Tamil Nadu Bans Export of Construction Materials to Other States for Three Months
The Tamil Nadu government has imposed a three-month ban on the transportation of rough stones and their aggregates to other states, effective immediately. The restriction applies to all states except Puducherry and Karaikal.
The government amended the Tamil Nadu Prevention of Illegal Mining, Transportation and Storage of Minerals and Minerals Dealers Rules, 2011, by inserting a new rule 3(A) concerning 'Transportation of Minerals to other States'. A Government Order (G.O.) has been issued to this effect. The Director of Geology and Mining will regulate the transport of rough stones, including khandas, boulders, M-sand, metal jelly, ballasts, mill stones, hand chakais, and building and road construction stones.
The move aims to ensure adequate supply within Tamil Nadu amid rapid infrastructure development and urbanisation. According to the G.O., the state has been witnessing large-scale movement of these materials to neighbouring states, leading to supply constraints. Current production from operational quarries is insufficient to meet domestic demand. Additionally, the constant movement of heavily loaded trucks damages local roads and causes traffic congestion.
The G.O. states that transporting materials to other states widens the supply-demand gap and encourages unscientific or illegal quarrying. This often results in excessive mining beyond authorised depths, posing serious environmental and ecological risks.
