Crisis in construction sector must be resolved

These are the months when the construction sector in Kerala should see a surge. The period from January to May is the most suitable season for construction. However, this is the time when the construction sector is facing a major slowdown due to many reasons. Mainly, the obstacles in obtaining materials required for construction are becoming a crisis. One of the basic needs, stone, is not available at all. Even if it is available, it is expensive. There is also a shortage of rock-based metal chips, M-sand, etc. Their prices are rising unsustainably. If a load of black boulder stone was priced at Rs. 6500 a year ago, it is now Rs. 8500!

Just as daily necessities come from neighbouring states, construction materials like black boulder stone, metal chips, M-sand, etc. also have to be imported. Many of the quarries that used to operate in the state are no longer operational. The reason is that the government has tightened restrictions. Rock piles from fields and other places are being broken up and sold. They have to be sold without the consent of the relevant departments. With the unavailability of black stone used for the foundation of buildings, many have been forced to turn to concrete. This is more expensive but those who cannot postpone house construction are taking this route.

One of the reasons for the shortage is the large demand for rock products for roads, including national highways, in the state. Construction materials used to come in large quantities from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Due to the blocking of these at the borders, the arrival has also reduced significantly, which has led to the shortage here. Many quarries that were operating illegally have been closed. Many of these were operating in residential areas. They were shut down due to constant complaints from the people. The slowdown in the construction sector has adversely affected many workers working in this sector. With the halt in work, a large number have returned to their native places. With this, the businesses that depended on them are also in crisis. In short, the shortage of construction materials is causing major setbacks in the state's economy.

The construction sector can get the necessary products only through government intervention. Necessary steps should be taken to ensure that quarries and other related sectors operate without interruption. Unnecessary restrictions on rock extraction should be lifted. Efforts should be made to reach an agreement with the neighbouring states to remove the restrictions that hinder the arrival of these materials. Those who have taken contracts for construction work are in a dilemma due to price hikes. It is a situation where no work can be completed for the stated amount. The government, which is the only one to rely on, must find a solution to this plight. The construction sector is waiting for the government to intervene urgently to resolve the problem.