BCC removes illegal hoardings for ‘Swachh Belagavi’ event

Belagavi: The Belagavi City Corporation (BCC), led by commissioner Kartik M, on Wednesday removed unauthorised banners and hoardings put up across the city by Shivam Associates, headed by Shivanand Neelannavar, in connection with its proposed ‘Swachh Belagavi’ programme scheduled for May 17.The civic body had earlier denied permission to hold the event at the Sardar High School grounds. Despite this, large hoardings were erected at several locations without approval, including one that blocked traffic signals near Ramdev Hotel Circle.Acting on complaints from the public and city police commissioner Bhushan Borase, the BCC launched a drive to remove illegal displays. “We are clearing unauthorised banners and encroachments following public complaints. We recently removed hoardings at Channamma Circle, but they reappeared. The drive will continue,” the commissioner said.Meanwhile, complaints have been filed with the district administration alleging that Shivam Associates was involved in untransparent money transactions, in which it allegedly collected crores of rupees from the public, particularly retired soldiers, by promising a 3% monthly return. Belagavi deputy commissioner Mohammad Roshan on Thursday ordered an inquiry into the alleged scam.