The Tamil Nadu government has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining and quarrying activities across the state, resulting in the temporary suspension of 67 stone quarries. Authorities have seized 469 vehicles involved in unauthorized mineral transportation and detected illegal mining at 78 locations. Tamil Nadu currently has more than 2,000 licensed stone quarries.
Action Initiated Following Minister's Directives
The enforcement drive was initiated following directions from Minister for Natural Resources, Minerals and Mines T K Prabhu, who acted on complaints that several quarries were extracting minerals beyond approved limits and violating environmental norms. Allegations also emerged that quarry monitoring mechanisms were not functioning effectively in some areas. The minister directed officials to conduct inspections to verify adherence to approved mining plans, extraction limits, lease conditions, and transportation regulations.
Surprise Inspections and Violations Detected
As part of the enforcement drive, the minister conducted surprise inspections in Tenkasi, Kanyakumari, Virudhunagar, and Madurai districts last week. He ordered action against quarries found violating regulations. Officials examined 431 quarries across the state and found violations in 155, leading to the temporary closure of 67 units and initiation of penalty proceedings. Further action is underway against another 88 quarries where irregularities were identified. Authorities also uncovered illegal mineral extraction at 78 locations during inspections conducted over the past month. Legal proceedings have been initiated against those involved.
Seizure of Vehicles and Legal Action
In a separate drive, officials checked vehicles transporting minerals and seized 469 vehicles found carrying minerals without valid authorization. Penalties and criminal proceedings have been initiated against offenders. Separate cases have been registered in Salem and Dindigul districts for unauthorized limestone mining on patta land, while illegal quartz extraction was detected on patta land in Trichy district. Criminal action has been initiated in all three cases.
Government Warning to Quarry Leaseholders
The government has instructed all quarry leaseholders to strictly follow approved mining plans and lease conditions. It warned that illegal mineral extraction from expired, inactive, or unauthorized quarry sites on both government and private land would invite stringent penalties and criminal prosecution.
