water we have???

Dr.Aarati Bhandare, a dentist by qualification has taken up the social responsibility to speak and create and spread awareness about water conservation and rain water harvesting. Aarati who has been almost single handedly championing the cause by addressing students at institutions and people at various social organizations.

She started a group named “Save Water Save Life” who realized that when drinking water is supplied once in 4 days and it is each citizen’s duty to save as much as possible so that there is enough water for all in the coming years.

All were just talking on the scarcity of water but no one was acting on how to educate others on the use of water, hence this group decided to take this forward. It all began with putting up banners during Ganesh Festival and then speaking with the members of the Mandal, then schools, colleges, women associations, domestic helps, the list goes on and on.

She speaks to children in a way that they can understand and always says, if one soul can follow what I say it will be a better world for the next generation.

According to Dr. Arati, she found the need of creating awareness on water conservation, when she saw her neighbours struggling for water in the summer and tanker owners fleecing citizens for money. After that, she decided to gather a bunch like minded people to work on spreading the message of water conservation without any expectations.

Aarati herself is so enthusiastic, talented, joyful, spreading happiness and positive vibes – without an engineering background, she entered the field of water management and conservation.

She has also earned sobriquets such as Madam Mermaid, Jal Pari, Paniwali Bai etc. for her efforts in bringing this awareness amongst the citizens.

Dr. Aarati says, for all those who think that it was a bed of roses, I would like to add “with thorns”. Waiting outside schools and colleges, to seek permission to enter the school. Sometimes getting mocked at, sometimes answering embarrassing questions such as “what’s your interest “, or how much commission do you get for this job??? Visiting Board of Directors of schools for special permission, surviving on a cup of cutting chai and biscuits for hours. Waiting for a phone call just to hear the sentence “you can come to the school tomorrow.. “I many times felt like giving up and enjoying life luxuriously. Doing the same old thing everyday, but there was a piece of me which said: “keep going.”

Out of all awards and rewards, at times I get to meet few mentionable people through the course of my project who add, involve indulge in my activity and make me endorse my decision of not giving up.

She was once asked, “Do u charge for your awareness programs “?
Well, yes I do! Hmmm.. How much?
Consider it given, if I am able to convince even a single soul that water is life!

She also taken up the sensitive issue, revolves around too many myths, disbelief, taboos-menstruation. She speaks to clear the myths of the young girls about this issue and clearing every doubt that they have about menstruation.

I serve through words to be useful to others… not to be praised.
Words encourage, enlighten, motivate and persuade.
Words tell our story, shift our viewpoints and get us into action.
Glad to have got an opportunity to deliver, 

she adds.
We wish her all success as hitherto, in her future endeavours.

The post Belagavi’s Water Warrior Dr.Aarati Bhandare appeared first on All About Belgaum.

Flights schedule from Belagavi (IXG) to Bengaluru

Updated July 30, 2018

The post Flights schedule Belagavi – Belgaum appeared first on All About Belgaum.

By Swatee Jog

Every city has a distinctive morning. The morning in Belagavi is steeped in the purifying scent of spirituality. It has a lazy but endearing feel to it. All of you who have had morning classes or those traveling for any purpose must have witnessed the beautiful mornings of Belgaum. And every time one does, he/she has rediscovered the charm of Belgaum!

The crazy madness of the day is nowhere in sight at dawn as Belagavi folks go about their morning chores at a pace that would invite the envy of metro people. Here, we have the luxury of time, as we don’t have to rush to catch the 6.43 local or the need to leave home at 6 to travel miles and reach our offices since the city’s radius is barely 5-6 kms.

There are areas in the city that still remind one of the dawn at such temple towns as Gokarna, in Uttar Kannada, where temple bells ring, every courtyard is decorated by lovely rangolis and the heavenly smell of dhoop and incense emanating from every household.

Belagavi is a temple town by daybreak. Have a look at the area surrounding Samadevi temple and also CBT with hordes of flower vendors crowding the premises, accompanied by newspaper vendors.

