Labour and sand shortage disrupt construction activity in coastal Karnataka

The construction sector in coastal Karnataka, particularly in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, is currently facing a challenging phase due to a dual crisis of labour shortage and limited availability of sand. Industry bodies including the Association of Consulting Civil Engineers, Kanara Builders Association and Civil Contractors Association have raised concerns over the growing disruption in project execution.

A major factor contributing to the slowdown is the sharp decline in the availability of skilled and semi-skilled workers. A large number of migrant labourers from North Indian states such as West Bengal, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh have returned to their native places. This migration has been driven by electoral roll revision activities, ongoing election-related work and seasonal festivals. Additionally, better employment opportunities in their home states have discouraged many workers from returning, creating a significant gap in workforce availability.

The shortage has directly impacted critical construction activities such as shuttering, bar bending and finishing works, leading to delays in project timelines and increased pressure on contractors to meet committed deadlines. Industry experts believe that this situation may continue until a substantial portion of the workforce returns.

At the same time, the sector is grappling with a shortage of sand due to Coastal Regulation Zone restrictions. Sand extraction from coastal areas has been restricted, limiting supply. The available non-CRZ sand is often not suitable for plastering works due to its coarse nature, forcing builders to rely on alternatives such as manufactured sand. However, this shift has its own cost and quality implications.

With both labour and raw material constraints persisting, the construction ecosystem in the region is witnessing increased project costs, execution delays and contractual challenges. Industry stakeholders have urged authorities to address these issues by ensuring smoother availability of materials and supporting workforce stability.