Sand Shortage leading to virtual stoppage of work in TRIVANDRUM

The extraction of sand can be a problem in all densely populated habitats like Kerala. Till now Kerala had easy access to abundant and cheap river sand from other states. Now since the other states have become vigilant regarding the environmental impact of sand mining, Kerala can no longer afford to be a complacent consumer of river sand.

Extraction of sand from rivers is not advisable for an ecologically sensitive state like Kerala. One sand source is the dam reservoirs which will benefit from the enhanced depth. One such proposal is already being considered-to extract sand from the Aruvikkara reservoir in Trivandrum.(www.thehindu.com/2009/10/19/stories/2009101958530300.htm). Some concerns have been raised about that proposal regarding proper dredging practices and other ecological issues(www.thehindu.com/2009/10/27/stories/2009102761630300.htm). However I feel that if a proper eco friendly methodology is worked out for a uniform dredging of sand and the seperation of silt from sand and its management, then the dams of Kerala can be a viable alternate source of fine aggregate for the time being. Dam silting up is a constant process and so can be considered as one of the sources of natural sand.

However, alternate adequate artificial or manufactured sand facilities have to be provided for a long term solution taking into consideration the future requirements of a growing population,as sand is anyway a limited resource.

The strength and durability of crushed rock sand is well demonstrated by Idukki Dam, the largest arch dam in India. But lack of ready availability and lack of quality control has rendered M sand a secondary choice for construction in Kerala.There are certain serious quality concerns with the M sand available now as it contains a substantial amount of minute quarry dust which doesnt mix well with cement leading to hairline cracks in RCC members and plastered surfaces. So the manufactured sand calls for better technology and better quality control. I'd like to share with you a Japanese breakthrough in this area(www.kemco.co.jp/eng/pdf/kemco_v7.pdf).

However, it should be considered that rock is also a limited natural resource which also requires care and restraint in its consumption. So, apart from crushed rock,naturally occuring stone, industrial byproducts like fly ash, blast furnace slag and silica fume should be considered for future requirements of both coarse and fine aggregates. Technocrats of kerala should engage in R&D to use these resources effectively by employing advanced technologies like particle packing techniques with effective gradation and batching of different aggregate sizes. All these calls for a better controlled manufacturing facilities which will be expensive. 

The quality controls required for such advanced mixes is way out of the reach of the average contractor/builder in kerala. But given the rising scarcity of resources, increasing demand and mounting labour costs, a change in technology and construction methods is inevitable for Kerala and India.

A logical development from these situations is the use of cost effective, quality controlled pre fabricated building components and products. This change in technology is the only long term solution for such resource crunches.      

Shortage of sand in kerala, obviuosly we should consider our geographical limitations.Due to natural sand mining we are facing lot of  environmental disasters and the other side we depend on the neighbouring states, which will not solve the   problem entirely. I this case why cant we change the convensional system of using sand in the construction industry. In my knowledge the main consumption of sand is coming under the scope of work of block work mortar, floor screeding , plastering and  concrete works. From this, concrete,block works and floor screeding why cant we use the rock mining sand which is available to  certain extend in the rock mining cories or the normal seived sand instead the river sand.For external plaster finishes commercial building can go for cladding finishes or lot of other external finishes, can apply directly on the block surface. we must take a feasibility studies regarding this.

To avoid exploitation / corruption by middlemen, Govt. should seek ways to source sand in controlled conditions.

If resources are available in ones own state, policy shold be made to use it foirst ,then look for resouce from other state

Kerala has rich spread of rivers and lot of sand resources.The policy of people of kerala and the govt is such that the internal resources cannot be touched for different reasons but choose to give a blind eye on the reasons when it comes from another state.

They dont mind the erosion,environment of other regions but try to protect their own.

Also the labour -The policy is that the labour cost is huge and peculiar so they look out for cheaper raw material from outside.

Not fair! what is preached for own state holds good for othere too.

My suggestion is to inform the govt and the public and start using oun resources