Historically, the cost sheet of construction comprises land and materials like bricks, steel, cement and sand. Once the land is identified, materials form a major part of the cost. Sand has become a critical item in recent times as its supply is under severe stress due to mining problems / short supply. Being a natural resource, supply cannot be unlimited and there is need for regulation.
In many States where construction activities are quite high, fast depleting sand reserves and other adverse environmental factors have compelled the district administrations to strictly enforce controls. However, many States have no data on actual quantum of sand mined, as rarely the mining statistics have found entry into the record books. In these circumstances, a recent report that the Mining and Geology Department of Karnataka is planning to implement a scheme to sell sand ‘online’ from the ‘yards’, is welcome. Yet, there need to be many controlling provisions, to successfully implement the proposal, some of which could be:
· Identification of stock and estimation of quantity.
ADVERTISEMENT
· Registration of mines and miners based on prescribed qualifications, technological infrastructure etc.
· Supervision of the quantity mined, by designated authorities
· Ceiling on price at selling point.
ADVERTISEMENT
· Fixing of transportation cost.
Some of the merits of ‘online’ sale are:
1. Regulation of quantity mined
2. Elimination of middlemen
3. Maintenance of quality
4. Maintenance of environmental equilibrium
Cost implicationsSand used to be available at Rs. 2,000 and Rs. 3,000 per load in the 1970s but is now sold at Rs. 40- 45,000. Shortage of good quality sand is another problem.
Many old timers in the construction line feel that the price can be regulated at around Rs. 10-12000, the price variation between places being due to transportation cost.
Crucial issuesStock of natural resources which can be exploited for use need to be assessed, whether it is sand, timber or limestone. Regulation and laws are to be equitable keeping in view the environmental factors, cost, alternatives etc. Cartels should not be given room to corner stocks. In the days of yore, cement and steel used to be regulated, both in quantity and price.
Similar principles may need to be universally applied. Individual consumers may have to be allowed to purchase the materials on the basis of approved plans and estimates .
The role of traders requires to be defined to eliminate malpractices. In order to balance supply and demand, materials like cement powder as substitute to sand can be popularised. Wood-based construction can be another solution at least in high terrains and which are identified as susceptible to earth tremors.