The issue of river-bed material pricing in Jammu and Kashmir is not merely a matter concerning the construction sector; it is fundamentally linked to the everyday lives, housing needs, and economic survival of ordinary citizens. Sand, gravel, and other natural resources form the backbone of every construction activity, from modest rural homes to large infrastructure projects. When the pricing of these materials lacks clarity and officially approved rates are not publicly displayed, the burden inevitably falls on the common man—especially the economically weaker sections.
The recent concerns raised by RTI activist S. Balvinder Singh highlight a troubling gap in administrative transparency. If the Department of Geology & Mining has indeed approved rate lists for river-bed materials, there should be no hesitation in displaying them prominently at quarry sites, crusher units, and on official websites. Transparency is not a discretionary favor extended by authorities; it is a legal and moral obligation. Natural resources belong to the public, and the government merely acts as their custodian. Therefore, the pricing mechanism governing such resources must be clear, accessible, and beyond suspicion.
A particularly important aspect of this issue is the method of measurement. Notifying prices in volumetric units—such as cubic feet or cubic meters—rather than by weight would make the system more understandable and reduce the scope for manipulation. For the average consumer purchasing construction material, technical complexities can be confusing. In the absence of standardized and clearly notified rates, suppliers may interpret pricing norms at their discretion, creating opportunities for overcharging and exploitation.
Unchecked pricing has far-reaching consequences. The rising cost of basic construction materials directly affects the ability of poor and middle-class families to build even a modest dwelling. Housing, which should be a basic aspiration within reach, becomes increasingly unattainable. Moreover, inflated material costs also impact public works, rural development, and government-sponsored housing schemes, thereby slowing broader socio-economic progress.
Equally concerning are allegations that certain crusher units may be linked to politically influential individuals or their associates. Whether substantiated or not, such perceptions erode public trust and deepen suspicion. Good governance demands not only fairness but also the visible assurance of fairness. If conflicts of interest exist, they must be transparently addressed. Silence on such a significant public issue only amplifies doubts.
The solution lies in decisive administrative action. The Department of Geology and Mining must immediately publish and prominently display the approved rates of all river-bed materials, clearly specifying whether prices include royalty and transportation (F.O.R. destination). A robust monitoring and enforcement mechanism should also be instituted to prevent overcharging and penalize violations. Additionally, a transparent grievance redressal system would empower citizens to report irregularities without fear.
Development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of ambiguity. Construction is not merely an economic activity; it is a pathway to dignity, shelter, and stability. If the foundation—literally and metaphorically—is compromised by opacity and unchecked discretion, the promise of development weakens.
This issue transcends administrative technicalities. It is about fairness, accountability, and the right of citizens to access natural resources at government-approved rates. The authorities now have an opportunity to restore public confidence by choosing transparency over silence and regulation over arbitrariness. The credibility of governance and the welfare of countless families depend upon it.DD
Chief Editor
Diplomat Digital