Belgaum Ready for 31st Party

4:11 PM Posted by ukmad

Belgaum is Ready for 31st Party. All the major hotels have made special arrangements for the night long bash. Some important events for the party are Millennium Gardens, Shagun Gardens, Shankam Residency and all hotels have made some or the other arrangements.

Camp area can bee seen with OLDMAN being made ranging from 1 feet to 25 feet. All is geared up for the party and so are the Police. So don't DRINK and DRIVE if you have to drive then take some along who does not drink, or the best thing some would say, Hey why go back home at all tonight? As you wish.....

Happy new year.......

Four-time Mayor arrested for Gambling:13 crores Drugs seized

7:55 AM Posted by ukmad

The police arrested four-time Mayor and senior Congress leader Sambhaji Laxman Patil and 17 others on the charge of gambling during a raid on a farmhouse in Benakanahalli on the outskirts on Belgaum on Saturday.

In another act against the Drug Mafia using belgaum as a transit point, this two people were arrested and seized 10 kg Heroine, 3 kg Hasish and 520 tablets of Cate mine tablets.

2007 ReLoaDed

4:41 PM Posted by ukmad

I began this blog in August and after that I have tried to cover all important events. Some I could not. Hope you refresh your memories by reading this and which of these do you think is the NEWS of the year. Vote it in Comments link.

Big Bazaar opens: The first mall in city
Suvarna Soudha at Vaccine Depot: All done with hush & gush but till date nothing has happened there except the cutting down of trees
Sheetal Chowgule Murder case
Belgaum bandh called my the women in protest of inaction by police in the Sheetal Chowgule Murder case
Praveen Shintre encountered
City Corporation Elections
Nobel laurite Dr.Sheldon Gaslow’s visit
Shivteerth: a new place to hang out for all next to Military Mahadev
Drug Mafia
Rains havoc
Chicken Guinea spreading
Corporate retailing a threat to small retailers
Sambra Airport expansion plans came to a halt after the farmers made an agitation
Real Estate prices Zoomed
Helmet made compulsory and also fining for not wearing has now become a day-to-day affair
No major communal clashes of any manner
LPG Shortage: The whole year this situation remained even after the DC intervening
Prepaid Auto Rikshaw at Railway Station
Auto fare by Meter imposed and then again discontinued due to opposition from auto drivers asking more time. Will this begin anytime next we will have to see?
24 hours water supply did start in October in various parts but as usual the problems existed as previous years.
SEZ row: Farmers deny giving their land
Belgaum Raiwlay Station Makeover
Misson Champion the marathi film made in Belgaum won 5 Zee awards
Ande ka Funda: The Education dept. had ordered to give one egg & one banana in the mid meals scheme. But due to the opposition of Vegetarians the scheme was called off, According to me another SARKARI kaam.
K B Kulkarni renowned painter expires
Under bridge on Kapileshwar Road
Dilip Prabhawalkar came here for Sarawat Bank function
Supriya Pilgaonkar came here for Mothers day celebrations
Visit of Dr.APJ Abdul Kalam to VTU
Devaki Pandit & Ajit Kadkade presented shows here

VITS Hotel: 4 star hotel in Belgaum

10:24 AM Posted by ukmad


VITS, a new chain of luxury business hotels from Kamat Hotels India Limited (KHIL) will be commencing operations in the new year. The hotel is taking shape on Club road next to Sun n sand hotel. Earlier there stood the Rose cafe and lodge there.
VITS Belgaum will be a 60 room 4 star business hotel is being and the hotel was expected to commence operations in Dec 07. But it should really commence it in the new year.

VITS has embarked on a mission to establish the newest and best chain of hotels in the luxury business hotel space. As an inherited principle from its flagship group.VITS will uphold the Kamat’s philosophy of giving the maximum value to the customers, without compromising on service quality or food. The same values are epitomized in VITS' concise motto– ‘Guest. Rest. Best.’