The steps of the Bombay Dyeing shop or the corner near Salgaonkars(Bogarves) is bustling with vendors sorting their newspapers and inserting supplements. If you’ve been to Shahapur during this time, Vitthaldev Galli is a paradise with freshly bathed men and women slowly pacing towards the temples, where bells keep ringing to the tune of melodious aartis and a strange but heavenly mix of aromas filling the air. The loud shrieks of “Maalwale”….by men on bicycles with a round flat cane fixture selling garlands of mogra, kunda and aboli have become synonymous with a Belagavi Morning! Buy an arms – length for a few rupees.

Recent years have witnessed modern health trends seeping into the city, Laughter Clubs being one of them. The first club started perhaps around a decade ago at the Shivaji Garden, where in the first few days while I strolled on the walkways, I just couldn’t resist my chuckles. But now we have gotten used to this pleasant start of the day, with loud peals of laughter filling up the Nath Pai garden. The corporation has even installed speaker systems that dole out Bhakti Sangeet every morning, much to my initial amusement! Every street corner has some person sitting on a makeshift stool selling packets of milk of various brands and huge trucks offloading their day’s supply of milk screeching at every corner right from 4 a.m.

Even today, the city boasts of its homes sporting beautiful Rangolis made by the womenfolk, even if it means a small square right on the road, cleaned using a broom and meticulously sprinkled water, just enough to wet the area but not flood the same. Exchanging of pleasantries begins since then amongst the neighbours. You may spot kids standing at the door and rubbing their eyes, quite in awe of a new day and still reeling under the influence of sleep, just keeping company to their moms. Many houses still switch on the radios with the familiar voices of the newsreaders and the sweet songs on Vividhbharati or Akashwani Sangli Kendra giving a nice lift!

Shopkeepers slowly open their doors and the dusting – cleaning – sweeping regime begins. Vegetable vendors cart their wares on pushcarts while they follow briskly on foot behind. The retail vendors of veggies start sprinkling water on the day’s supply, in defense of the harsh sunrays that would be following. Roads are almost empty, except for the morning walkers in utility sneakers. It is quite a sight to see some women in their night gowns donning a sweater or sometimes pulling over a mismatched dupatta, and with walking shoes on, walking down the sparsely crowded roads! I still fail to understand how that dupatta or sweater morphs the nightwear into sportswear! Older men and women also sport Reeboks and Nikes and it’s such a lovely sight to watch these sprightly fellas huffing and puffing as they talk while they walk. If you are passing by Camp area in the early hours then one should see a lot of men going for the Namaz and also the Christian folk going to the church for the services. The Camp area in the mornings is always full of people walking and jogging. The camp is a paradise for the morning walkers and the even Nanawadi area is another favorite along with Racecourse & Vaccine Depot also.

You must have spotted ladies in the garden who whine and nit-pick their daughters-in-law as they take rounds in the garden, much to the amusement of those following them. Pleasant aromas of fresh tadkas waft through many a window and the smell of breakfast whip up your appetite. Many gardens have vendors offering fresh fruit juices, coupled with those of Aamla, Jamun or Karela for the health conscious. A morning in Belagavi is incomplete without noticing the tiny tots in their red-blue-white uniforms waiting for their Rikshamamas, with school bags slumped over their backs and a water-bottle in tow. Bus stops witness a riot of colourful uniforms as crowds of students gather to catch their buses. As the rickshaw vroom past the roads and the dads bring out their bikes to head to work, a new day begins. The hustle-bustle of the streets increases and the city wakes up to a boisterous start.

The post Good Morning Belagavi appeared first on All About Belgaum.

Bittoo: Bapu.

Bapu: Yes Bittoo.

Bittoo: Who is responsible for the bad-to-worst condition of drainage lines, which are mixed with sewage let out by the residents in the city Bapu?

Bapu: Apparently, the Belagavi City Corporation, while the residents have equal responsibility to ensure that they don’t add up to the problems resulting out of municipality’s failure to provide proper drainage lines or to ensure regular cleaning works.

Bittoo: But Bapu, why the District Surveillance Office forget to take note of the fact that diseases like malaria, cholera and other infections are mainly because of the failure of (municipalities and panchayat bodies) the Belagavi City Corporation to maintain cleanliness in Belagavi city while appealing to public to maintain cleanliness and hygeine to avoid spreading of such dreaded diseases?

