RANCHI: Due to the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) ban on sand mining from June 10 to October 15 to protect the environment during monsoon, the state is experiencing a severe sand crisis. This situation has significantly hampered construction activities in both governmental and private sectors.
The ban, intended to prevent environmental damage, has led to an acute sand shortage, resulting in soaring prices. With sand supply suspended, numerous infrastructure projects, including roadworks, housing schemes, and public utilities, have either stalled or significantly slowed down.
Private builders and contractors are also feeling the impact, as many real estate projects face delays, causing escalations in costs and growing frustration among investors and homebuyers. Sand mining from riverbeds was halted in Jharkhand in compliance with the NGT’s directive.
Rohit Agarwal, a contractor from Ranchi working on state government buildings, stated, “The sand shortage has brought our work to a standstill. The lack of sand is causing construction delays, which will ultimately postpone project completions. Some contractors continue with projects, but many are on hold due to insufficient sand.”
Paresh Gattani, president of the Federation of Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industries, remarked, “The sand shortage is causing major disruptions. The price of sand has skyrocketed, and traders are sourcing it from Bihar.”
Over the past month, the price of sand has surged by at least Rs 10,000-15,000 per truck. “Before the ban, it cost about Rs 40,000 for a truck of sand; now, prices range from Rs 50,000 to Rs 55,000 from Bihar,” said businessman Vikash Kumar.
Rahul Kumar Sinha, state mines director, mentioned, “The Jharkhand State Mineral Development Corporation has an inventory of around 80 lakh cubic feet of sand, which can be purchased by interested parties through its website.”
