PANJIM: The ban imposed by the Karnataka government on export of sand to Goa coupled with growing demand from the construction industry have been a blessing in disguise for the sand extractors in the state who have quickly jumped to cash in on the opportunity and taken to vigorous excavation of sand to meet the growing demand and at the same time increasing its rates.
Another official of the mines department informed that following the ban imposed by the Karnataka government the demand for sand excavated by the locals have gone up manifold as a result of which many Goan sand extractors have jumped to derive advantage of the arising situation.
He, however, said the demand for sand has not been quantified yet. He also said that with the rains almost stopping the construction activities have begun on a war-footing and the demand for sand has increased.
An official of the public works department, Mr M D’Souza informed that the price of sand has increased from Rs 2,800 for five cubic metres to Rs 3,500. He also said the prices of other construction materials have also gone up.
The PWD official further said that laterite stones, which were sold at Rs 11 to Rs 12 each till some time ago, now cost between Rs 14 and 15, while the prices of mud bricks have jumped from Rs 3 to Rs 5.50 each. The price of cement bags has also risen sharply from Rs 220 per bag till sometime ago to Rs 310, he added.
A civil contractor, Mr Ashok H informed that the sand extractors were making best use of the situation arising out of the ban on sand export from Karwar. He further said that a slight premium was being charged by the sand suppliers in case the sand supply was urgent. A substantial quantity of the sand was imported from the neighbouring district, he added. (NT)
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