Forum opposes HDMC bifurcation, launches awareness drive
A forum of urban development experts and citizens has come out strongly against the proposed bifurcation of the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC). The forum, led by urban development expert Santosh Nargund, launched a drive on Wednesday to educate the public about the adverse consequences of splitting the twin cities.
Nargund argued that Hubballi and Dharwad should remain as a single municipal entity to leverage the status of being a city with a population of more than 10 lakh. This classification allows access to greater central and state funding under various urban development schemes.
Why unity matters for development
According to Nargund, if the bifurcation goes ahead, each part would fall below the 10-lakh threshold, losing eligibility for special grants and infrastructure projects. He said the combined population of Hubballi-Dharwad is over 12 lakh, making it the second-largest urban agglomeration in Karnataka after Bengaluru. Splitting the corporation would undermine decades of integrated planning.
The forum's drive includes signature campaigns, public meetings, and representations to the state government. Members are urging the chief minister to reconsider the bifurcation proposal.
Background of the bifurcation proposal
The Karnataka government has been exploring the division of HDMC into two separate corporations, citing administrative efficiency and local governance. However, critics argue that the move is politically motivated and would hamper coordinated development of the twin cities.
The forum also pointed out that bifurcation would mean duplication of administrative costs and loss of economies of scale. Many citizens in Dharwad and Hubballi have expressed concern that the move would create confusion over urban planning and resource allocation.
