Belagavi, a vibrant industrial city in Karnataka, stands at a pivotal crossroads. Despite its significant contribution to the state’s GDP and being dubbed as the “hydraulic capital of India,” local MSMEs are caught in a web of infrastructural and land-related challenges, hinting at a complex narrative of growth versus governance.
As one wanders through the bustling lanes of Udyambag, the industrial heartbeat of Belagavi, the juxtaposition of advancement and stagnation becomes apparent. Shridhar Uppin, at the helm of Positron, an engineering firm specializing in heat exchangers, represents the quintessential industrial spirit of Belagavi. Yet, even as operations unfold seamlessly within his factory walls, Uppin harbors concerns far beyond the shop floor.
Belagavi’s industrial might contrasts sharply with its infrastructural inadequacies. Despite its stature as a major revenue generator and employment provider in Karnataka, local stakeholders like Uppin feel sidelined by the state’s developmental agenda. The city’s strategic location, poised between Bengaluru and Mumbai, amplifies its potential, yet basic amenities such as stable power supply, efficient drainage, and reliable street lighting remain elusive. CC Hondadkatti, representing the Belgaum Chamber of Commerce, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the local industries’ readiness to contribute financially in exchange for fundamental infrastructure.
The dialogue around Belagavi’s industrial challenges extends beyond state boundaries, with neighboring states seemingly offering more attractive incentives. The recent exodus of around 1,500 weaving units to Maharashtra underscores the competitive disadvantage imposed by Karnataka’s policies, particularly concerning power tariffs and land costs. Industry insiders lament the state government’s apparent preference for regions like Hubballi-Dharwad, further marginalizing Belagavi’s industrial base.
Land cost, a critical factor in industrial expansion, presents a formidable barrier in Karnataka. In sharp contrast to Maharashtra’s more affordable rates, Karnataka’s land prices, managed by entities such as KIADB and KSSIDC, frequently render industrial growth untenable. The bureaucracy surrounding land allotment further compounds this issue, leaving many industrialists in a perpetual state of negotiation with state authorities.
Moreover, MSMEs in Belagavi navigate a landscape marked by disproportionate hardships. Ajit Patil of RIVOT Motors highlights the distinct challenges faced by smaller enterprises, from lack of access to government officials to distant land allocations, exacerbating the difficulties of establishing and expanding operations.
Yet, there’s a glimmer of hope, as voices like Sharanabasappa Darshanapur, Karnataka’s Minister for Small Scale Industries, pledge attention to these grievances. With Belagavi housing a significant number of establishment units and contributing robustly to the state’s GDP, the resolution of these issues is crucial for the region’s, and by extension, Karnataka’s economic trajectory.
Political will, coupled with active stakeholder engagement, is essential to unlock Belagavi’s industrial potential fully. As state leaders and local industrialists engage in dialogue, the vision for a thriving, infrastructurally sound Belagavi looms on the horizon, promising prosperity for the “hydraulic capital of India” and its industrious populace.
