CREDAI MCHI Urges State Govt To Allow Const During Lockdown
In a survey conducted by CREDAI MCHI among 85 MMR based developers, it was revealed that there has been a 2x influx of construction workers at various sites in comparison to the labourers that have left in the last 2 months, contrary to numerous reports on increasing reverse migration of labourers amid new covid restrictions. The survey also revealed that while a small fraction (2100 of 36,000 workers at sites of 85 developers) left MMR in the last few weeks, majority of it is due to festival of Holi and marriage season – a trend similar to previous years. CREDAI MCHI, possessing a membership base of over 1800+ developers, has also urged the State Government to permit construction and logistical activities in MMR in the likelihood of a probable lockdown, unlike last year where the industry came to a complete standstill. With such a large contingent of workers currently in MMR serving as an illustration of the larger picture with regards to alleviating fears of reverse migration, a decision to halt construction activities, akin to last year, will prove to be detrimental to not just workers and homebuyers due to delays but also developers who faced severe financial struggles last year as well. Developers have been undertaking several safety measures at the sites to ensure the adherence of Government protocols. In an internal study, it was revealed that out of 20k+ workers surveyed at various MMR sites, only 19 covid cases were reported – reflecting the strong commitment of developers to provide a safe working environment for its workers and employees. CREDAI MCHI President Deepak Goradia shares his remarks “In the wake of the second wave of Covid – 19, the Maharashtra Government has not just provided adequate support to Real Estate stakeholders but in the last 6 months, it has also ensured an extremely conducive business environment for us, enabling MMR Real Estate to spearhead the revival of the state’s economy after the first wave. Developers are keen to keep their construction workers safe and have taken all measure including RTPCR testing at sites in accordance to government guidelines in order to segregate Covid patients, if any. With workers belonging to the lowest pay grade and critical to our day-to-day activities, it is extremely important to safeguard their best interests. Hence, we urge the State Government to allow construction activities at sites given the likelihood of an impending lockdown and also ensure that supply chain of construction materials is kept intact. As developers, we are more than prepared to help the government in tackling this second wave by enhancing requisite measures to ensure safe working environment at sites.”
Tags : News/Views construction CREDAI MCHI lockdown State Govt.