Baramulla: Construction activity across Baramulla district has slowed amid an alleged shortage of sand, gravel and stone, with contractors, labourers, transporters and house owners reporting project delays, rising costs and loss of work.
Stakeholders said the availability of construction material had declined in several areas, affecting both government and private projects. They alleged that material available in the market was being sold at higher prices, further increasing construction costs.
Local contractor Manzoor Ahmad Ganai said the shortage had made it difficult to complete projects within agreed timelines.
“We have labourers sitting idle because material is not available. Even when we manage to arrange it, the prices are much higher than before,” he said.
Daily-wage workers dependent on construction sites have also reported a decline in employment. Labourer Bashir Ahmad said reduced construction activity had affected his family’s income, with work becoming irregular at several sites.
House owners undertaking residential construction said the shortage and higher material costs had disrupted their budgets. Nazir Ahmad, who is currently building a house, said delays were also increasing labour costs and making it difficult for ordinary families to complete projects within planned budgets.
Those constructing commercial properties have reported similar concerns. Farooq Ahmad, who is involved in the construction of a shopping complex, said prolonged delays were blocking investment while labour and other expenses continued to rise.
The disruption has also affected dumper and truck operators involved in transporting construction material. Operators said reduced construction activity had resulted in fewer trips, while vehicle owners with bank-financed vehicles continued to bear loan instalments and other expenses.
Dumper operator Bashir Ahmed said vehicle loan repayments continued even when vehicles remained idle. “If there are no trips, there is no income to meet these liabilities,” he said.
Stone-crusher operators and others associated with the supply chain have also reported financial difficulties due to the disruption.
Stakeholders acknowledged the need to curb illegal mining and protect the ecology of the Jhelum and other natural resources, but said restrictions on extraction should be accompanied by a regulated mechanism to meet legitimate construction requirements.
They suggested that material already extracted and stored at authorised stone quarries could be released through a regulated system against payment of applicable royalty and other government dues.
Some stakeholders also proposed identifying areas where extraction could be scientifically and strictly regulated, subject to environmental safeguards, transparent allocation and monitoring. They said a royalty-based system could help regulate extraction, generate government revenue and ensure a more predictable supply of material.
Contractors said a stable supply chain would also help government departments complete public works within stipulated timelines and limit cost escalation caused by delays.
Stakeholders have urged the administration to consult contractors, transporters, labourers, crusher operators and house owners before framing a mechanism that balances environmental protection, lawful extraction, employment and the availability of construction material.
They said an early intervention was needed to prevent further losses and restore activity in a sector that provides employment to a large number of workers and supports several allied businesses.