In the VITS chain of hotels, standardized amenities will include world-class service -- from airport pickup by luxury car, to one-time registration while checking in. The 24-hour, in-room dining, contemporary ambience banquets for specific requirements, high-tech conference centers and seamless Wi-Fi connectivity on the premises will cater to all the needs of modern, business travellers. VITS also plans to include select facilities required by guests in specific locations.

May be another feather in the crown for Belgaum.

Belgaum to get MORE

2:20 PM Posted by ukmad

MORE, a chain of stores from Aditya Birla Retail Limited will start operations in some time at its first store in Belgaum at RPD Corner, Khanapur Road, Next to Cafe Coffee day.

The furniture is in its last stages and Belgaumites can experience a new shopping way in MORE.

It would look something like this, this picture is taken from the AV Birla site and just for reference.

Yoga and Ayurveda centre for research in Belgaum

9:48 AM Posted by ukmad

Patanjali Yogpeeth Trust, Haridwar, will establish a research centre in association with KLE Society of Belgaum here soon. A person has donated 2 acres of land for this cause.

Jingle Bell Jnigle Bells: Merry Christmas

9:44 PM Posted by ukmad


This photo of the Fatima Cathedral, Camp.
All is set here in Belgaum for Christmas tomorrow. Decorations, Cakes, candles...
A Merry Christmas to all Belgaumites.



Baba Ramdev in Belgaum on monday

4:10 PM Posted by ukmad


Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev will be in Belgaum on Monday. He is expected to arrive at 10.15 am at Sambara Airport and then will be going to Jirge Auditorium of KLE scoiety for a lecture on yoga at 11.15 am.Its open to all.

Shivaji Reaches Shivteerth after 14 hours

11:08 PM Posted by ukmad





At 11.10 pm the Shivaji Statute has reached Shivteerth. On the way the crowd along was with a lot of enthusiasm and joy. All the people en route were out of their houses from kids to old grandmas and grandpas to see the new Shivaji Statue. Fireworks on the way and dhol tasha and ancient stick arts were being performed before the Statute. The procession which began @ 8 pm now has reached its destination. Some snaps taken on congress road between 10.30 pm and 11pm.

Shivaji Still on his way

9:44 PM Posted by ukmad

Its 9.45 pm and the statue of Shivaji is till on its way to Shivteerth, Its now on Congress road, Near First Gate. This huge delay has been caused due to the immense enthusiasm of the people who are welcoming the statute in grand manner.
The statue will reach Shivteerth only after 11 pm. It must have been really a long journey for Shivaji.

Jai Bhavni Jai Shivaji

10:58 AM Posted by ukmad





The Shivaji Statue to be installed at the Shivteerth, military Mahadev is now approaching the Shivteerth. While I am typing this Statue is now at Tilak Chowk. The crowd is getting bigger and bigger as the procession is going forward. Shivaji is getting a Welcome at all the street corners.

The procession, which began from Bogarves, will reach Shivteerth by the late afternoon via Shahpur Congress Road. The weather here has become very cloudy and the sun is playing hide and seek here. In all it’s a nice atmosphere to dance with the Dhol and tasha and say "Shivaji Maharaj ki Jai"




Mall taking its shape

3:15 PM Posted by ukmad



The first Mall in Belgaum or should I first say Mall with a multiplex, the Nucleus Mall with Adlabs Multiplex is taking its shape and it should take another 6-8 months to start operations. This is taking shape at the place of Kapeel Theatre in Ramling Khind Galli, The picture is taken from Bogarves.

Bomb Hoax grips Belgaum Court complex

11:36 AM Posted by ukmad



This picture taken form the Tarun Bharat, shows how the public was kept aside while the search operation was on.
A phone call was made @ 10.40am to the SP saying that a bomb has been placed in the court and that it will explode at 11am. The phone was made from city police lines area and the phone no was.6990124.The bomb disposal squad and sniffer dogs rushed to the spot and started the combing operation after searching the area thoroughly at last the call was treated as Hoax.

The call was made from a local PCO coin box.

This is the 2nd incident of Bomb hoax, the last one being 4 months back in KLE hospital.