Bapu: I don’t know Bittoo.

Bittoo: And Bapu, for instance, an open unconstructed drainage lines mixed with sewage has turned out to be a breeding ground for mosquitos and other infectious bacteria, besides emanating foul smell 24×7 in P&T Colony in Hanuman Nagar in the city. The life of residents is highly miserable now yet, despite several complaints by residents, neither the BCC nor the concerned councillor has taken up any concrete measure to address even such a petty problem. While there are similar problems elsewhere in the city.

Bapu: Hummmmm! Very sad.

Bittoo: Then, don’t you think the BCC or the concerned councillor, even the Surveillance Office do not exist for the residents of the colony as they appear to be indfferent towards public health Bapu?

Bapu: I don’t know Bittoo.

The post Bapu-Bittoo: Indifference towards public health appeared first on All About Belgaum.

My hand twitches every time I write the word ‘Belagavi’ but if I don’t, the admin of this site auto corrects me by using the Ctrl+H tab. So I do it nonetheless. But it doesn’t stop me from putting down what is generally observed of the residents of Belagavi- nonchalance. Warm-hearted, yes. But with little ambition and still less zeal for a full life. What use all the good weather, the fertile soil and the intelligent brains if it is not put to good use?

A good school is rejected because it is 7 km away from the home. Elsewhere, it would have been a luxury. But with little or no public transport, it is a valid reason.

There are no change-makers in our politicians because we don’t expect them to be. We are not a demanding electorate. We’re happy when they submit a memorandum or show up at opportune times.

The city prides of thousands of assembly-line engineers and other graduates sweating it out in Bengaluru, Pune or abroad, but very few exceptional sportspersons, musicians, civil servants, mountaineers, artists, stand-up comics, cartoonists, and trainers. Talk about pursuits of excellence?

We have gotten used to saying ‘It’s alright’ when there’s water for just 72 days in a year when the city bus doesn’t turn up, when the roads break our back and also when the kids don’t study and take up ordinary jobs. It’s not alright. Give your best. Expect the best.

Buying books, reading them and discussing is almost non-existent. Even libraries are frequented by the elderly because there’s nothing else to do and the only place to meet friends. Chat up with a few random school goers and you’ll be shocked at their general knowledge or the lack of it. Belagavi kids smarten up after they move out to the bigger cities. While they’re here, they just study and grow in age. Don’t mistake me if I make a statement that Belagavi kids ask very few questions. I can prove that to you.

Those in their forties, now, don’t see a place to hang out with their friends. All the good places seem to have been taken up by the young (the hotels) or the old (the parks).

The young ones around colleges always look cautious and apologetic. As if someone known will catch them hanging around and inform the parents. That’s the problem with small towns, where everyone knows your grandma’s father.

No one has a proper place to hang out. Just the eateries, the lone mall or the college katta. So they first spend hours deciding where to go, then reject everything and end up sitting on bikes and chatting cluelessly.

Housewives in Shahapur spend their evenings banging across each other in the crowded market, bang some more on the narrow tracks at Shivaji Garden or if you hate both, just sit on your doorstep and make small talk about everything unimportant in this world.

If you’re in Tilakwadi, the residents hang around their gates looking nonchalantly at everybody, as if not sure whether they belong to the house inside or feeling left out of the world outside.

Hang around at the bus stops and listen intensely to the conversation happening there. After a few minutes, you’ll feel clueless about what the kids, the girls and the boys, the old women and the young ones with a kid at hand or perched on the hips, speak.

The only hobby that is pursued after school hours is homework. OK, if one really wanted to learn calligraphy, quilt making, Puppetry, learn Japanese, play the Sarod or draw cartoons, where do I find the classes, who will drop me and bring me, what about the fees? And yes, will that give me a job?

Spending on looking good ends at a gaudy coloured fancy (almost floral) dress or a routine eyebrow and facial. Overgrown hair and stubble on college going boys and dads carrying kids on bikes to school is like an epidemic. Nothing wrong in sporting braids, but paired with jhumkas on a college pant- suit uniform? Seriously? Whatever happened to spunk and pizzazz, the buzzword that is the hallmark of youth?

