MANGALURU: A significant shortage of sand and laterite stones in Dakshina Kannada is causing delays in numerous real estate projects, jeopardizing thousands of jobs. Developers report dwindling supplies, with some halting plastering work altogether.
The real estate sector, which relies heavily on skilled and unskilled labor, is feeling the pinch. Naveen Cardoza, MD of Marian Projects Private Limited, indicated that his two ongoing projects have been hampered by the shortage. “It’s been 45 days without any supplies. It’s impossible to continue work without raw materials. If the situation deteriorates, all builders will face project stoppages,” he stated.
Rohan Monteiro, MD of Rohan Corporation, emphasized the irony that raw materials are unavailable in both legal and black markets. He warned that prolonged shortages would impact the local economy and urged the government to facilitate legal means to make these materials accessible quickly. Monteiro has postponed ten forthcoming projects due to the current crisis.
Real estate promoters noted that construction workers, who had recently returned to work after a brief summer break, might have to be sent home again, or they might seek employment elsewhere, further exacerbating the problem. “If we opt for M-sand and alternative stones to replace laterite, construction costs will rise, directly affecting home buyers,” said another realtor, mentioning that many have paused plastering due to the insufficient supply of quality sand. “This delay will impact project timelines, and the Real Estate Regulatory Authority of Karnataka (RERA) isn’t offering any extensions,” they added.
Another realtor involved in drafting a sand and laterite stone policy for the region remarked that laterite stones are mainly found in coastal areas and some parts of Malnad. “Despite a separate policy being planned in 2015 after categorizing it as a minor mineral, no concrete measures have been implemented even a decade later,” he noted.
