Construction industry troubled as floods lead to shortage of sand

03 Aug 2021 CW Team

The construction industry is suddenly facing a shortage of sand in Krishna and Guntur districts in Andhra Pradesh. The sand reaches in these districts are closed due to increasing water levels at Prakasam Barrage.

In June, the construction industries in the state registered an increase in construction demand after relaxing the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. The housing projects saw a sudden rise in sand demand across the district. Builders are buying sand directly from the agency appointed by the government.

Since July 20, the sand reach has stayed closed due to high floods at Prakasam Barrage. Builders are running out of sand, and its prices in the black market increased from Rs 350 per tonne to Rs 1,200 per tonne.

The media cell convener of the Confederation of Real Estate Developers Associations of India (CREDAI), R V Swamy, said that the construction activity is suddenly stuck due to a shortage of sand. With everyday floods rising at Krishna river, it is estimated that it will continue till mid-August. Many brokers are taking advantage and selling sand in the black market. Andhra Pradesh Mineral Development Corporation (APMDC) should start selling the stored sand at stock points.

Laborers and mason workers are concerned about the situation. According to the sources, Covid-19 has already affected the lives of the laborers and workers; the shortage of sand is also affecting their livelihood.

The officials of APMDC said that they would soon begin selling sand at the stock points at fixed prices within three to five days.

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Also read: Karnataka real estate industry struggling with labour deficit, high-cost

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