A team of diligent election staff and police officers made a startling discovery during a routine inspection of a private tourist bus near the Kognoli check post on the Maharashtra-Karnataka border in Belagavi District. Upon checking the bags, they uncovered a whopping 1.5 crore in currency notes belonging to one of the passengers.
The individual in question was unable to provide any satisfactory explanation for the large sum of money, leaving the authorities suspicious of his intentions.
As a result of the lack of proper documentation, the money was promptly seized by the inspection team. This incident is just one of many that have occurred in the Belagavi district over the past 24 hours, with a total of 3.61 crores being detected at various check posts.
Nestled at the foothills of Sahyadri, Belagavi is a charming destination that boasts a plethora of natural wonders, historical landmarks, and spiritual sites. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or a spiritual seeker, Belgaum has something to offer for everyone. And if you’re looking for a quick escape to recharge your batteries, this scenic getaway is a perfect choice.
Top Places to visit near Belagavi
This collection of tourists attractions is near Belagavi if you are looking for ones in Belagavi city see Best Places to visit in Belagavi
Gokak Falls
is a breathtaking natural wonder located on the Ghataprabha River in the Belgaum district, just 6 km from Gokak town. The river meanders lazily through rugged terrain before taking a dramatic leap of 52m over a sandstone cliff into a picturesque gorge. At the crest, the falls form a stunning horseshoe shape with a flood breadth of 177m.
During the rainy season, the thick reddish-brown water cascades over the brink of the cliff with a dull roar that can be heard from a distance. It’s a truly awe-inspiring sight that will leave you feeling humbled by the power of nature.
Location: Gokak Falls 65 kms from Belagavi
Famous For: Water Falls June to September best time
Things To Do: Waterfalls, Hanging bridge
Godachinamalki Falls
GodchinMalki Falls
is a breathtaking natural wonder located just 20 km from Gokak town? The falls are created by the majestic waters of the Markendaya River, which gracefully cascade over a stunning 25 m cliff. Additionally, there is a second cascade that plunges over an impressive 18 m cliff. This awe-inspiring sight is a must-see for anyone seeking a true connection with nature.
Location: 20 kms from Gokak / 70 kms from Belagavi
Famous For: July to September best time
VAJRAPOHA FALLS
Vajrapoha Falls is a stunning destination nestled in the picturesque hills of the Jamboti forest. To reach this hidden gem, one must embark on a journey from Jamboti, traveling four kilometers beyond Chapoli and crossing the Mahadayi river twice (only possible in December and January) with a small hill in between. The final destination is an elevated flat hillock, where the Mahadayi river flows in a serpentine fashion before taking a breathtaking plunge from a height of approximately 60 meters.
The journey to Vajrapoha Falls is not for the faint of heart, but the reward is well worth the effort. The falls are a sight to behold, surrounded by the lush greenery of the forest and the tranquil sound of the cascading water. It’s a perfect spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
If you’re planning a trip to Vajrapoha Falls, be sure to pack your hiking boots and a sense of adventure. The journey may be challenging, but the destination is nothing short of spectacular.
Location: 30 kms from Belagavi
Opening Hours:
Entrance Charges:
Famous For: Trekking
Things To Do: Trekking
Hidkal dam
Hidkal dam overflows
was constructed in 1977 at an estimated cost of Rs. 9.47 crores. The dam has an irrigation area of 13,400 hectares, providing water to the surrounding agricultural lands.
Its strategic location has made it a crucial component of the region’s infrastructure, providing water to the surrounding areas and supporting the local agricultural industry.
Location: 40 kms from Belagavi
Opening Hours:
Entrance Charges:
Famous For: Dam site
KITTUR
Kittur, located 45 kilometers from Belagavi, is a place of great historical significance. It is renowned for the courageous resistance put up by Rani Channamma against the British in 1824.
A visit to the museum in Kittur is like taking a journey through time, back to the era of Rani Channamma’s glory. The museum houses artifacts and exhibits that provide a glimpse into the life and times of this valiant woman. In honor of her memory, a nature park has been established where visitors can frolic and observe friendly deer and sambar.
Kittur is a must-visit destination for history buffs and anyone interested in the heroic tales of brave women who fought against oppression. The town’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty make it an ideal place to explore and learn about the past.
Location: 45 kms from Belagavi
Opening Hours:
Entrance Charges:
Famous For: Historical site
Things To Do: Fort remains/ Museum
KAMALA NARAYANA TEMPLE
The Kamala Narayana Temple, located in Degaon, is a site steeped in rich antiquity. Situated 24 km from Bailhongal and just five km from Kittur, this place is believed to have derived its name from the temple complex Devagrama, which translates to “village of God.”
The temple’s most striking feature is the magnificent Kamala Narayana Temple, which was constructed in the 12th century by the Goa Kadamba queen, Kamaladevi. The sculptures adorning the temple are nothing short of breathtaking, with lions and floral motifs competing for attention alongside dancing women.
Visitors to this site will be awed by the intricate details and exquisite craftsmanship on display. The Kamala Narayana Temple is a true testament to the skill and dedication of the artisans who created it.
is a highly sought-after destination for tourists, particularly for devotees, adventurists, and trekkers. Located approximately 65 kilometers from Belagavi, this area boasts a massive hill where Lord Somnath bestows blessings upon his followers. The hill is composed of solid, straight rock, which allows water to cascade down from a height of 30 feet, providing a delightful experience for both tourists and devotees alike.
The Yellamma Temple is a renowned goddess among the Joguthi tribal people, also known as Yellamma Gudda. The temple is located in the low-lying areas of Saundatti. This temple holds great significance for the Joguthi tribe, who worship Yellamma as their protector and provider. The temple’s architecture and intricate carvings are a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Located in Gokak taluk, this sanctuary is in an area about 29 sq km and is enclosed by the Ghataprabha River. This sanctuary has many migratory winged visitors; the more famed ones include the Demoiselle Crane and European White Stork. The ideal time for bird enthusiasts would be November to March as it is the nesting season for many of these birds.
Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Khanapur taluk,Karnataka-Goa border in Belagavi district, and is spread over an area of around 190 sq km. This sanctuary is known for the Barapede caves, the only known breeding area of the Wroughton’s Free-tailed Bat, a threatened species on the verge of extinction. The sanctuary is also home to other species like the Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Imperial Pigeon, Emerald Dove, and the elusive Malabar Trogon.
Barapede Caves: the only known breeding area of the Wroughton’s free tailed bat, a threatened species on the verge of extinction. It is also home to other species of flora and fauna.
Bhimgad Fort: Historical ruins of Bhimgad fort are located inside the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary. Bhimgad fort was built by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj during the 17th century and offered defense against the Portuguese military that occupied Goa. Bhimgad Fort has freshwater ponds, canons, and large walls which are reasonably intact
Hooli has so many temples; every temple has its own well. Even at a remotest location on the hills has a couple of temples. Hooli is about 9 kms from Saundatti.
One of the oldest village in the Belgaum District, it is famous for Panchaligeswara temple. Some of the other ruined temples waiting for conservation and restoration. On the outskirts of Hooli is the Trikuteshwara Temple. Various temples at Hooli:
Hooli Panchalingeshwara temple, Other temples at Hooli are Andhakeshwara Temple, Bhavnisankara Temple, Kalmeshwara Temple, Kashi Vishwanatha Temple, Madaneshwara Temple, Suryanarayan Temple, Tarkeshwara Temple, Hooli sangameshwar ajjanavaru, Beerdevar temple Hooli.
Halasi also called as Halsi or Halshi, is a town in Khanapur Taluk, Belagavi District. It is 14 km from Khanapur and about 25 km from Kittur. It is famous for having been the capital of a branch of Kadamba Dynasty. The town is rich in historical monuments and temples and is near Khanapur. It was the second capital of the early Kadambas and a minor capital under the Kadambas of Goa (980 AD – 1250 AD), is one of the ancient towns in Belgaum district with rich antiquity and many monuments.
Eleventh-century statue of lord Parshwanath, the 23rd Tirthankar of Jains, was recovered while digging a foundation in a school. The idol was found in an inverted position with the leg(padha) of Parshwanth facing the earth surface. Then he took us to the place where idol was kept. The monolith of Bhagwan Parshwanth carved in the dark green marble. The idol looks so fresh as if it was carved a day before. Believe it or not, this idol belongs to 11th century.
Nandgad, a quaint village located 33 kilometers from Belagavi and 8 kilometers from Khanapur in Khanapur Taluka, boasts a fascinating legend. At the entrance of the village, a holy cross stands atop a hill, serving as a symbol of hope and faith for the locals.
According to the legend, a deadly plague had been ravaging the neighboring villages, causing numerous deaths. The people of Nandgad, tired of the constant loss and suffering, turned to prayer and vowed to God that they would erect a cross on one of the hills. To their amazement, the plague vanished, and the village was spared from further devastation.
Torgal Fort in Ramdurg taluk of Belagavi district Around 10 km away from Ramdurg taluk, the drive, on a rugged terrain, took me uphill where the fort is located. Torgal Fort is not only majestic but also well planned and meticulously built with an eye for detail. The location and the terrain indicate that the fort was impregnable in the times of its glory.
Shri Kshetra Siddhagiri Mahasansthan, Kaneri, Siddhagiri Math had been rigorously working towards the betterment of society for centuries with primary focus on village development. Siddhagiri Math in Kaneri, Taluka Karvir, District Kolhapur is the highest seat of the Kadsiddheshwar tradition. It is the place where the first Kadsiddheshwar Swamiji, Shri Niramay Kadsiddheshwar came and settled in 7th century C.E. Since then the Math has been guiding its followers in both spiritual and worldly matters. Siddhagiri Math is the Sthir Peeth of the Kadsiddheshwar Tradition. It was previously known as Kaneri math. Siddhagiri Math had been rigorously working towards the betterment of society for centuries with primary focus on village development. Competent villages lead to a competent Nation.
Famous For: Siddhagiri Museum” and in this Museum you will find very rich cultural Maharashtra heritage which is represented in wax models.
Things To Do: Pure herbal, Ayurvedic and organic products
Agadi tota
“Agadi Thota” was conceptualised in the year of 2000 with a theme we grow, we offer, we process our produce. In the year 2017, as a value addition and to generate additional income to make agriculture more self-sustainable. Agadi Thota’s main objective is to offer a whole day package of ethnic North Karnataka Unlimited food. Along with that, to educate people about our culture and tradition, we also have Village life style self experience as a complimentary to the guests. https://www.agadithota.com/
is more than a theme park. Have the Most Memorable day with your loved ones. Our Team members make sure that our guests enjoy their well-deserved holiday & have a wonderfully adventurous day. Enjoy a Welcome drink with a Mouth-watering breakfast, Refreshing Juice, Lunch (Authentic North Karnataka Pure Vegetarian food) & High Tea.
Habbanhatti is small village on the banks of the river Malaprabha, which houses the Swaymbhu Maruti Temple on the banks of the river. About 31 kms from Belagavi on the Jamboti Road, one can reach this place in a hours time and is a very good place for a short picnic.
The water in the river bed is very minimal except in the months of June to August and it is also very safe for the kids to play of course under the guidance of the elders.
The temple of Shri Pant Maharaj stands there. The temple situated in a garden of mango trees, the surroundings are so serene, and peaceful. The ‘math’ houses the ‘paduka’ (ornamental shoe ware) of Shri Pant Maharaj. The usual custom is to offer an ‘Abhishek’, by which the paduka are worshipped. Apart from rudrabhishek, other pujas can be offered here like ‘Panchamruta- abhishek’, ‘Ekadashanis’, ‘palkhi seva’ and ‘butti puja’. Our guru Shri Digambarpant (kaka) always made us perform rudrabhishek with ‘naivedya’.
