Delay in land acquisition taking toll on projects: Builders' Association of India

JODHPUR: Delay in land acquisition and environmental clearances are taking a toll on construction projects and escalating their prices, Builders' Association of India (BAI) said today.

A total of 700 builders from 265 branches of BAI from across the country met for a two-day meet here from September 28-29 to bring to government's notice the issues of land acquisition, environmental clearance and labour laws.

"The government should be concerned about addressing these issues earnestly so that various projects, which are stuck up in the maze of these issues can be expedited and completed in time for the progress of the nation," BAI national president B Seenaiah told reporters.

Referring to labour laws, Seenaiah said the construction industry is governed by more than 30 laws, most of which are used as tools to harass contractors.

He said there was a need for auditing labour laws and to bring a comprehensive labour policy.

BAI vice president D C Avasthi expressed concern over the cartelisation of the cement industry, saying unfair trade practices by cement manufacturing companies had led to escalation in prices of the project.

"We demand a Cement Regulatory Authority and urge government to exempt cement import from various duties," Avasthi said.