Dhanbad: Lawmakers cutting across party lines set aside their political differences on Wednesday to demand comprehensive development of Dhanbad.Legislators and social activists participated in the protest at Randhir Verma Chowk, organised by the Dhanbad Vikas Manch. The demonstrators demanded an airport, a super-speciality hospital, better railway connectivity and modern civic infrastructure.Saryu Roy, JD(U) MLA from Jamshedpur West, said Dhanbad could no longer depend solely on coal for its economy. He called for measures to boost trade, develop satellite townships around the city and create employment opportunities for local people.Nirsa MLA Arup Chatterjee said demands for an airport, additional train services and other central projects would be raised in Parliament.“Residents are being forced to leave Dhanbad in search of quality education, healthcare and employment,” said Chandradev Mahato, the CPI(ML-L) MLA from Sindri.Dhanbad MP Dulu Mahto did not attend the protest despite being invited.
