The Tamil Nadu government must regulate rising M-sand prices and open additional sand quarries to ease the shortage of construction material, said Pon Kumar, Chairman of the Construction Workers’ Welfare Board and President of the Construction and Real Estate Industry Coalition (CREIC).
Speaking to media persons after the State executive committee meeting of the Construction and Real Estate Industry Coalition (CREIC) in Tiruchi, Mr. Kumar said that restrictions on river sand mining had led to scarcity and price increase. “The government should open quarries in viable areas and regulate M-sand pricing, which has become unaffordable,” he said and added that a formal request would be submitted to the Chief Minister.
He said the Construction Workers’ Welfare Board had disbursed ₹1,672 crore in benefits, with registrations increasing significantly — from 13 lakh in 2021 to 26 lakh at present.
Mr. Kumar added that a new initiative would soon provide medical identity cards to registered workers, enabling regular health check-ups and access to treatment.
Published – April 15, 2025 07:29 pm IST
