BAI announces strike over soaring construction material prices

The surge in construction material prices has sparked discontent among builders, leading to the Builders Association of India (BAI) announcing a one-day token strike across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Ayyappan, President of BAI, revealed this decision following an executive meeting held in Trichy, where concerns over the exponential increase in prices of essential materials such as m-sand, blue metal, and crusher dust were discussed.Ayyappan highlighted the alarming threefold increase in prices of m-sand, blue metal, and crusher dust, which has brought more than 50% of construction projects to a standstill. The adverse impact is not limited to private ventures but has also caused delays in government construction works. As a result, builders are contemplating abstaining from participating in tender calls in the near future.The shortage of m-sand and blue metal exacerbates the situation, with Ayyappan revealing that over 2000 stone quarries were operational in Tamil Nadu, but more than 50% of them have been forced to shut down. This scarcity has led to a surge in prices, further burdening builders and contractors. In response, the BAI has called for the establishment of a regulation committee to control the escalating prices of construction materials, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention to alleviate the financial strain on the construction industry.