The Fort of Panhala has served as a place where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj spent many days of his life. This fort has witnessed several rulers and the rise and fall of their dynasties.
Gandharv Water Park is a perfect blend of modern amenities and traditional culture. With its wide range of water slides, entertainment options, delicious food, and exciting events, the park promises to offer visitors a memorable and unique experience.
Things To Do: water based rides and other amusement rides
Shree Kshetra Narasimha Wadi – Narsoba Wadi
Shri Narasimha Saraswati Swami Dattadeva temple is situated at Narsimhawadi, Kolhapur district in Maharashtra which is situated about 30 km from SANGLI. It is popularly known as “Narsobachi Wadi”or Narasimha Wadi
Shri Nrusinha saraswati swamy stayed in this area with full of Oudumber trees for 12 years and he flourished this region. Shri Nrusinh saraswati while travelling after completing Chaturmas at Oudumber, reached this place . The place has natural beauty and refreshing scenery due to confluence of Krishna and Panchaganga and thick forests of Audumber trees. The Paduka established by Swami are there in that temple. The Pancha Ganga Sagar, which is the confluence of the five holy rivers, Siva, Bhadra, Kumbhi, Bhagwati and Saraswati, where they all meet and merge in the Krishna river
Kopeshwar Temple is at Khidrapur, Kolhapur district, Maharashtra. It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is at the border of Maharashtra and Karnataka. It is also accessible from Sangli as well. It was built in the 12th century by Shilahara king Gandaraditya between 1109 and 1178 CE
Hidden inside the Torgal Fort is a beautiful temple complex, popularly known as Bhutnath complex, after the main temple dedicated to the eponymous deity, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The complex reminds you of the similar temple complex in Pattadkal. There are a total of 14 temples in the complex, not all of which have a deity inside. Only the main temple has a Shivalinga which is worshipped by the devotees.
Famous for: 200-year-old silk cotton tree on Ramdurg-Katkol Road; temples within the Bhutnath temple complex; a view of the palatial house of Shinde Sarkar, in Killa Torgal; the door jamb of a ruined temple in Hannikeri
Mudkavi Fort is situated on a slope of a hillock. Half the village is within the fort. Even a government school building is within this fort walls.
Naviluteertha Dam
It has a Dam (called Renuka Sagara or Naviluteertha Dam or Malaprabha Dam) that was built in 1974 across Malaprabha river.This place is known as Naviluthertha because a large number of peafowls are found in this area. Even today, we can hear the melodious calls and cries of peafowl here.
Ulavi is a very beautiful village, appears amidst the Western Ghats, and it lies amid Karwar and Dandeli. This village is one of the significant religious places in Karnataka for the Lingayat and also considered as one of the top sites in Dandeli.
Dandeli is made up of trails and green environment. The beauty of this place resides significantly in the adventurous hikes and beauty of Western Ghats. The untouched green landscapes house a staggering range of flora and fauna. Apart from the adventurous activities, there are several historical places including Ulavi temple, ancient caves of Kavla, and much more.
Location: 87 kms from Belagavi
Shrimat Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sansthan Math – Sankeshwar ( Karvir )
Located on the banks of River Hiranyakeshi, Shankarling or the Shrimad Jagadguru Shankaracharya Karvir Math has a Shankarling temple. Established by Adi Shankaracharya around 1,000 years ago, the temple is spread over a large area within a strong-wallled enclosure.
The Special Judge for CBI Cases, Dharwad (Karnataka) has sentenced Abhishek Tripathi and Alok Tiwari, both then Income Tax officials to undergo four years rigorous imprisonment with fine of Rs. 1,10,000/- each in a bribery case when posted in Belagavi.
CBI had registered the case against the said income Tax officials on the allegations of demanding illegal gratification from the Complainant for dropping prosecution proceedings initiated under Section 276-B of IT Act.
It was further alleged that Abhishek Tripathi who was working in the capacity of Income Tax Officer (TDS) in Belagavi had demanded Rs 4 lakh as bribe from the Complainant when he came to the office to enquire about the show cause notice dated 30.11.2015 issued to his company for the default of belated tax remittance. The bribe was later reduced to Rs 2.5 lakh and Abhishek Tripathi instructed the complainant to pay the amount to his colleague Alok Tiwari who in turn instructed to hand over the bribe to a private person. CBI laid a trap and caught the private person while accepting the bribe on behalf of the said officials.
After investigation, a chargesheet was filed against the said accused. The Trial Court convicted both the officials and acquitted the private person.
Strange as it may seem, this word has nothing to do with politics or thieves, it’s actually Greek meaning stone and fluid that flows through the veins of God. By now you may have understood it must be something Divine. Well it is, Petrichor is the fragrance that mother earth enthralls us with when her burning body is relieved of the heat by welcome showers of rain in peak summers. Just a drizzle is enough and the air is filled with a mild scent, geosmin they call it but to us, it is nothing less than the essence of life.
Well to most it is a smell, to some, it is a fragrance, but to the fortunate of us who have grown up in Belagavi, there are a lot of emotions and memories attached to it.
PC: Sammed Parmaj
Petrichor is most during the pre-monsoon showers, mungaru male or walivacha paus we call it in the city. The showers were most famed in the Kannada movie Munguru Male, a romantic epic and true to its name the showers do evoke a strong romance.
But to me my memories with Petrichor are very different, I don’t mean to say I am not romantic but my memories are a little distant. For kids in Belagavi, this fragrance was always associated with exams or results. See exams started in March and results came in the second week of April, and this was also the time for the pre-monsoon showers.
Photo: Arun
Today with the cement concrete jungles we hardly have space for the heavenly union of the soil and the rain, we hardly get this fragrance, as soon as it rains, the gutters are full and all we get is the stench.
