Tamil Nadu Natural Resources Minister T K Prabhu on Tuesday ordered the temporary suspension of 23 stone quarries in Virudhunagar district after drone-based surveys revealed quarrying activities extending beyond leased boundaries.
Drone Surveys Uncover Violations
Officials from the geology and mining department conducted drone surveys of 76 quarries in the district as part of measures to curb illegal mineral extraction. The action followed a review meeting chaired by the minister with department officials on Tuesday morning.
The government stated that further action would be initiated based on detailed drone survey reports submitted by officials.
Previous Actions in Tenkasi District
On Monday, the minister ordered the temporary closure of 18 stone quarries in Tenkasi district after inspections found violations during field audits conducted by three teams led by assistant collectors. Authorities had inspected 54 quarries following complaints from residents.
Surprise Inspection at Checkpost
Earlier that day, the minister also conducted a surprise inspection at the Puliyarai checkpost on the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border. He examined vehicle movement registers, penalty records, and monitoring data related to the transportation of mineral resources from southern districts to Kerala.
