Construction material
There has been a shortage of construction material especially that of sand in Kashmir valley and it has shown its impact on the construction business as the people during the autumn prefer to construct their houses.
Recently the government reviewed the prevailing market rates of various minor minerals across all districts and directed the Divisional Commissioners to vigorously monitor the prices towards ensuring availability of construction material at reasonable rates throughout the Union territory. They were asked to submit a daily price report after due verification from independent sources. The concerned agencies were warned against any laxity in implementing the notified rates for various categories of construction material.
The district administrations were directed to activate the ‘Commodity Price Monitoring Mechanism’ for ensuring sale of essential commodities at notified rates especially during the ensuing winter months. They were advised to regularly undertake market inspections and product quality assessments to keep a check on black marketing or over pricing of commodities.
Recent heavy rainfall/snowfall has been declared as a natural calamity and funds for providing relief to the victims have been released to the districts. As such, the divisional and district administrations were asked to ensure immediate disbursement of the relief amount.
Timely snow clearance and maintenance of road network throughout the Union territory; Chief Secretary re-emphasized the formulation of guiding standard operating procedures for minimum road damage, in consultation with domain experts. Additionally, the Public Works Department was asked to reinforce skilled manpower and augment snow-clearance machinery, particularly the SnowCat machines in all snow-bound districts.