But let’s not go there, we have so many good memories. For us exams were calling when we were visited by the small whirlwinds that started coming on our playgrounds, we called them Parikshe che Ware(exam winds) or even the tornadoes of examination, for most average students these winds did create a lot of havoc as this was the time to start studying. It was only then that the studies got a little serious and we had to burn our night oil, literally actually because KEB( now HESCOM) then always did load shedding in the same season. The load shedding or power cuts were done at mostly at night time which was exactly the same time as the studies would start, this complimented by the absence of generators and inverters was a nightmare.
Anup S Karlatti
We did, however, manage to study and pass in flying colors. The problem was we studied only during exams and the rest of the academic year was spent in learning useful things like climbing trees, playing games, fishing, loitering and much more. The missing link here is the pre Monsoon showers, see these showers were the reasons for unscheduled power cuts, this was like having a thirteenth month in a drought. So apart from the routine power cuts, there were shower related power cuts, sometimes the lights would go out for no reasons and sometimes because the lines were cut by overexcited trees which fell on them. And so when there were no lights and there was plenty of studies all we did was lie down and experience the Petrichor.
But all was not lost and exams would soon be over and there would be hope to the kids who had to be rehabilitated from the torture of exams, those days schools were allowed to fail children and not merely push them to the next level. But then exams were soon over and there were two months of real-life academic performance to deliver.
Pc: Vinayak VK
The first ten days were tense as results had to arrive. Results were not for self but for the parents and their friends and the many aunties that made up the social media then. Postman back then had extreme importance, there was no phone, no email, just the khaki-clad “God till Tenth April ” called the postman. Tenth April because on that day the result sheet would be delivered home, after which the postman was a no entity. While the results came there was a lot happening around. It used to be hot and humid, not as blazing as today, Belagavi back then was cooler.
But then there were so many relieving factors. It was the season when the deciduous trees would shed their leaves and bring out new foliage as if to welcome the results of the exam. There we mango trees and there was a lot to do with raw mangoes. We could pickle the raw mangoes, we could make chuttnies and not be left we could have the pannha.
The pannha was the elixir of life in summer, back then there was no Coke or Fanta, there was Gold Spot, Thumbs Up and Duke, all these were out of reach for most and not fashionable. Pannha was the organic, chemical free, pesticide free drink invented by some Konkani chap who had plenty of raw mangoes and did not know what to do with it. Pannha went excellently with the dal chatni which was perfected by the grandmoms of those times. In fact, pannha was so popular that women back then had kitty parties called Chaitratla Haldikumkum just to savor this drink.
In fact, mangoes were not the only fruits available we had Karwanda, Dhamne, Charolya, and many more, I bet half the kids today don’t know what these fruits look like. The season would only end with the entry of Jambhul which had even more demand for the purple hue it gave to our tongues.
You are wondering what all this has to do with Petrichor right, hmmm, well mangoes for all this were rarely plucked from trees, what would happen is that there would be these pre-monsoon showers which would come with some heavy breeze and this would lead to mangoes falling off the trees, it was this fallen crop that was used for pannha and chutney, no mango was allowed to be wasted then. At the time when children went around collecting these fallen mangoes, they were encouraged my mother earth with the fragrance of Petrichor.
There were several games that we played back then, chappi was a girls game, lagori, hide and seek were unisex and Gilli danda was male. Hockey and cricket were for the older kids and they played separately on big grounds where you find apartments today. But the most exciting this was to get wet in the first rain.
Getting wet in the first rain was a ritual, everyone indulged, it was the most favorite day of the year and even parents never objected to this. You could have some sardi khasi for the days to follow but no one ever cared, all we did was get wet and collect the hailstones(gaara), there used to be a competition as to who would collect maximum gaara and eat them too. While children were busy playing they always had the essence of the earth the Petrichor.
Such were those days that even today when it rains and when there is Petrichor in the air it brings back all those sweet memories. I wish our childhood was like forever. At times I wonder if those days were better and if what we are missing today is just a product of what we decided to do away voluntarily from our lives.
As a resident of Belagavi, it can be a frustrating and time-consuming task to report and resolve civic problems. We’ve all encountered issues such as overflowing dustbins, unclean roads, and malfunctioning street lights, but often feel powerless to do anything about it as individuals.
However, it’s important to remember that these problems affect the entire community and can have serious consequences if left unaddressed. That’s why it’s crucial to take action and report these issues to the appropriate authorities.
Unfortunately, many of us don’t know where to turn or who to contact when we encounter these problems. For example, did you know who is responsible for maintaining the street lights in the city?
Furthermore, it’s disheartening to see that the administration hasn’t made resolving citizen grievances a priority. It’s time for them to step up and take action to improve the quality of life for all residents.
There are numerous sites and apps available to address civic issues, but unfortunately, we have yet to see any real solutions or problems being solved. Even when utilizing the smart city app’s complaint section, our grievances are ignored and no updates were provided on the resolution. The integrated Command and Control center, only God knows what it does.
Similarly, the Janahitha platform was created to allow citizens to raise concerns related to Urban Local Bodies, but we have noticed that complaints are often marked as resolved without any actual changes being made.
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To make matters worse, there are often jurisdictional issues that arise, with different areas falling under different governing bodies. Then there are those BORDER issues you can call them, sir this area is not under Corporation it is under BUDA or under Cantonment board. This area is under corporation but this work pertains to Smart city complaints to them. Water leakage is there but as the new road is made we need to get permission from Smart City and it is taking time.
Despite having social media accounts, the civic authorities are not utilizing them effectively. Their sporadic posts are often self-serving and they fail to engage with their audience by ignoring inquiries. This lack of communication leaves citizens feeling unheard and disconnected from their local government.
It is frustrating for citizens to have to navigate through various offices and departments to address their concerns, only to end up with no positive results. This is why we urgently need a centralized grievance handling system in Belagavi, where all complaints can be lodged and followed up on.
