NH construction in crisis due to sand shortage, 20 tonnes of sand required to complete each reach

ALAPPUZHA: National highway construction work in the state is in crisis due to sand shortage. 17 out of 23 reaches from Kasaragod's Thalappadi to South Karode were affected. Each reach requires an average of 20 lakh tonnes of sand.

With the heavy rains, all the places where the construction stopped were filled with water, mud, potholes and the traffic was disrupted.

The problem has been local objections and delays in processing applications submitted to Mining and Geology and Revenue for mining in their respective districts. The contracting companies and NHAI approached the government seeking a solution.

The contract calls for completion of construction by November 2025. Six reaches are open for traffic. The crisis is in the remaining seventeen reaches.

Reason for setback

1. The reason for the crisis is that the Mining and Geology did not issue mining permits as the alert issued by the Disaster Management Authority is still in effect.

2. In addition to the demolition of hills, efforts are also being made to find sand by dredging rivers, backwaters and inlets. Due to restrictions on rock blasting in Kerala, the quarry products are brought from Tamil Nadu.