NGT ban triggers sand shortage, prices surge across Jharkhand

Ranchi: Sand prices have surged across the city and other parts of the state after the National Green Tribunal (NGT) restricted sand mining from June 10 to Oct 15, triggering a shortage that has slowed govt and private construction projects, builders and suppliers said.The restriction, meant to curb environmental damage during monsoon, has halted sand supply and pushed up costs sharply. Builders and suppliers said the price of a truckload of sand has risen by Rs 10,000-15,000 across the state, causing cost overruns and delays for contractors, developers, investors and homebuyers.Ranchi-based developer and chairperson of Federation of Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FJCCI) mines and minerals subcommittee Nitesh Sarda said developers are now forced to procure sand from neighbouring Bihar, adding to transportation costs.“Non-auctioning of sand ghats in the state has been causing a shortage for over a year. Now the NGT ban has further exacerbated the shortage. As sand is now being procured from Bihar, it costs around Rs 50,000-55,000 per truck, which was at least Rs 10,000 lower when sand was available in Jharkhand. The exorbitant price and shortage are causing delays in construction,” Sarda added.He said despite Jharkhand having enough sand, alleged lack of policy action has caused inconvenience to people.

FJCCI chairperson Aditya Malhotra said the price rise has hit people of lower economic groups. “We all have to respect the NGT ban. But when the ban was not imposed, there was an artificial shortage of sand, indicating black-marketing. The govt and department concerned should also look into the issue,” he said.Prakash Singh, a Bariatu resident, said, “I bought sand at Rs 45,000 per truck a month ago, which has now increased to Rs 55,000.

I cannot afford such a high rate and halted construction for the time being.”Mines director Rahul Kumar Sinha said the shortage of sand occurs every year during the ban and will ease after restrictions end.He said all 444 sand ghats were surveyed last year and more than 300 were successfully auctioned. The department aims to operationalise at least 200 sand ghats by Oct 15, he added.