Hubballi: In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) identified 12 parks to be maintained by women self-help groups (SHGs), marking a significant step towards community-led upkeep of public spaces. The move is being implemented under the Amrut 2.0, Amrut Mitra programme, through which HDMC invited applications from eligible women SHGs for the maintenance of parks and gardens across Hubballi-Dharwad.Under the programme guidelines, selected SHGs will receive Rs 10 lakhs to maintain the parks and playgrounds for 1 year. The responsibility entrusted to the groups includes ensuring the parks are clean, green, and well-kept. The initiative aims to improve the public parks and strengthen local participation in civic services.In addition to physical maintenance, the SHGs will play a role in creating awareness among residents about cleanliness and responsible public behaviour. HDMC has already received applications from various interested groups, and is expecting more applications in the coming days. Officials see the response as encouraging, and believe the initiative can help improve the quality of public spaces while also providing a structured opportunity for women’s groups to participate in city-level development activities.The programme reflects on the growing focus on involving local communities in municipal functions, combining livelihood support with civic improvement. If implemented effectively, the model could set a precedent for expanding similar partnerships to more parks and public areas in the twin cities.According to sources, HDMC identified 12 parks, including Chitaguppi Park, MG Park, Unkal Park, Sadhankeri Park, and KC Park among others.The Centre is implementing the Amrut Mitra phase-2 programme under the AMRUT scheme within the HDMC limits. The main objective of the programme is to implement various technical and non-technical activities under the AMRUT-2.0 campaign through the SHGs formed under the centrally sponsored scheme Day-NULM campaign, said Arvind Jamakhandi, HoD of Day NULM.The SHGs which registered under Day NULM and have an MIS code were eligible. Soon the selection process would start, and selected SHGs would be trained and guided by community affairs officers, community organisers, and mission manager, he added.
