MLAs supported unified corporation; officials said it will improve coordination in transport, water, roads, housing, while critics wanted separate Dharwad body for identity and balance
DHARWAD
Iresha Anchatageri said on Saturday that the decision to form a mega municipal corporation for Hubballi and Dharwad is the right step for regional development. He said the move will help both cities grow together with better planning and stronger public services. Earlier the state government had approved a separate Dharwad municipal corporation and sent it to the Governor for approval but it was not signed.
During this time discussion continued on whether Dharwad should remain separate or be merged with Hubballi into one larger civic body. Supporters of the merger said that a mega corporation would help in getting more central government funds under urban development schemes for fast growing cities. He added that cities with populations between ten lakh and forty lakh are given priority in national programs which would benefit both Hubballi and Dharwad. He warned that if the cities are kept separate Dharwad may fall below the required population level and miss important funding opportunities.
Several local MLAs including Bellad Mahesh Tenginakai and Pradeep Shutter have supported the decision and sent letters backing the unified corporation. Officials said the mega corporation would improve coordination in transport water supply roads and housing projects across both cities. Critics had earlier demanded a separate corporation for Dharwad saying it would protect local identity and ensure balanced growth.
However Anchatageri said the earlier division plan was taken in haste and could harm Dharwad’s economic progress. He said the new plan focuses on long term development investment and better use of central schemes for urban growth. The government said further consultations will continue before final implementation of the mega municipal corporation structure in coming months.
Residents in both Hubballi and Dharwad are waiting for clear guidelines on how the new system will work once approved. Officials said the aim is to ensure balanced growth and equal development across both urban regions under one administration. They believe this will strengthen the economy improve services and support future urban planning for the twin cities working together forward. The decision is expected to benefit both cities equally in coming years.
