As the Jharkhand Assembly elections 2024 approach, discontent among Dhanbad’s residents is palpable, with voters expressing their frustrations with the Soren government
DHANBAD, JHARKHAND: As the Jharkhand Assembly elections 2024 approach, discontent among Dhanbad’s residents is palpable, with voters expressing their frustrations with the current government. One prominent voice comes from a Sikh man named Karan in Dhanbad, whose concerns echo those of many in the region, shedding light on key issues affecting the city under Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s leadership.
The citizen, representing the sentiments of Dhanbad’s Sikh community and other residents, emphasised that Dhanbad’s infrastructure and public services have not seen the necessary improvements despite years of promises. “Traffic and road conditions are worsening by the day,” he said. With increasing congestion and inadequate road maintenance, commuters face frequent delays and safety hazards. The lack of efficient traffic management has become a daily struggle for Dhanbad’s people, leading to a call for immediate intervention and sustainable traffic solutions.
Adding to the infrastructure grievances, he underscored the absence of a local airport, a development that Dhanbad’s residents have long awaited. “A city with a booming economy and rich coal resources deserves an airport,” he stated, highlighting the significance of air connectivity for economic growth, employment, and convenience for the people.
Education was another primary concern raised. The man stressed that Dhanbad’s youth face limited educational opportunities locally, forcing families to send their children to other states for quality higher education. “If we want to see the next generation thrive in Jharkhand, education must be a priority,” he said, urging the government to improve schools, colleges, and vocational training centres in the region. This, he argued, would provide children with better opportunities while reducing the brain drain from Jharkhand to other states.
Electricity and power supply are additional areas of concern. “We still experience frequent outages, and for a city as industrious as Dhanbad, this affects everything,” he pointed out. Regular and reliable electricity is vital for businesses, factories, schools, and households, yet power disruptions remain a persistent issue. Residents are hopeful that the next administration will invest in reliable power infrastructure and modernise the existing network.
Safety is another major issue raised. Crime rates and issues related to public safety have risen, creating a sense of unease. “Safety should be the state’s priority; people should feel secure in their city,” he stressed. With better law enforcement, increased police presence, and community programs, residents believe Dhanbad could become a safer environment for all.
As Dhanbad heads to the polls, the issues outlined by this Sikh resident reflect the broader demands of the community. Citizens are hopeful that the elected representatives will prioritise the city’s development, ensuring better infrastructure, educational improvements, reliable electricity, air connectivity, and a secure environment.