BELAGAVI: Following the Belagavi Urban Development Authority’s (BUDA) decision to cancel the land use permission granted to Jai Kisan Private Wholesale Vegetable Market (JKPWVM), attention has now shifted to the Belagavi City Corporation (BCC), which could initiate a demolition drive at any time.Complainants, led by Sidagouda Modagi, President of Bharatiya Krishik Samaj (United), have petitioned the BCC to take immediate action. In contrast, JKPWVM office-bearers have appealed to Mayor Mangesh Pawar and BCC Commissioner Shubha B to refrain from acting against the market. While Mayor Pawar has openly supported the market, the Commissioner has so far maintained silence, fuelling speculation over the corporation’s next move.With BUDA’s cancellation, the 10 acres and 22 guntas of land on which JKPWVM stands reverted to agricultural use. Sources indicated that the BCC’s revenue section is bound to act in accordance with the law, which could mean cancelling the building permission and declaring the structure illegal.The issue, however, is complicated by a stay order. In 2023, the then BCC Commissioner issued a notice against the market, but the order was challenged in court, which granted a stay that remains in effect. Despite this, BUDA’s fresh cancellation order could pave the way for BCC to act against the market building as a follow-up measure.Meanwhile, JKPWVM office-bearers are reportedly preparing to challenge BUDA’s cancellation decision in court, setting the stage for another legal battle.