As a smart city, Belagavi must prioritize the implementation of smart systems and processes, as well as ensure that the people behind these systems are equally competent. It is time for the administration to step up and provide a more efficient and effective way for citizens to voice their concerns and have them addressed promptly.
So, the next time you come across a civic problem, don’t just ignore it and walk away. Take the time to report it and hold those in charge accountable for resolving the issue. Together, we can make Belagavi a cleaner, safer, and more livable city for all.
The State Government has allocated ₹36.43 crores to ensure a seamless visit for Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his trip to Karnataka on February 27th. This included his stops in Shivamogga and Belagavi, where the government spent a significant sum of ₹15.37 crores for the Belagavi event.
According to the Karnataka Gazetteer dated March 24th, the State Government spent ₹1.98 crores to erect a 30-km-long barricade and showcase tableaus. Additionally, an astounding ₹13.39 crores were spent on a public meeting held to release the 13th installment of the PM Kissan Scheme.
The expenses incurred included ₹4.55 crores for the stage and infrastructure, ₹4.46 crores for the transportation of beneficiaries, and another ₹4.37 crores for miscellaneous expenses.
It is worth noting that the State Government had given clearance to the Public Works Department to undertake these works. Furthermore, the works were exempted under the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement Act, 1999.
Effective March 18, 2023, HESCOM has discontinued all online payments through BBPS (Bharat Bill Payment System) apps.
As a result, customers can now only make payments through the HESCOM website. Unfortunately, this means that the convenience of using UPI apps such as Gpay, Phonepe, CRED, Paytm, etc. is no longer available, and customers must now navigate through a series of steps on the website to make their payments.
To make a payment, customers can visit the following links based on their location:
However, HESCOM has recently issued a new tender for the selection of an agency to operate the Bharat Bill Pay payment unit for the collection of electricity payments through the BBPS platform. The BBPS is an integrated online platform developed by the National Payments Corporation of India for all types of bill payments. The platform aims to create an interoperable service through a network of agents, enabling multiple payment modes, and instant generation of payment receipts. It will connect utility service companies on one end and all payment service providers on the other.
Please note that when making a payment, customers should select Rupay Debit card or UPI as other payment methods may incur additional convenience charges.
DC Nitesh Patil said that eligible voters in Belagavi will have the opportunity to add their names to the voter list until April 11.
With April 20 being the last day for candidates to submit their nomination papers for the upcoming assembly elections, it is crucial for the public to ensure their names are registered in the electoral roll.
To avoid any discrepancies, it is recommended that eligible voters verify their names in the voter list now. If their name is not listed, they can take advantage of the opportunity to add their name until April 11.
District Collector Nitesh Patil urges the public to use this chance to exercise their right to vote.
The Aam Aadmi Party unveiled its second list of 60 candidates, which also includes the name of Belagavi Uttar where Rajkumar Topannavar will be contesting for the upcoming Karnataka Assembly Elections in 2023.
The party has made some bold promises, including providing 300 units of free electricity per month, reserving 80% of local jobs for residents, allocating 33% of government jobs to women, offering free bus passes to students, and creating 2 lakh jobs annually for young people on a contract basis.
Rajkumar Topannavar of the AAP recently filed a complaint with the Lokayukta, and today, speaking to the media, he alleged that Belagavi Urban Development Authority (B.U.D.A.) has disposed of plots by manual auction, resulting in a loss of at least 100 crores to the government.
In March 2022 Rajkumar left the BJP and joined AAP. He has been very vocal about corruption when in BJP as well.
A team of esteemed academicians are currently working towards establishing a non-profit university in Belagavi, which will be crowdfunded by the public to be named Bhaskara University. The university will offer training and research in liberal arts and humanities, as well as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The institution will be named after Bhaskara Acharya, an ancient mathematician, following a suggestion by Sri Siddheshwara Swami of Vijayapura.
This multi-subject university will operate on modern pedagogic styles and will have schools dedicated to various disciplines. Students will have the freedom to choose from a wide range of subjects under the transferable credit and lateral entry system.
Tamraparni Venkatesh, a retired mathematician from Rani Channamma University and founder of the Mathematical Sciences Institute in Belagavi, is the convener for the proposed university.
Promoters have launched a crowdfunding campaign to gather resources for the establishment of Bhaskara University. Professor Venkatesh and his wife, Veena Tamraparni, recently visited the United States and met with members of the Indian community in various cities. These individuals included teachers, research scholars, IT professionals, and entrepreneurs. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and Prof Venkatesh even had the opportunity to meet with Fields Medal winners and other scientists who have agreed to share their knowledge with the students and faculty of Bhaskara University.
The team of promoters includes educationists J V Ramana Raju, B D Kumbar, and Gururaj Mahajan, as well as retired judge Justice Abdul Nazeer, motivational speaker Gururaj Karjagi, and former representative of the government of Karnataka at New Delhi Shankargouda Patil, who serve as advisors for the proposed university.
According to Venkatesh, “Bhaskara University will be very different from traditional universities. It will have schools like Literary and Historical Studies and Linguistics and translations, in liberal arts and Basic and applied sciences in STEM.” The university has already begun a series of online and offline lectures on mathematics and sciences, with renowned mathematicians such as number theorist Ken Ono delivering talks.
To ensure the success of this ambitious project, several committees have been formed to chart the way forward. These include the infrastructure development committee, the finance committee, a general advisory body, and a committee to form academic and executive councils.
The infrastructure committee is currently tasked with identifying suitable land and buildings for the university. To this end, they are exploring various options, including land grants and donations in units of Rs 10.
The crowdfunding model will have
Bhumi Daan
Anna Bhandara
Grantha Bhandara
for a donation of land, money, or books.
Anyone who wishes to contribute can do so by donating single or multiple units of Rs 10, which will be treated as one square foot of land, one kilogram of grain, or one book. There will be no normalization factor for any of these contributions across the counter. A similar scheme is also being introduced to provide scholarships to deserving students.