The world today swears by the ‘Make all you can, save all you can and give all you can’. But we just replace it with ‘as little as you can’. Tickets for a play? Give me a free one. Pay for charity? Oh! No. Violin classes for a fee? Free, please.

I know there will be exceptions to everything that I rue. But a city will thrive and grow and prosper only when the people will push their limits. Only when we will stop celebrating mediocrity and ordinariness and bring out the best in everybody and not be happy with exceptions. I want to see a Belagavi that bursts with life. People who use all the time saved in commuting to pursue hobbies. Young ones discussing meaningful art, films, sports, and technology. Middle-aged men and women putting their best ability and time to earn more. The elderly using valuable time at hand to volunteer. A society that thrives on sharing ideas, a community that stimulates pursuits of excellence in sports, art, music, dance, drama, education and a city living a full life.

The post Belagavi, stop celebrating mediocrity appeared first on All About Belgaum.

Seers of over 30 religious mutts from various districts of North Karnataka gathered outside the Suvarna Vidhan Soudha on Tuesday and protested for the development of the northern districts of the states.

Siddarama Swamiji of Rudrakshimath Naganur, Panchama Shivalingeshwar Swamiji Nidasosi and over 30 other seers of various Veerashiva-Lingayat mutts participated in the symbolic protest.

Swamis leading the agitation against injustice to north Karnataka did not allow North Karnataka Horata Samiti activists to hoist the purported flag of North Karnataka.

Later BJP State President B S Yeddyurappa visited the protest site to pacify the seers and convince them to call off the agitation.  Yeddyurappa, however, did not support dividing Karnataka and said whatever shortcomings were there could be set right. Yeddyurapa said the chief minister should have come to meet the seers, apologised for his statements and rectify the “injustice meted out to North Karnataka.” He blamed chief minister HD Kumaraswamy for giving room to the demand for statehood for North Karnataka.

The seers claimed that the region had been terribly neglected by successive governments and that the current government too had sidelined the region. They, however, reiterated that their demand was not for a separate state but for the development of the region.

Congress MLA from Yamakanmardi, Satish Jarkiholi, too backed the agitation and demanded that the government address the region’s grievances. He, however, did not favour division of the state.
Source: the Hindu, Deccan Herald, Times now, Business standard 

The post Seers protest asking for development of North Karnataka appeared first on All About Belgaum.

Belagavi lad Nikhil Dhanraj Nippanikar had cleared the UPSC exam in his first attempt with 563rd rank and now his dream has come true as the Department of Personnel and Training ha allocated him IAS (Indian Administrative Service)service.

He always wanted to work a civil servant and serve the nation. He had stood FIRST (day college)in the diploma CET exams held for admission to Engineering colleges 2013-14 and then later completed his engineering from RV college of Engineering Bengaluru. Nikhil did his schooling from St.Paul’s high school camp, Belagavi.

Speaking to AAB , he said

It was an ambition to become an IAS officer I have cleared one step and passed the UPSC exams at the first attempt which made me over joyous. It’s not my dream alone but it was a dream of my family and friends which I have been able to fulfill. I will work wholeheartedly for a better India and at whatever position I am in today it is all because of them. Wherever I go, I will work wholeheartedly for a better India. 

He further added, my family was my strength and at whatever position I am in today it is all because of them my Uncles Kiran Y Nippanikar, Milind Sulgekar, aunty Laxmi Sulgekar (Nippanikar). 

He further added, Please focus on your career goals, make plans and learn to execute them. Always remember who you are, where you have come from. Be prepared to struggle with determination, dedication and make your goals your passion.

Listen to your inner self and work hard. Also, don’t waste time on unproductive activities on the Internet .

Moreover, I want to see more and more people from Belagavi into the bureaucracy working to build a better India for all of us. I am always available for guidance

The post Nikhil Nippanikar allocated IAS cadre appeared first on All About Belgaum.

Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy disclosed his plans to shift a few departments to North Karnataka districts for better governance. Kumaraswamy said he plans to set up industrial clusters as well as the transfer of departments. Head offices of Krishna Bhagya Jala Nigam etc that work for North-Karnataka issues will be moved to Belagavi.

