Keralam facing construction material shortage, relies on support from Tamil Nadu to tide over situation: CM

Keralam Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan speaks in the Legislative Assembly on October 12. | Photo Credit: ANI Keralam is facing a serious shortage of construction materials amid a sharp decline in production from local quarries and restrictions on supplies from Tamil Nadu. The scenario has pushed up the cost of building houses and also threatens the progress of major infrastructure projects in the State, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said at the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday (October 13, 2026).The Chief Minister, who addressed the House during the Question Hour session, said the price of a load of quarry metal, which was available for around ₹2,500 when local production was higher, has risen to between ₹6,000 and ₹9,000 when Keralam began depending heavily on supplies from Tamil Nadu. The situation worsened after Tamil Nadu abruptly stopped or restricted the movement of materials into Keralam, he pointed out.Mr. Satheesan said the the government was pursuing a two-pronged approach to tide over the situation. While negotiating with Tamil Nadu to increase supplies in the immediate term, the government is also exploring alternative construction materials and the reopening of quarries that can operate without causing environmental damage.He added that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has assured Keralam that supplies could be made more liberal by the end of October in order to allow more materials to be transported into the State.The Chief Minister pointed out the shortage has become a serious concern because the rising price of quarry metal was pushing up the cost of other construction materials as well. He cited the example of a small, 400-sq.ft, two-room house, which could have been built for around ₹5 lakh some years ago, but presently would cost over₹8 lakh. The increase was placing a major burden on ordinary people, particularly those seeking to build modest homes.Industries Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty said the government intended to facilitate the operation of all quarries functioning in accordance with the law. He added that measures to improve material availability would be implemented within a defined time-frame, while ensuring that the necessary permissions and prescribed conditions were met.Scientific study soughtFormer Public Works Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas, who raised the issue, proposed a scientific study on the reuse of materials and the adoption of alternative construction materials to reduce the pressure on conventional quarry products.CPI(M) legisltor G. Stephen said the shortage of stone, manufactured sand (M-sand) and other essential construction materials was affecting major infrastructure works, including the Vizhinjam international seaport project, Public Works Department (PWD) and Local Self-Government Department (LSGD) works.He also cited instances in which contractors were abandoning projects because they could not procure the required materials. Published - October 13, 2026 01:51 pm IST