The picture is taken from the Hindu


Kamal Basti: Unseen Pictures

6:14 PM Posted by ukmad

Kamal Basti in 1855 AD(b/w Photo) Kamal Basti 2007 AD (Colour Photo)


EXCLUSIVE for BELGAUMBLOG
Here is treat for your eyes. These pictures I doubt no body has seen till date. All these pictures are from the Kamal Basti, Fort Belgaum. All pictures taken by Mr.Chipre. This is another EXCLUSIVE for the readers on this blog.

To get a more precise picture of the heritage of this Basti click here to read full story.



Ye Thik nahi hai Saab:Humko time Jyada do

10:04 AM Posted by ukmad

Picture Taken from The HINDU:
About 100 autos staged a dharna at the Deputy Commissioner’s office premises and also disrupted the traffic there.
They presented a memorandum stating that they need more time for getting their meters repaired as there is only one technician. They demanded at least 3 months time and also a hike in tariff.

Sunset @ Belgaum

6:59 PM Posted by ukmad


Sunset @ Belgaum on tuesday 11-12-2007. All pictures are exclusively for this blog taken on Savagoan Road, Nanawadi Belgaum.

Belgaum getting something Nice this new year

2:48 PM Posted by ukmad

This is no ordinary wall nor a wall of a Fort, its the wall on the ground next to Military Mahadev, which now holds the replicas of all the Shiva Kalin Forts. This is the outer wall of the same.
In this photo you can see the development work going on inside. In between the replicas of the various forts a new Bronze Statue of Shivaji Maharaj will be put up. The statue is estimated to cost Rs.51 lakhs. The MLIRC has contributed a few and taken care of building all the other infrastructiure needed. Whereas donations have been taken from the general public for the Shivaji Statue.
In fact a few solar street lamps have been fitted already in the area to check the lighting. The Statue is expected to come in the coming weeks and this new year Belgaumites will have something very attractive to see at.


Nice Place to sleep

2:43 PM Posted by ukmad



This is Bogarves (Dharnmveer Sambhaji Chowk).

The heart of the city. Where you can see a DOG taking a quite nap in the place where the traffic police should have stood and guided the traffic. May be the Dog knows no one will disturb it here............

Atlast Meter Down in Autos

10:26 AM Posted by ukmad

The meters in the autos have at last come down but they themselves and the public express doubt over the system. Still many passengers I saw were ready to bargain first and then only sit. Some of the autos still don't have the meter repaired as only one shop is there in Belgaum to repair the meter.
The drivers I spoke to told me that the present rate of Min.Rs.12 is not feasible as they willl have to spend Rs.500 for getting the meter repaired.
On the other when I spoke to commuters they told me that the present rates of Min.Rs. 12 and then Rs.6.50 per /km are very high. They said still minimum fare is OK but the per km rates are too high.
The success of the pre paid auto at the railway station is also not so so good. Commuters said we could bargain and sit and also accommodate 4 persons now only 3 can be accommodated. Also for example to go to Jadhav Nagar the used to take Rs.35 to Rs.40. But now the charge is Rs.63 see the difference.
Lets see till when this will continue.

Auto by Meter! Will it begin ?

9:54 AM Posted by ukmad

From today all the Auto will have to ply by meter, thats the rule which I hardly  think will be implemented as many auots still dont have the meter and those which have are still not working.

Honeywell partners with VTU to ignite young minds; Nobel Laureate Dr. Sheldon Glashow to interact with VTU students on the Need for Basic Research

4:13 PM Posted by ukmad


From The Hindu & other sources:

Nobel laureate Sheldon Lee Glashow speaking at the Honeywell Nobel Initiative Lecture Series in Belgaum on Thursday

Nobel laureate Sheldon Lee Glashow, in his first-ever talk on Indian soil on Thursday, not only posed a question “Does science evolve through blind chance or intelligent design,” but also gave a quick answer, which was affirmative.
He was addressing a gathering of eminent academicians, faculty members of universities and students at the launch of the Honeywell Nobel Initiative Lecture Series (December 6 and 7) on the Jnana Sangama campus of the Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) here.
In fact, he is on a mission to make young minds take keen interest in research and basic sciences by directly interacting with students in group discussions.