Chief Minister also has plans of transferring out one of the Upalokayuktas to Belagavi so people from the districts do not have to come all the way to Bengaluru to air their grievances.

He also promised of shifting offices of some government departments and boards/corporations to the Suvarna Soudha in Belagavi to take the administration to the doorsteps of the people in northern Karnataka.

The Karnataka assembly under the JD(S)-BJP regime in 2006 had adopted a unanimous resolution to grant Belagavi the status of second capital.

Reviving the same issue, Kumaraswamy said the government will consider the old proposal of declaring Belagavi the second capital of Karnataka. “The proposal to declare Belagavi the second capital of Karnataka has been pending since I became CM in 2006. However, subsequent governments did not consider the proposal. I will reconsider the proposal and deliberate on the feasibility of the matter.”

The post Belagavi may be second capital officially appeared first on All About Belgaum.

Bittoo: Bapu.

Bapu: Yes Bittoo.

Bittoo: Former minister and senior BJP leader from Hukkeri Umesh V. Katti must be a very happy man these days Bapu?

Bapu: What makes you think so Bittoo?

Bittoo: His demand for separate statehood for North Karnataka, which he first made on the eve of inauguration of the Suvarna Vidhan Soudha at the hands of the then President Pranab Mukherjee in October 2012 but was strongly criticized by his own party leaders, Opposition parties, and several others, is now getting expression wide across the region.

Bapu: Hummmmm!

Bittoo: And Bapu.

Bapu: Go on Bittoo.

Bittoo: Interestingly, those who are threatening to launch a strong movement for separate statehood are giving same reasons Mr.Katti cited then – step-motherly treatment and negligence towards development and progress of the region.

Bapu: That’s true Bittoo.

Bittoo: So, is this a case of belated realization or there’s any other political reason Bapu?

Bapu: I don’t know Bittoo.

This is a citizen-centric new column, wherein the author(Bitto) is an ordinary, politically unaffiliated common man of the city who in his/her inimitable approach takes up various issues with the Bapu’s soul! Apparently, the interaction between them portrays ironies of sorts encountered by the common man and others in the city in a lighter vein. The author’s name will not be disclosed to the readers as he/she represents the common man of the society. This column aims at creating awareness and sensitising cross sections of our city on various issues of public concern only but in a lighter vein without holding any contempt against any institution or individual.

Read Earlier Stories Here

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Apoorva Constructions, Tumkur has won the bid for construction of city bus terminal building in Belagavi city at a cost of 32.26 crores. The bid amount is higher by 99 lakhs than the one quoted in the tender. The work on the same is likely to commence after the rains recede.

Already the construction of the modern stand has already begun on Dec 3, 2016, and about 65% work of the work is completed and the entire project has to finish by December 2018. The project includes construction of new modern bus station, covered accommodation, Parking Area pavement concrete, City bus shelter, Water supply, Sanitary, Electrical H.T. Works, Wiring, lighting, firefighting etc., as directed by the Engineer-in-charge of work.

Under the Smart city limited, the bus stand will get a new facade, waiting rooms, Basement parking for cars and also have a skywalk.

Area: 8382.6 Sq M
No of floors: B+LG+UG+3
Transit areas with bus bays – 28 (20 Angular, 8 linear)
Retail stores – 2906.55 Sq m – Upper ground floor
Commercial office space on the First floor – 2595.94 Sq m.
Restaurant on the Second Floor
Commercial space for NWKRTC 2/3 floor – 3257.8 Sq

The basement will parking facility for 133 Cars and 51 Two wheeler’s (there is a separate two wheeler’s parking facility at the bus station.
Subway connection to Bus terminus
Lower Ground Floor will have 28 Bus parking bays
Upper Ground floor will have vehicular entry to the basement and main waiting area with shops and escalators.
First and Second Floor will have commercial space for NWKRTC office
Third Floor and Terrace will have commercial space

The post Central bus stand terminal building contract awarded to Apoorva Constructions appeared first on All About Belgaum.

