Construction Workers’ Federation to Protest in Mangaluru Over Sand and Laterite Shortage

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, July 13, 2025: The Dakshina Kannada district unit of the Karnataka Rajya Kattada Mattu Itare Nirmana Karmikara Federation will stage a protest in Mangaluru on July 14, demanding the State government address the acute shortage of sand and laterite stones. The protest will begin with a march from Ambedkar Circle to Clock Tower Circle, followed by a public meeting.

District unit president Vasant Achari, addressing reporters in Mangaluru, said similar protests would be held in other parts of the district—Natekal, Gurupura Kaikamba, Moodbidri, Belthangady, Puttur, Sullia, and Bantwal—on subsequent dates. He welcomed the police and district administration’s action against illegal sand and laterite extraction, and also against those involved in disturbing communal harmony.

Achari said the scarcity of building materials had brought construction activity to a near standstill in Mangaluru and surrounding areas, affecting the livelihoods of over three lakh registered and unregistered construction workers.

CITU District Secretary Sunil Kumar Bajal said a truckload of sand was now priced at ₹22,000, making it unaffordable for common people. While the district administration recommends using the ‘Sand Bazar’ app to procure sand, Mr. Bajal said the app was not user-friendly. He added that the price of laterite stone slabs had also become prohibitively expensive.

“The government must act to ensure affordable availability of sand and laterite stone. If no action is taken, we will intensify our protests in August,” Mr. Bajal warned.