Tamil Nadu govt intensifies crackdown on illegal mining and quarrying

Chennai: State govt has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining and quarrying activities across Tamil Nadu, leading to the temporary suspension of 67 stone quarries. A total of 469 vehicles involved in unauthorised mineral transportation have been seized and illegal mining at 78 locations has been detected. Tamil Nadu has more than 2,000 licensed stone quarries.The action follows directions issued by minister for natural resources, minerals and mines T K Prabhu, based on complaints that several quarries were extracting minerals beyond approved limits and violating environmental norms. Allegations had also surfaced that quarry monitoring mechanisms were not functioning effectively in some areas. The minister directed officials to conduct inspections to verify whether quarry operators were adhering to approved mining plans, extraction limits, lease conditions and transportation regulations.As part of the enforcement drive, the minister conducted surprise inspections in Tenkasi, Kanyakumari, Virudhunagar and Madurai districts last week and ordered action against quarries found violating regulations. Officials examined 431 quarries across the state, and found violations in 155, resulting in the temporary closure of the 67 units and the initiation of penalty proceedings. Further action is under way 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.In another drive, officials checked vehicles transporting minerals and seized 469 vehicles found carrying minerals without valid authorisation. Penalties and criminal proceedings have been initiated against offenders. Separate cases have been registered in Salem and Dindigul districts for unauthorised 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.The govt has instructed all quarry leaseholders to strictly follow approved mining plans and lease conditions. It warned that illegal mineral extraction from expired, inactive or unauthorised quarry sites on both govt and private land would invite stringent penalties and criminal prosecution.