Construction sectors likely to resume ops from mid-June: Assocham

Industry body Assocham told the media on Tuesday that the construction industry is likely to resume operations from mid-June. As several states have begun easing restrictions put up due to the second wave of Covid-19, and the construction industry should observe resumption in operations by the middle of June, at a lower pace right now, said Assocham. The industry chamber said it would take nearly two weeks for the builders to put everything together again, after the interruption of about 40 days in the major states such as Delhi, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, and Harayana, besides others. Assocham expects to see resumption at residential buildings and construction sites from June 15. However, the national capital has allowed such activities from June 1 with Covid-19 guidelines. The chamber said the huge challenge is bringing back the construction workers, most of whom have gone to their native towns or villages in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan during the lockdowns. Quick vaccination of the labour crew would be a big assurance booster for workers and their families. Assocham requested the state government to prioritise migrant labourers in vaccination who want to return to big cities. They also requested the Centre to provide special vaccine allocations for the construction workers because contractors would require an urgent need of working capital support in the mid-size segments. Image SourceAlso read: Delhi govt allows construction work for one week starting May 31 Also read: Delhi moves to gradual unlock phase, Maharashtra extends curbs