The Save Brand HDMC Forum has publicly rejected the proposal to split the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation, warning that it would jeopardise the twin cities' future. The group argues that division would erode economic strength, disrupt integrated planning, and deter investors.

Key Takeaways

  • Splitting the corporation would weaken its financial health
  • Integrated urban development plans would be disrupted
  • Potential loss of investment and downgrade in city ranking

A heated debate over the possible bifurcation of the Hubballi‑Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) reached a new climax on Sunday when the newly‑formed Save Brand HDMC Forum held a press conference in Dharwad. Comprising senior advocates, business leaders, and intellectuals, the forum warned that carving the joint corporation into two smaller entities would not only inflate fiscal burdens but also curtail long‑term growth prospects for both cities.

Forum’s Core Arguments

Senior advocate Arun Charantimath criticised councillors from both the Congress and the BJP for “failing to apply their mind” to the issue. He dismissed claims that Dharwad has been unfairly treated in fund allocation as the opinion of a handful of protestors, not a consensus of the city’s residents. Charantimath also pointed out the irony of the demand for bifurcation at a time when Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is championing the creation of a Greater Bengaluru by annexing surrounding areas.

Financial Risks and Investment Impact

Former mayor Hanumanth Dambal outlined the fiscal consequences. HDMC currently needs roughly ₹88 crore for salary expenses, with the state covering ₹70 crore and the remaining ₹18 crore sourced internally. In a split scenario, Dharwad’s revenue of ₹45 crore would see ₹35 crore earmarked for salaries, leaving merely ₹10 crore for ward‑level development—down from the existing allocation of about ₹1.5 crore per ward.

City Ranking and Business Climate

Charantimath warned that bifurcation would downgrade both Hubballi and Dharwad to “C‑category” cities, stripping them of the coveted status of Karnataka’s second‑largest urban centre after Bengaluru. This downgrade could open the door for cities like Mangaluru and Mysuru to attract investors that currently consider HDMC a prime destination. Consequently, both state and central funding streams could be adversely affected.

Administrative Costs and Integrated Planning

Local advocacy group member Jagadish Hiremath added that splitting the corporation would inflate administrative costs and fracture existing integrated development projects. He emphasized that many sanctioned schemes assume a unified twin‑city framework and would suffer delays or cancellations if the two municipalities operate independently.

Path Forward

The forum has already submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Shivakumar and Dharwad‑in‑charge Minister Satish Jarkiholi, urging the formation of a committee headed by a former Karnataka High Court judge to review the bifurcation proposal. The forum’s ultimate goal is to sensitise citizens about the advantages of keeping HDMC intact and to push for its elevation to metropolitan status rather than division.