Tamil Nadu extends ban on inter-state transport of construction aggregates

The Tamil Nadu government has extended a ban on the inter-state transportation of M-sand, rough stones, and other construction aggregates for an additional three months. The extension, effective from October 26, follows a temporary ban imposed on July 27 that was set to expire on October 25.

According to the Directorate of Geology and Mining, the measure aims to ensure an uninterrupted domestic supply of minerals, protect the local environment and ecology, and prevent illegal mining and unauthorized mineral transit. The decision was necessitated because the objectives of the initial restriction had not been fully achieved.

The ban is expected to impact approximately 15% to 20% of the state's construction aggregate production, particularly affecting around 200 quarries in border districts including Kanniyakumari, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli, Coimbatore, Krishnagiri, and Dharmapuri. The restriction does not apply to the Puducherry and Karaikal districts of the Union Territory of Puducherry.

Authorities have been instructed to maintain strict vigilance, with District Collectors and Superintendents of Police tasked with monitoring interstate checkpoints. Violators will face stringent legal action under existing mining statutes and rules.