Honeywell (NYSE: HON) has named Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) in Belgaum as the inaugural site for the Indian launch of the Honeywell - Nobel Laureate Lecture Series, the centerpiece of a global education initiative designed to connect students across the globe with Nobel Prize winners in Chemistry and Physics.

Dr. Sheldon Glashow, the 1979 Nobel Laureate in Physics, visited VTU on December 6 and 7 to participate in various activities with students and faculty while on campus including a lecture on December 6th entitled: “Blind Chance or Intelligent Design: The Need for Basic Research”. He will also deliver a colloquium on “The Story of Neutrinos: From a Desperate Remedy to a Profound Enigma”


The Honeywell – Nobel Initiative brings students together with some of the world’s most advanced minds to inspire and motivate the development of the leading scientists of the future. Dr. Glashow’s visit to VTU is a significant milestone in the partnership between VTU and Honeywell.

Telgi Property autcion deffered

11:02 AM Posted by ukmad

The auction organised by the Income tax dept of Telgi's propriety in Khanapur did not find buyers even at the reserve price. Hence the auction was deferred.

Auto Drivers say Present rate not feasible

11:02 AM Posted by ukmad

The Auto drivers yesterday in a meeting decided to oppose the digital meter and the current price per km as decided by the Authorities.
They demanded that if they had to take fare by meter the minimum charge should be Rs.15 and then Rs.10 per km. At the moment the min. fare is Rs.12 and Rs.6.5 per km. later on.
They also demanded that all the pvt buses and state buses don't stop anywhere in the city except the bus stand. Now that the Pvt buses leave from Tilakwadi etc, they oppose that.
Hey people are these auto drivers gone crazy. Well I may be wrong but can anybody tell me what the min fare and then the per km charge in Bangalore to begin with. In fact i say the present rate of 6.5 per km is very high and now they demand Rs.10.....
Do these 5500+ auto drivers in Belgaum think that the govt cant do anything to them, that's the Truth in fact. Previous attempts of getting the meter for the fare has never been successful at all and this time also I suppose this i s what will happen. But i say why only in Belgaum aren't the rules the same for all. If the same is applied in Bangalore then why not in Belgaum.
I say you charge but see that it is FARE. Belgaumites throw some light on this topic this is the most important topic for all of us as everyday you come ac cross this thing.

Pre paid Autos Start: Releif ;But till when

9:42 AM Posted by ukmad

The much awaited Pre paid autos have e started from yesterday from the Belgaum Railway Station.But on the very first day itself some of the Auto drivers refused to go on the fixed price and at last the police forced them to take the passengers. I hope the police takes care of this everyday.

Telgi's Property for Sale! Do you want to buy?

12:10 PM Posted by ukmad

Income Tax department of is set to auction the property of Karimlala Telgi, the kingpin of Rs 32,000-crore fake stamp scam, in Belgaum at its office on Civil Hospital road on December 4, 2007 @ 11.30 am.


The Income Tax department has to recover Rs 30 lakh from Telgi's mother Sharifaji Ladsab Telgi who died recently. The Department has brought a recovery order on Karimlala Telgi as he is her son. At the moment Telgi is in Pune jail undergoing various trails.



The Telgi property going under auction are: Desai Commercial Complex in Desai Galli, Khanapur, four shops located in Shetti Complex, Station Road, Khanapur (shop numbers 7, 12, 14 and 15).



Now the question is who will buy this property? Anytakers.....

Be ready to Shell more for car parking

10:16 AM Posted by ukmad

The Bapat Galli Car parking yesterday was auctioned on contract for a whopping Rs.5 lakhs and 11 thousand. That's almost 3 times from what the Corporation got last year. Last year for the same auction the CCB had got 1,80,000.

The corporation gives the car parking on contract basis for a year. As the car parking is very centrally located it is always full.

And as the contractor has paid 5 lakhs this time the charge for parking is bound to rise.

Say No to AIDS

10:16 AM Posted by ukmad





Worlds Aids Day rally organized in Belgaum. Students from various colleges in city participated in the rally.

All these pictures are exclusive pictures for this blog.