Recently, the promoters met with Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai to discuss their proposal. Prof Venkatesh reports that the Chief Minister appreciated their intentions and preparatory efforts and has assured them of his support. The draft proposal submitted to the Chief Minister’s office has been redirected to the Karnataka State Higher Education Council, and the promoters have been directed to file an application based on the revised UGC guidelines of 2017. They are currently in the process of submitting a detailed draft proposal in accordance with these guidelines after paying the necessary fees.
Overall, the establishment of this new university is an exciting development for the region, and it is heartening to see so many people coming together to make it a reality. With the right infrastructure, funding, and academic leadership, this university has the potential to become a world-class institution that drives innovation and progress in a wide range of fields.
Coming together to celebrate is at the core of human nature. For centuries, Jatras (or Yatras) have served the dual purpose of celebrating the post-harvest season when the farmers have some money in their hands, and the coming together of people for worship. These Jatras are mainly associated with the local deity, mostly the Gramdevata or the village deity like Goddess Laxmi, Basava, or Shiva in one or the other forms.
Belagavi is abuzz with Jatras soon after Gudhi Padva. Many of these Jatras have a specific timeframe. Some are annual, like the Mayakka Chinchali, Mangsuli, Khandoba, Kokatnur Yallamma, and the Bhavkaidevi Jatra at Mohanga village, all near Belagavi. Basavanna is the main deity in the Belagavi region whose temples celebrate the Jatras at Khade Bazar Shahapur, Hosur, Basavan Galli in the city, Kudachi (Kalmeshwar and Basaveshwar), and more. Mahalaxmi (or Devi in various forms and names) is also a deity whose temple celebrates Jatras with much enthusiasm and devotion. It is a way in which people express their gratitude for a good harvest, share their resources with friends and family, pray for a better year ahead, clean and prep their houses and the whole village and relax and have some fun with good food and entertainment. Where in the world would you find something like this?
Inglya
A very unique concept of ‘Inglya’ is when people bathe and walk over burning embers as gratitude for some wish fulfilled. Kudachi also hosts the famous Brahmaling Jatra every year which is marked by the devotees gathering firewood for the fire walk from the Kakati area. Thousands of devotees gather at the temple at daybreak when the main Pooja is conducted. The Jatra begins a week before Ugadi and culminates on Ugadi day.
Photo: Anil Godse
Vadagaon’s Mangai Devi Jatra is known far and wide. This Goddess is worshipped as a form of Goddess Durga or Shakti. The Jatra is celebrated every year in the month of Ashadha on the twelfth day of the waning phase of the moon. The Margai Devi in Bhandur Galli in Belgaum also has its own Jatra which is celebrated once in 5 years. On the main day, the ceremonial procession sees the whole town smeared in Bhandara or Turmeric being showered on everyone.How Jatras make a difference
– Jatras give a huge boost to the local economy. Everything from Pooja items like flowers, coconuts, and sweets to shops selling toys, ice creams, cosmetics, balloons, food items and clothes find their place on the roads leading up to the main temple. Vehicles plying devotees, cloth shops, grocers, everyone makes good business.
– Families, relatives and friends come together to celebrate Jatras. People visit their hometowns, especially for this purpose. Relatives are invited for food. Married daughters are invited and showered with gifts. Houses get a makeover and kids and women folk get new clothes. Several days before the main event, people of the village stop having non veg food and do not consume alcohol. At the Bhavkeshwari temple at Mutage, people follow this for 5 weeks before the event.
– These Jatras serve as a great tool for communal harmony. Grains, jaggery, oil, and other raw material is collected from all households. People from all castes and religions equally participate in the worship of the deity and partake of Prasad with devotion. Several devotional and cultural programs like Kirtans are also organized on this occasion.
Kakti Jatra
The famous temple of Goddess Laxmi at Kanagale near Belagavi celebrates the Jatra every year on the first Friday after the full moon in the month of Magha. A week before the Jatra, devotees gather at the temple on the hillock and beseech the Goddess. An earthen idol is prepared and consecrated for the purpose. Devotees believe that the face of the Goddess which is happy at the beginning of the Jatra turns somber as the festival ends, owing mainly to the fact that the deity returns back to her abode in the hills. On the day of the Jatra, the women perform the ritual of ‘Oti bharne / Udi tumbuvudu’ where the Goddess is offered Khun fabric, coconuts, flowers, haldi-kumkum, bananas/ mangoes, pan-supari and at times even a saree (usually a Khun saree).
Desur is another small village, 14 kms from Belagavi that celebrates the famous Jatra of the Goddess Sateri. This deity is predominantly worshipped in Goa. Legend has it that around 1559, the Shenavi family migrated from Kutthali in Goa to escape the enemy siege. They brought with them the original idol of the Goddess. Since the Goddess required animal sacrifice and the Shenavis were vegetarians, they handed over the rights to worship to the Gurav and Patil families of the village. Every year, the Jatra is celebrated in the month of Chaitra, soon after Ugadi.
Bhaveshwari Jatra- Daddi Mohanga, Yallamma Devi Jatra at Saundatti, Chinchali Mayakka, Mahalaxmi Devi at Yelimunnoli (Hukkeri), Kalmeshwar Jatra at Halaga, Banashankari Jatra and Palaki Utsav are some of the major Jatras of Belagavi region (this is not a complete list).
Every village has its own local deity that is worshipped once a year (or after every 2/5/7/12 years depending on the customs) with much devotion. This is the cultural heritage of our country that makes it all the more endearing.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has made a significant decision to field a fresh face Dr. Ravi Patil as their candidate for the Belagavi North constituency, denying the ticket to the sitting MLA Anil Benake. Dr. Patil is a well-known figure in the medical field and has an impressive background that makes him a strong contender for the upcoming elections.
