Chennai: The Tamil Nadu Mineral Resources Department has intensified inspections at quarries linked to rule-violation complaints, focusing on operations run by 28 firms across five districts.
Officials said complaints about irregularities in black stone quarries have been rising. Following this, Natural Resources Minister Prabhu last week directed the department to inspect quarries and submit reports on violations.
The minister also conducted field inspections in Tenkasi, Kanniyakumari, Virudhunagar and Madurai. Based on findings, he ordered action against 155 quarries, after which enforcement checks were stepped up in multiple districts.
According to a department official, inspections are currently underway at more than 125 quarries connected to the 28 firms. Authorities have been instructed to shut quarries operating beyond the permitted period and to seal sites where extraction is found to exceed approved limits.
The inspection drive has been continuing for the past few days, and details are to be compiled and sent to the government as a report, the official added.