A delegation of the Past Presidents Council and the GST Tax Bar Association met Shri Srikar M.S. C, Chief Commissioner Of Commercial Taxes and GST

Satish Tendolkar, President of the Council brought to the notice of the Chief Commissioner GST that at present traders and industrialists are ready to opt and pay taxes under GST and also comply but the procedure laid down online is very critical. Also, he added that many tax evasion and non controlled systems is affecting the genuine dealers. He said law should be same for all and strictly implemented.

Shri Vishal Yadwad, C A and GST practitioner narrated the hardship faced by the dealers as well as professionals regarding the filing of Trans 1 and refunds.

Shri Rajendra Joshi CA brought to the knowledge of the Commissioner regarding problems faced by the dealers in Registration, EWay Bill, HSN code identification, movement of goods and Reverse Charge mechanism.

A detailed memorandum was submitted by Shri Satish Tendolkar which will be discussed in the GST council meeting held at Delhi.

Speaking to the occasion Chief Commissioner Shri Srikar M.S. said that GST Dept is very much concern and with the honest dealer. They will see that full justice is given to the honest dealers. At the same time, the enforcement dept is having a close watch on the irregular practice by some dealers. He also said that there will be a close watch on the movement of goods by the transporter. He added, that in future all illegal transport of goods by passenger buses will be penalized.

Members also highlighted the serious problems faced by the unauthorized and unregistered sales initiated in the city.

Commissioner assure the members that the separate enforcement drive will be initiated for checking the authenticity of sales.

He congratulated the dealers of Belagavi for cooperating and adopting new tax regime GST. He also added that the Belagavi Dist is collecting 90 crore per month as SGST which is a positive sign. He also said that the number of defaulters are also considerable. He appealed to the trade and industry fertility to take benefits of Kar Samadhan Scheme under CST before October 31.

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In times where everything is instant… Well, almost everything- have you ever thought of getting a resplendent landscaped garden made ready in 24 hours?

Yes!! It is possible and Krishna Chavan from Belagavi makes it accomplishable for you who is a landscape designer and an expert in setting up instant botanical gardens.

Mr. Chavan, an Agriculture Science graduate, who has established gardens in different parts of the country and in other Asian countries. Having participated India in flower shows held in Bhutan and the famed one in Dubai, Chavan has also incorporated more utilitarian and urban themes like a modern indoor garden, chrysanthemum garden and also a butterfly garden.

Krishna Chavan (Founder of Ratnashri landscapers) has an acclaim as a landscape designer and has worked on installations involving very many themes. 

He has been taking spectators through the Orient via the Zen Garden featuring water bodies, Buddha busts, and pebbles, to arid Mexico and Latin American regions through the Succulents and Cacti garden, to flower fields of the Netherlands and more, the floral displays are diverse in composition. 

Krishna Chavan is a new age entrepreneur who has changed the way we look at the mother nature, by his innovative and creative approach towards the use of space in the form of Landscape Gardening, instant gardening, and Ikebana Floral Art.

Krishna has always felt fascinated by nature since his childhood and that is why he pursued his graduation in landscaping. He began in a humble way, catering to the needs and demands of people who wanted a beautiful garden but did not want to spend much. Making a garden is not everyone’s cup of tea, the soil has to be tested, the local weather plays a very important role, then the entire landscape has to be studied and then, just like an architect designs a home, the landscape design is prepared and then executed.

A beautiful garden can create an ambiance of positive energy with the help of Vaastu Shaastra and if you are a believer/follower /fan of Vaastu Shastra then those aspects will also be considered. Gardens can include, a vegetable garden, aromatic and medicinal herbs/plants, ornamental garden, plants that produce maximum oxygen and a compost. It all depends on the need, location and weather.

Krishna also teaches and trains in Ikebana floral art (Japanese art of flower management), Bonsai culture, fruit and vegetable dry and natural flower arrangement, events, party decorations and terrace gardening, and he has already trained over 15,000 women in the above art.

Mr.Chavan says, I am an innovative landscape solution specialist and have had years of experience in designing and installing cost-effective, commercial landscapes. I always prefer to lay focus on local plants, so that they can survive in the local environment. Getting imported plants is a new fad, but it must match the local weather otherwise, the plants tend to die.

