In a significant relief for the construction sector in coastal Karnataka, the price of laterite stone has seen a substantial decrease in Mangaluru. Deputy Commissioner Darshan HV announced on Tuesday that the cost has fallen from a high of Rs 65 to Rs 45 per unit, with expectations of a further drop below Rs 40 in the near future.
Addressing the Price Surge Through Increased Supply
The Deputy Commissioner provided context for the price fluctuation, recalling that laterite stone was previously available at a much lower rate of Rs 30 to Rs 35. The recent spike to Rs 65 prompted district authorities to take proactive measures. To tackle the issue of high prices and scarcity, the administration has issued 59 permits for the extraction of laterite stones. An additional 12 applications are currently pending and are slated for resolution shortly.
Despite actively inviting applications to boost local supply, the total number of requests has hovered around 60. DC Darshan noted that the process of issuing more permits would be streamlined if more individuals and businesses came forward to apply.
Sand Mining Expansion to Prevent Scarcity
Alongside the developments in laterite stone supply, the district is also making strides in ensuring the availability of sand, another critical construction material. Sand mining operations are already active in 19 blocks across the district. In a move to secure long-term supply, authorities have identified an additional 42 sand blocks.
These new blocks are currently in various stages of the approval process. The Deputy Commissioner expressed confidence that mining in all these identified blocks would commence by March. If this timeline is met, the district of Mangaluru is not anticipated to face any sand scarcity for the next five years, providing stability for infrastructure and housing projects.
Infrastructure and Road Repair Initiatives
In related infrastructure news, the administration has also turned its attention to improving road conditions. DC Darshan HV stated that specific roads in need of repair have already been identified. The first phase of this initiative has received approval, with patchwork projects worth Rs 7 crore getting the green light. This focused approach aims to address the persistent problem of potholes and improve connectivity within the region.
The combined efforts regarding construction material supply and infrastructure upkeep signal a proactive approach by the Mangaluru district administration to support development and address the concerns of builders and residents alike.
