As a result of the skyrocketing price of sand and gravel, construction has been adversely affected in the Malwa region. Compared to the fixed retail price of Rs 9 per cubic foot (excluding freight charges), sand in Malout and the adjoining areas sells for Rs 45-46 per cubic foot.
The prices spiked during the three monsoon months of July-September due to the mining ban in the state and a crackdown on mafia activities.
A cubic foot of gravel costs Rs 44-45 in Malout, compared to Rs 20 per cubic foot at the fixed price. One cubic ft of sand weighs about 40 kilograms, and one cubic ft of gravel weighs about 115 kilograms.
Similarly, Fazilka and other nearby districts are experiencing similar problems. In an effort to prevent the illegal transport of materials from other states, the authorities have increased their vigilance. Hemphill and Karnal sand truckloads were impounded by the police last week in Pathankot.
Construction of houses has been halted by soaring sand and gravel prices, according to realtors and locals. Ghaggar sand was unavailable at present, and Karnal sand was being sold at Rs 48 a cubic foot by dealers. As soon as mining resumes, the prices are expected to come down, according to a Muktsar-based dealer. The mismatch between supply and demand is causing the temporary phase.”