There is a significant move by Dhanbad to enhance the infrastructure and social good in the area, with over 550 development schemes approved by the District Mineral Foundation Trust (DMFT). It was concluded at a council of DMFT Trust, which was held under the chairmanship of the District Commissioner (DC) at the Town Hall. The projects that have been approved are largely on education, health service, water conservation, and basic civic amenities as an effort to enhance the quality of life in the district’s mining-affected areas.
The meeting was characterized by heated debates and protests by some of the elected legislators, among them the MPs and MLAs who questioned the mode of selection of the schemes. They claimed that most suggestions were made without proper consultation with the people’s representatives and local organizations. The district administration went ahead with the approval despite the opposition arguing that the schemes had undergone technical appraisal and were necessary to have the DMFT funds utilized promptly.
The approved schemes, according to the officials, cover a wide variety of development works. Projects in the education sector involve building and renovation of schools, supply of the basics, and assisting with infrastructure that will help in enhancing the learning environment. The health sector will be improved by enhancing the health centres, the acquisition of medical equipment, and improved access to healthcare in the rural and mining-affected areas.
Most of the schemes are devoted to water conservation and drinking water provision. These are the constructions and reconstructions of ponds, water harvesting facilities and programs to secure the drinking water in villages under the stress of water. According to the officials, water-related projects have been given priority because of the rising levels of concern regarding the depletion of groundwater in the district.
There are controversial proposals that were either amended or dropped during the meeting upon being objected to. Nevertheless, the administration argued that failure to grant approvals in time might lead to wastage of funds that were supposed to be used by the citizens. The DC highlighted that the DMFT funds are not meant to be wasted and should aim at serving those communities that are affected by the mining operations.
The fact that such a significant number of schemes are approved is likely to provide a significant impetus towards development in Dhanbad, especially in rural and mining-oriented regions that have never had sufficient infrastructure. These projects will create jobs locally and increase access to basic services once the implementation is launched.
All in all, the ruling is a milestone step in directing the mining sector funds to grassroots development, though there are still controversies regarding transparency and accountability of the public on the planning processes.
