The indefinite protest led by Dhanbad MLA Raj Sinha outside the Dhanbad Municipal Corporation (DMC) headquarters was called off on Tuesday evening. The decision came after the MLA received a written assurance from Municipal Commissioner Raviraj Sharma regarding the resumption of stalled development projects across the city.
Protest Over Stalled Development Work
MLA Raj Sinha had been staging a 36-hour-long dharna at the main gate of the DMC office. His primary allegation was a complete standstill in all civic development activities in Dhanbad. The protest, which had gained significant attention, highlighted public frustration over halted infrastructure projects.
Commissioner's Intervention and Written Assurance
Late on Tuesday, Municipal Commissioner Raviraj Sharma, accompanied by Assistant Municipal Commissioner Prakash Kumar and other officials, visited the protest site for discussions. Sharma assured the MLA and his supporters that key projects, including road construction, street light installation, and drainage work, would restart immediately. However, this restart is contingent upon the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) issuing a No Objection Certificate (NOC).
To expedite the process, Sharma committed that the municipal administration would formally appeal to the ACB for the swift release of the required NOC. Acting on Sinha's demand, the commissioner provided a written commitment confirming that all pending works would resume once the necessary clearance is obtained.
Protest Postponed with a Caveat
Following the receipt of the written assurance, MLA Raj Sinha announced the postponement of his indefinite agitation. However, he issued a clear warning. He stated that if the development work does not begin within the assured time frame, he will not hesitate to resume his protest. This move puts the onus squarely on the municipal administration to fulfill its promises and navigate the procedural hurdles with the ACB promptly.
The resolution of this standoff brings temporary relief but underscores the broader challenges of bureaucratic delays and procedural clearances that often impede urban development projects in the region. Citizens of Dhanbad will now be watching closely to see if the written words translate into tangible action on the ground.
