The Madhya Pradesh government announced that Dhar has been selected for the ‘Safe Cities’ project by the Centre for 2026. This initiative aims to enhance women’s safety infrastructure and urban security in the state. Dhar is one of the 10 major cities chosen nationwide under the Ministry of Women and Child Development’s fully funded program.
The government has allocated Rs 10 crore for Dhar district under this project, which will run for at least five years. The main goal is to ensure public spaces in Dhar are safe and women-friendly through improved infrastructure and surveillance systems. This includes installing CCTV cameras at key locations, enhancing street lighting, and implementing better monitoring mechanisms throughout the city.
Special facilities will be developed in district hospitals and health centers in Dhar, including dedicated waiting areas for women and their families. Additionally, the project will involve constructing ‘Pink Toilets’ in public areas and enhancing women-friendly amenities at tourist sites. Awareness campaigns and training programs will also be conducted to promote community sensitivity towards women’s safety and empowerment in Dhar.
The initiative not only focuses on physical infrastructure improvements but also aims to support the mental and social empowerment of women. Dhar, known for its cultural heritage and ancient legacy in central India, is expected to further enhance its image as a safe and attractive destination for women tourists. The city is experiencing rapid infrastructure growth, especially with the establishment of the PM MITRA Park, following the foundation stone laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 17, 2025.
