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Dhar Selected for Centre's 'Safe Cities' Project: Major Boost for Women Safety

The historic city of Dhar in Madhya Pradesh has been selected under the Centre's 'Safe Cities' project for 2026. The initiative includes an allocation of Rs 10 crore for improving women's safety infrastructure over five years. Plans involve installing CCTV cameras, improving street lighting, and building pink toilets in public spaces. The project also aims to support women's empowerment through awareness campaigns and training programmes.

Key Points: Dhar Selected Under 'Safe Cities' Project for Women Safety

  • Dhar selected among 10 cities for 'Safe Cities' project
  • Rs 10 crore allocated for women safety infrastructure
  • CCTV cameras, street lighting, pink toilets planned
  • PM MITRA Park foundation laid by PM Modi in 2025
2 min read

MP's Dhar selected under 'Safe Cities' project; govt says major boost for women safety infrastructure

MP's Dhar selected for Centre's 'Safe Cities' project with Rs 10 crore allocation to improve women safety infrastructure, including CCTV, street lighting, and pink toilets.

"An allocation of Rs 10 crore has been made for Dhar district under the project, which will be implemented for a minimum period of five years - Madhya Pradesh Government"

Bhopal, April 22

The Madhya Pradesh government on Wednesday said that the historic city of Dhar has been selected under the Centre's 'Safe Cities' project for 2026, marking a significant step towards strengthening women's safety infrastructure and urban security in the state.

The announcement comes at a time when the debate over the 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam' has already brought women-centric policies into sharp political focus.

According to the Madhya Pradesh government's statement, Dhar is among 10 major cities identified across the country under the Ministry of Women and Child Development's initiative, which is fully funded by the Central Government.

"An allocation of Rs 10 crore has been made for Dhar district under the project, which will be implemented for a minimum period of five years," the Madhya Pradesh government said in a statement on Wednesday.

It further said the primary objective of the scheme is to make public spaces in Dhar completely safe and women-friendly through upgraded infrastructure and surveillance systems.

"The plan includes installation of CCTV cameras at sensitive locations, improved street lighting, and better monitoring mechanisms across the city," it added.

The government further stated that special facilities will be developed in district hospitals and health centres, including dedicated waiting areas for women and their families. Construction of 'Pink Toilets' in public places and strengthening of women-friendly amenities at tourist spots will also be part of the project.

Emphasising social aspects, the statement added that awareness campaigns and training programmes will be conducted in Dhar to promote community sensitivity towards women's safety and empowerment.

The initiative also aims to support the mental and social empowerment of women alongside physical infrastructure improvements.

Dhar, which holds significant historical and archaeological importance, is known for its cultural heritage and ancient legacy in central India.

The government said the development of specialised facilities for women tourists is expected to enhance its image as a safe and globally attractive destination.

The statement also noted that Dhar is witnessing rapid infrastructure growth, particularly with the establishment of the PM MITRA Park in the district.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid the foundation stone of the mega textile park on September 17, 2025, which is expected to generate large-scale employment and industrial development in the region.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As a woman from MP, I appreciate this initiative. The dedicated waiting areas in hospitals and better street lighting will make a real difference. But why only 10 cities? Every town in India needs this! And please involve local women in planning - we know which areas are unsafe, not just politicians in Delhi 😤
R
Rahul R
Good move by the government but let's be honest - infrastructure alone won't solve the problem. We need better policing, faster justice, and a change in mindset. Dhar is a nice city but women still face harassment daily. The awareness campaigns mentioned are crucial, hope they actually do something impactful.
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Ananya R
I'm happy Dhar got selected - it's about time smaller cities got attention too. The PM MITRA Park will bring jobs which is great, but women's safety is the foundation. No point having employment if women can't safely commute. Hope they link this with better public transport and last-mile connectivity. Baby steps, but positive ones! 🌸
J
James A
Interesting to see a historical city like Dhar getting modern safety infrastructure. The "Pink Toilets" concept is something we don't have in the West - it's a practical solution for women. But Rs 10 crore over 5 years seems modest for a whole city. Hope the local administration doesn't waste it on bureaucracy.
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Kavya N
Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam + Safe Cities project - finally women are becoming a priority in policy! But I wish they'd focus on rural areas too. Dhar district has many villages where women walk

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