Clearance for 10 locations
Tamil Nadu is set to reopen sand quarries after the Environment Department granted permission for operations at 10 locations, according to official sources.
Background: earlier operations and closure
During the previous DMK regime, sand quarries were opened at 36 sites across the state and operations were handed over to a private firm. The report alleges that sand was not supplied to the public who booked through the Water Resources Department portal, while sand was excavated at low cost and sold at four to five times the price.
Enforcement action and shutdown in 2023
The report further claims irregularities and illegal money transactions, following which the Enforcement Directorate conducted inspections, questioned district collectors, and carried out raids linked to officials and contractors. Subsequently, the DMK government shut the sand quarries in 2023.
Reopening plan and restrictions
With the current government aiming to increase revenue, the quarries are planned to be reopened in districts including Cuddalore, Tiruchirappalli, Ariyalur, Villupuram, Tiruvallur and Thanjavur, among others. A Water Resources Department monitoring official said the Environment Department has imposed conditions such as direct operation by the department, online-only sand sales, a ban on using machines for excavation, and limiting excavation to 12 acres per quarry.
Political reaction
Meanwhile, PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss has criticised the government’s decision to reopen the sand quarries.