At the age of 52, Dr. Ravi B. Patil holds an MBBS and MS (Ortho) degree. He studied at KLEs Jawahar Lal Nehru Medical College in Belagavi from 1989-1995 for his MBBS and from 1996-1999 for his MS (Ortho). In 1999, he established the Vijaya Ortho and Trauma Centre (VOTC), which has since become a renowned institution in the region.
Dr. Patil is also known for his philanthropic work and regularly conducts free health camps to educate people about various health issues such as diabetes, hypertension, hypothyroidism/obesity, and osteoporosis. As a medical professional, he runs a 99-bed, well-equipped multi-specialty hospital with 300 staff working around the clock.
In addition to his medical practice, Dr. Patil has also established several health institutions, including the Dr. Ravi Patil Ayurvedic Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre in Honaga, the Dr. Ravi Patil Institute of Physiotherapy in Belgaum, and the 24×7 VOTC.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not promote any specific candidate or political party. Readers are encouraged to do their own research and exercise their own judgment when forming opinions or making decisions related to politics or elections. AAB does not assume any responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided in this post as the same has been gathered from various sources on the Internet.
To contest elections to the Legislative Assembly, a candidate must meet certain requirements. Firstly, they must be at least 25 years of age and a citizen of India. Additionally, they must make an oath or affirmation before being authorized by the Election Commission, as per the form set out in the Third Schedule.
It’s important to note that certain factors could lead to disqualification. For example, if the person holds any office of profit under the Government of India or the Government of any state specified in the First Schedule, other than an office declared by the Legislature of the state by law to not disqualify its holder. Furthermore, if a person is declared of unsound mind by a competent court or is an undischarged insolvent, they would also be disqualified.
For Assembly elections, the candidate has to fill out the nomination paper in Form 2B appended to Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961 and submit it to the Returning Officer who scrutinizes them. Along with the nomination paper (Form 2B), the candidate has to submit an affidavit (Form 26) which will have details regarding criminal antecedents, if any, (cases of convictions and all pending cases), details of PAN and status of filing of income tax return of self, spouse and dependents, details of profession or occupation of candidate and spouse, and highest educational qualification of the candidate.
In order for a candidate to be considered for nomination, it is imperative that all details are provided. Failure to do so, even after a reminder, may result in the rejection of the nomination paper by the Returning Officer. This individual is the competent authority responsible for scrutinizing and determining the validity of the nomination during the scrutiny process.
Furthermore, it is necessary for the candidate to swear an affidavit before an Oath Commissioner, Magistrate of first-class, or Notary Public. Candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribes must also provide documentary proof of their status to the satisfaction of the Returning Officer.
If a candidate is registered as an elector in a different constituency from the one they plan to stand as a candidate in, they must attach a copy of the electoral roll of that constituency or a certified copy of the relevant entries in the current electoral roll where their name is entered.
In the event that a candidate claims to be sponsored by a political party, whether recognized or not, they must submit the prescribed notice from the political party concerned about their sponsorship in Form A and Form B to the Returning Officer/Chief Electoral Officer.
Finally, it is important to note that a security deposit is required for Vidhan Sabha candidates. The deposit is Rs 10,000 for general category candidates and Rs 5,000 for Schedule Caste/Scheduled Tribe candidates.
Proposer
Only the person, who is the elector within the constituencies in which the candidate contests the election, will propose the name of the candidate and may sign the nomination paper.
One proposer is enough for candidates of a recognized national or state party. However, if the candidate belongs to a registered unrecognized organization or is an independent candidate, ten proposers or electors of the constituency are needed to sign the nomination paper.
The nomination paper is to be presented either by the candidate or by only one person who has proposed the name of the candidate.
The Nomination will have to be filed in Belagavi at the designated RO.
Maximum of four nomination papers can be filed by a candidate or on his behalf for a constituency.
It’s crucial for candidates to understand these requirements and potential disqualifications before running for office. By doing so, they can ensure that they meet all necessary criteria and avoid any legal issues that could arise.
R.M. Chougule has been announced as the official MES candidate for the Belagavi Rural Constituency for the upcoming assembly elections. The announcement was made by Adv. M.G. Patil, the General Secretary of MES, on Wednesday afternoon.
The selection process for candidates for various constituencies has already begun, and the Belagavi Taluka Committee conducted interviews with interested candidates last Sunday. On Wednesday, a meeting of 129 selection committee members was held at Maratha Mandir to finalize the candidates.
After a democratic selection process, R.M. Chaugule was unanimously chosen as the official candidate. The committee received five applications, and interviews were conducted with all aspirants with due permission.
The selection committee ensured that the candidate was chosen in a transparent and democratic way. The committee’s goal was to select the best candidate who could represent the people of Belagavi Rural and work towards their betterment.
The candidate when filing his nomination papers will be filed as an Independent only as MES is not recognized as a regional party.
The highly anticipated Kanbargi residential scheme, proposed by the Belagavi Urban Development Authority (BUDA), has hit a major roadblock. The Dharwad Bench of the High Court has quashed the final notification of the Kanbargi Housing Scheme of 2014, which means that BUDA cannot implement the scheme as planned.
This setback means that BUDA will have to start the entire process anew, including issuing a new notification for the scheme. The court’s decision comes after a case was filed by 12 farmers 16 years ago, and the court has now ruled in their favor by quashing the BUDA notification.
Despite opposition from some farmers in Kanbargi, BUDA had issued the final notification for the scheme in 2014. However, the court stayed the entire Kanbargi scheme during the hearing of the petition filed by the 12 farmers. In 2019, the court allowed BUDA to implement the scheme, excluding about 23 acres of the petitioners’ land. However, BUDA had occupied 131 acres of land and was continuously trying to lift the moratorium on the 23 acres of land.
During a hearing on Wednesday, Adv. Ravikumar Gokakar argued that BUDA did not object to the sale of some land and had built houses and residential complexes on reserved land. He also pointed out errors in the notification issued in 2014 and the land acquisition process.
