Tue Jul 15 12:54:31 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the text, written from the perspective of a reporter covering the story:

**Mangaluru Construction Grinds to a Halt Amid Sand and Stone Shortage**

**Mangaluru, July 15, 2025** – Construction activities in Dakshina Kannada district have come to a virtual standstill due to a severe shortage of sand and laterite stone, according to the Civil Contractors’ Association, Mangaluru. The association is urging the Karnataka state government to urgently address the issue, which is impacting construction projects and the livelihoods of those employed in the extraction and supply of these essential materials.

Association President Mahabala Kottari stated that legal hurdles are preventing contractors from procuring quality sand from Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) areas. Moreover, local police and district officials have reportedly restricted the supply of laterite stone extracted from private (“patta”) lands for the past month, and have also allegedly blocked the entry of laterite stone from neighboring districts and Kerala.

“This isn’t just about construction delays,” said Kottari. “The livelihoods of countless laborers and those involved in the sand and stone industries are at stake.”

Dinakar Suvarna, Vice-President of the association, emphasized that contractors are aware of environmental concerns. He stated that the association is seeking a balance between environmental protection and the availability of sand and laterite stone at reasonable costs. “We are not advocating for indiscriminate extraction,” Suvarna asserted. “We want the administration to take responsible steps to protect the environment while ensuring a stable supply of these crucial materials.”

However, an official from the Mines and Geology Department refuted claims of a shortage, stating that a sufficient quantity of medium and coarse sand is available in 21 non-CRZ sand blocks. The official said that citizens can book sand through http://www.dksandbazaar.com. The official also indicated that there is a sufficient quantity of laterite stone available from the 10 patta lands that are currently approved for extraction, noting that permission for the extraction of laterite stone in 320 patta lands has expired.

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