Resentment among contractors / People over increased rates of Sand/Bajri.

Shyam Sood

Rajouri February 25 :–Resentment has been witnessed among the people and government contractors after the rates of Bajri, sand, etc have approximately been doubled following the district administration has stopped the functioning of 21 stone crushers (seized).
On February 6, District Administration had stopped the operation of 21 stone crushers operating illegally in Rajouri, Sunderbani, Nowshera Manjakot, Khawas, Darhal, Beripattan , Kalakot ,Siot and Kotranka tehsils.
The District Mineral Officer was asked to check the documents of the crusher owners and allow only those to operate who possess valid licenses, environment clearance.
But till today, none of the crushers could be made operational allegedly for not having the valid documents.
Contractors and people of the district alleged that they have been forced to purchase construction material (Bajri, sand etc) at double rates.
Contractors alleged that they will be forced to stop construction work if the stalemate continues for a few more days.
“We are left with two options, Either to stop/suspend construction on alloted works or to continue with increased rates resulting in finacial losses” contractors alleged.
Shafqat Wani, President Pir Panjal Contractor Association alleged that people are forced to purchase Bajri for Rs 8000 (per tipper) against the fixed rate of Rs 4000 and sand for Rs 12000 (per tipper) instead of Rs 6000.
On Tuesday, to resolve the issue a meeting of the contractors and stone crusher owners was chaired by Rajesh Kumar Shavan DDC, but according to contractors, it remained inconclusive.
Contractors have appealed to Lt. Governor to intervene and allow the contractors to lift the construction material from the ‘Nallahs’/other resources (within 12 km radius) as per clause mentioned by the department in the allotments of the works.
In the meeting, authorities suggested the contractors to lift material from legally operating crushers at Akhnoor which is about 120 Kms from Rajouri.
“It is not feasible for the contractors to lift the material from Akhnoor” the contractor association alleged.
“The matter has been taken up with higher authorities. The District Mineral Officer has been directed to check the required documents soon and allow the stone crusher to operate having valid documents” said Th Sher Singh, Additional DC.
The owners of 5 stone crushers are also allowed to sell their seized material, he added.