This setback is a significant blow to BUDA’s plans for the Kanbargi residential scheme, and it remains to be seen how they will proceed from here.
If you’re dissatisfied with the candidates vying for election, there’s no need to fret. Since 2013, ECI has offered the option of NOTA, or “None of the Above.”
Unfamiliar with NOTA? Allow us to enlighten you.
1. WHAT IS NOTA?
NOTA or ‘None of the above’ is a ballot option that a voter can choose to apply instead of giving their vote to any of the contesting candidates.
In September 2013, the SC ruled that every voter should have the right to register a ‘None Of The Above’ vote. From then on, the option has been in the electronic voting machines.
2. DOES NOTA WORK AS A ‘REJECT TO ALL CANDIDATES’ OPTION?
It has been argued that NOTA is not had ‘the right to reject’ all candidates standing in the election, but instead ‘the right to register a negative opinion’.
This option is based on the principle that “consent requires the ability to withhold consent in an election”.
2018 Assembly Elections Data about NOTA in Belagavi Assembly constituencies
3. DOES NOTA VOTE COUNT?
The Election Commission clarified that votes cast as NOTA are counted, but are considered ‘invalid votes’. Therefore, votes made to NOTA will not change the outcome of the election.
For example, as the former Chief Election Commissioner pointed out: “Even if there are 99 NOTA votes out of a total of 100, and candidate X gets just one vote, X is the winner, having obtained the only valid vote. The rest will be treated as invalid or no votes.”
4. THEN, WHAT IS THE USE OF NOTA?
NOTA gives people dissatisfied with contesting candidates an opportunity to express their disapproval. This, in turn, increases the chances of more people turning up to cast their votes, even if they do not support any candidate, and decreases the count of bogus votes.
Also, a bench headed by then Chief Justice of India, P Sathasivam said negative voting could bring about “a systemic change in polls and political parties will be forced to project clean candidates”.
5. ALL IN ALL, HOW DOES ONE CAST THEIR VOTE AS NOTA?
Simple. Electronic voting machines (EVM) have the ‘None Of The Above’ button at the bottom of the list of candidates.
Earlier, if one wished to cast a negative ballot, they had to go to the presiding officer at the polling booth. But NOTA has annulled that need. So, now you have one less excuse as to why you don’t wish to cast your vote.
The oft-stated argument against NOTA is that does not make any difference to electoral outcomes, and in a first-past-the-post system, it only benefits specific candidates at the expense of others.
It’s also a question of voter participation. What’s worse than frustration against political parties is disinterest and non-participation in the electoral process. In exercising the NOTA option, the voter is participating in the electoral process, and thus, democracy itself.
However, NOTA will serve no real purpose if the Election Commission has not yet framed any rules on its legal status if it trumps the candidate with the highest votes. There are no rules framed under the Representation of Peoples Act to decide what happens if NOTA gets the majority of votes. If NOTA votes polled are higher than the leading candidate, the latter still prevail under current rules.
Laxman Savadi, a former Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and three-time MLA from Athani in Belagavi district has decided to join the Congress party after being denied a ticket to contest the upcoming elections. This news comes after Savadi met with senior Congress leaders, including state unit president D K Shivakumar and LoP Siddaramaiah, in Bengaluru on Friday. Shivakumar confirmed that Savadi joined the grand old party.
The BJP is currently facing a rebellion within its Karnataka unit following the announcement of two lists of candidates. In response, the party’s state election in charge, Dharmendra Pradhan, will be in Belagavi today to hold meetings with disgruntled leaders. Pradhan has called for an urgent meeting with all ticket aspirants and candidates who have received tickets.
Another notable figure in the upcoming elections is Savadi, a three-time MLA from Athani who lost in the 2018 elections to Kumathalli, who was among the group of defectors that helped the BJP form its government under the leadership of B S Yediyurappa in 2019. However, Savadi has a controversial past, having been caught in a scandal in 2012 where he and a colleague were allegedly watching pornographic clips on a mobile phone in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly. Savadi resigned as a minister soon after the incident became a major political controversy.
Two sitting MLAs, Mahadevappa Yadawad from the Ramdurg constituency and Anil Benake of the Belagavi North seat, have expressed their frustration with the party for denying them tickets. Benake has even admitted to receiving offers from both JDS and Congress and will make a final decision after meeting with Pradhan on Sunday. However, this is not the only instance of rebellion within the party. Dr. Vishwanath Patil, a loyalist of Yediyurappa, has announced his resignation from the party after being denied a ticket in Bailhongal.
Overall, the upcoming elections in Karnataka are shaping up to be quite contentious, with multiple instances of rebellion and controversy within the BJP. It remains to be seen how these issues will affect the outcome of the elections.
Due to a decrease in water levels in the Rakaskop reservoir, there will be a further reduction in the water supply to Belagavi City. The water storage levels in both the Hidkal and Rakaskop reservoirs are lower than last year, with sufficient water storage in Rakaskop until May 15. However, after that date, water from the dead stock will need to be pumped out. As a result, Belagavi residents must use water carefully.
The depletion of water storage in the reservoir has led to water being supplied once every 5-6 days in areas where it was previously supplied once every 3-4 days. If the water problem worsens, this reduction may be further implemented. As of April 14, 2022, the water level in Rakaskop is 5.2 feet lower than it was on the same day last year.
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Fortunately, the Hidkal Reservoir still has enough water, so the north division of Belagavi will not face any problems. However, the southern part of the city is likely to experience water shortages. The water level in Hidkal is also lower than last year by 1.75 TMC.
According to L&T officials, the water in Rakaskop Reservoir will suffice for a month, after which the 15-day dead stock will need to be used. While there is water in Hidkal, there may be a problem in the southern part of the city. It is crucial for residents to conserve water during this time to ensure that everyone has access to this vital resource.
