Open more natural sand quarries: BAI

Stating that the industry was under distress due to non-availability of natural sand, he said pushing M-sand as an alternative source has completely paralysed the construction industry. 

Venkatesan said following a Government Order, the demand for M-sand has increased, resulting in multi-fold increase in its prices. 

He said only 22 to 30 per cent of the total requirement was being fulfilled by the current availability of M-sand due to deficiency in production. 

Stating that many construction works such as PWD, Railways, Port Trust and Airports have been affected, he said the state and central governments contractors have raised many doubts seeking clarification on the usage of M-sand. 

The BAI requested CM Edappadi K Palaniswami to bring forward transition usage of river sand in place of M-sand in a phased manner by opening natural sand quarries, which would definitely help in meeting the demands and requirements of the construction workers to eke out their daily living.