Sand scarcity has hit construction activities hard in Puducherry, following the Tamil Nadu government putting curbs on sand movement through Puducherry.
All constructions in Puducherry are dependent on sand mined from Tamil Nadu, as the meagre sand mined from Puducherry is insufficient for meeting the requirements of construction activities.
The Madras High Court order in June this year, upholding the legality of the Tamil Nadu government order’s (new clause in Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1963) placing severe curbs on illegal mining , transportation , storage and sale of sand in any place without valid licence and smuggling to neighbouring States, has led to the present situation in Puducherry.
Earlier, a portion of the sand mined from Tamil Nadu would be sold in Puducherry, while transporting it to the Tamil Nadu pockets like Kottakuppam and Chinna Mudaliarchavady and Periyamudaliarchavady, Reddichavady, Thirukanur areas intermittent in Puducherry. Though it was illegal, the authorities had ignored it. Traders from Puducherry, Cuddalore, Villupuram districts made the most out of this business by greasing palms wherever required. Builders also gained as the sand mined from Puducherry was not only meagre but also lacked quality.
However, now with changed policy and Tamil Nadu authorities empowered under the new order to confiscate any stock of sand on transit or at storage point, impound and cancel licence of vehicles used for transporting sand without due permit (no permit for inter-state sales), is enforcing the rules and preventing the movement.
Recently around 18 sand lorries were seized on Puducherry-Tamilnadu border by Tamil Nadu authorities while transporting sand. Though the transporters had valid permit, their vehicles had been confiscated as they were entering Puducherry to travel to a Tamilnadu destination .
Now this has caused scarcity. Only some stock is available for sale, besides some smuggled sand , say sources. Local sand is not available as the last permit given by Puducherry government for mining around 85 cubic metres of sand a year ago to government organizations PAPSCO and Puducherry Cooperative Building Centre at Then Penniyar and Varahanadi near Manalipet long expired, Revenue authorities said.
Building activity had slowed down to a great extent, while in some cases, it had been put to a halt, say builders. Besides, the scarcity of sand had led to escalation of prices of sand. From Rs 8800 for four units a month ago, it has shot up to Rs 15,000 for the same four units, says a builder, Murali of Honesty Associates.
While some builders have put their work on hold, some others have turned towards using ready mix concrete with sand and blue metal sold by traders like Thirumala Ready Mix, Bharat Engineering works at higher prices to complete their work.
These are sold through ready mix lorry with compressor pipeline which will directly be deposited where the cement mix is required. There is no bar in such a sale, only the cost is 10 per cent more, said Murali.
This would, however, lead to escalation of prices of buildings. Some builders are putting a clause in the contract that in case on escalation of price beyond five per cent, the purchaser of the property would have to bear the extra cost, said another builder Anbujoythi.
However, builders feel a solution needs to be found for the problem. While some believe that the issue is political (differences between AIADMk and AINRC), others opine that Puducherry government should hold discussions with Tamil Nadu government and work out a solution as Puducherry has no resources to mine sand and fuilfil its requirement.
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