Punjab marble trade adversely affected by Gurjar agitation

The recent standoff between Gurjars, Meenas and the Rajasthan government, regarding reservation, has adversely affected business transactions of at least three states. Rajasthan is the hub for supplying marble to all over the country.

While the problem was on, trucks carrying marble for Punjab and Haryana were either stuck at loading points or damaged midway, resulting in loss of business worth crores of rupees. The price of marble has also shot up. Harbhajan Singh, a marble trader, said there was 20 to 25 per cent hike in prices due to steep difference in demand and supply.

"My truck of Kota stone was scheduled to leave its loading station six days back but it is still stationed there," he said.

He added that due to large scale of construction in the city after launch of mega projects, demand for marble was at peak but due to the situation, even construction activities on upcoming malls at GT Road came to a halt. While no fresh loading was taking place in Rajasthan, loaded trucks were stuck at various points, he added.

Another marble dealer said some trucks were taking alternate routes, covering extra distance with the price burden falling on the customers, but after the agitation spread in the neighbouring states, even that did not work. Despite paying more money, the goods did not reach the city yet, he added.

With the supply shortage, some traders exploited the situation by selling stocked marble at higher prices, official of one of the leading construction company of the city said.

Few days ago, the Dera Sacha Sauda and Sikh community clashes had affected the business. The Gurjar agitation has only increased the businessmen's crisis, he said.

Harcharan Singh Chandi, one of the transporters said thousands of trucks were held up in Rajasthan and Haryana.