Belagavi may be divided into 3 districts, says Karnataka Minister Satish Jarkiholi
The Hindu
The sheer size of the district makes administration tough and makes access to officials difficult for residents of far-flung areas.
Karnataka government is considering a proposal to create Gokak and Chikkodi districts by carving up Belagavi district, Satish Jarkiholi, PWD Minister who is in charge of the district, said in Belagavi on August 15.
“This issue was raised during Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s recent meeting with MLAs from northern Karnataka. The demand for carving up Belagavi district was put forth by several legislators. The government is seriously considering this suggestion,’‘ he said.
The demand was first raised in 1997 when some new districts were created. “The J.H. Patel government announced the division (of Belagavi district), but did not implement it owing to opposition by local Kannada groups. But this time, we are likely to go ahead as all their concerns have been addressed,’‘ Satish Jarkiholi told journalists after the independence day celebrations.
Belagavi taluk, which has three Assembly seats and a population of around 12 lakh, may also be divided, but Satish Jarkiholi said, “No decision has been taken yet on when it will happen, or on the exact process of division.”
Officials say dividing the district would lead to ease of administration.
With an area of 13,500 square kilometres, Belagavi is the biggest district in Karnataka in terms of size. In terms of population, Belagavi is the second biggest in Karnataka after Bengaluru Urban district.
As per the 2011 census, Belagavi district had a population of 47.8 lakh. Its estimated population in 2023 is 54.2 lakh.
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