He has recently started the vertical garden creation as a backdrop for marriages and functions, where it earlier used to be mere flower decoration (where flowers were cut from plants and used.) He now uses the entire flowering plants itself on stage and elsewhere and after the function, the same can be carried away and installed again in the home or garden. This is an innovative concept and is slowly picking up since with this environment-friendly concept, we saving even caring for Mother Nature.

He was awarded at Ramoji Film City (Best Talent award), Landscaping Expo in 2015, Flower Show Pune, Department of horticulture just to name a few of his achievements and recognition.

Speaking to AAB, Krishna Chavan said “I have worked on these themes keeping in mind respect for nature and nativity. Each theme features different category of plants, like those that are rich-in-nectar, flowers for the butterfly garden, plants appropriate for vertical gardens- the list endless and stretches according to our imagination. . .”

The post Splendiferous Gen X gardens by Krishna Chavan appeared first on All About Belgaum.

Bittoo: Bapu.

Bapu: Yes Bittoo.

Bittoo: The Government of India has set the an ambitious goal to declare the country “Open defecation free” before October 2, 2019.

Bapu: If it happens, it will be one of the biggest achievement for the nation.

Bittoo: But, I have serious doubts Bapu!

Bapu: Why?

Bittoo: You see, there is rampant open defecation still large number of villages while hardly any city or town is totally ODF because of large number of migration of construction workers and those and slums with neither personal nor proper public toilets.

Bapu: Hummmmm.

Bittoo: Added to the menace is open defecation by domestic and stray cattle and animals like dogs and pigs, and pets tamed by “animal lovers”, all of which openly and freely defacate indiscriminately.

For instance, look at the bus shelters, railway and bus stations, market places, lanes connecting main streets and roads even in the “Smart City” Belagavi. Many bus shelters in the city have been abandoned by public as they have been soiled by stray animals and left uncleaned for days and months and commuters are forced to stand on their feet for long time for bus (see today’s picture depicting the obnoxious condition of the bus shelter at Bogarves). Apparently, there is neither any control nor a measure from the government or the local civic administrations on such open defecation by stray animals.

Bapu: That’s a serious problem and pathetic condition indeed Bittoo.

Bittoo: Such being the situation, will the government achieve its goal within the deadline, Oct. 2, 2019 and make at one city fully ODF Bapu?

Bapu: I don’t know Bittoo.

This is a citizen-centric new column, wherein the author(Bitto) is an ordinary, politically unaffiliated common man of the city who in his/her inimitable approach takes up various issues with the Bapu’s soul! Apparently, the interaction between them portrays ironies of sorts encountered by the common man and others in the city in a lighter vein. The author’s name will not be disclosed to the readers as he/she represents the common man of the society. This column aims at creating awareness and sensitising cross sections of our city on various issues of public concern only but in a lighter vein without holding any contempt against any institution or individual.

Read Earlier Stories Here

The post Bapu-Bittoo: “Open defecation” appeared first on All About Belgaum.

B.K.Hariprasad, MP in Rajya Sabha from Karnataka asked Suresh Prabhu Minister for Civil Aviation as to why the flights from Belagavi were transferred to Hubballi.

The MP categorically asked as to why all the flights were shifted from Belagavi to Hubballi under UDAN scheme and why should one city grow at the expense of another. 

Replying to the query, Suresh Prabhu said that already this has been brought to his notice and Air India has started some flights, and Hubbali will not grow at the expense of Belagavi.

The post B.K.Hariprasad asks question about why flights from Belagavi were transfered to Hubballi appeared first on All About Belgaum.

The Belagavi city corporation spends crores building Gutters, roads etc but all complain that in their area no works have been undertaken.

From this series, we will try and post details of the Tenders under which the various works will be undertaken in your area.

So kindly go through the same and if you find your area mentioned see that the work is carried out in actual or is it just a joomla on paper.

Most of the times the citizens arent aware of the works undertaken in their ward and the corporator also does not tell you for reasons known best to them.
It is your money that is been spent so know where it is been spent.

List 1 see here 
List 2

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