Tamil Nadu has imposed a temporary three-month ban on transporting construction minerals such as blue metal (karungal), jelly stones and M-sand to other states. The state government said the restriction is aimed at ensuring uninterrupted availability of key building materials within Tamil Nadu.
The Natural Resources Department has issued the official order and empowered the Director of Geology and Mining to regulate mineral movement beyond the state border and to implement the temporary prohibition.
According to the order, large-scale movement of construction materials to neighbouring states has been leading to shortages and artificial price increases, affecting infrastructure and urbanisation works within Tamil Nadu. The ban is intended to stabilise supply for ongoing construction projects.
Invoking provisions under the 2011 Tamil Nadu rules on preventing illegal mining, mineral transportation and storage, the government said the measure will also help curb environmental violations and illegal mineral transport. Puducherry and Karaikal have been exempted from the restriction.
The government warned of strict action against violators. District collectors and police superintendents in border-sharing districts have been instructed to ensure the ban is enforced immediately, issue necessary directions to officials, create public awareness and secure compliance from all stakeholders.
