PMK leader Ramadoss welcomes TN’s mineral transport ban, seeks permanent curbs

Chennai, July 28 (IANS) PMK president Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss has welcomed the Tamil Nadu government’s recent decision to impose a temporary three-month ban on the transport of black stone, gravel, M-sand and other mineral-based construction materials to neighbouring states, but has urged the government to make the restriction permanent to prevent illegal mining and protect the State’s natural resources.

The Tamil Nadu government recently announced a three-month temporary prohibition on transporting key construction minerals, including black stone, gravel, M-sand and related materials, to other states.

The Geology and Mining Department said the move was aimed at ensuring adequate availability of construction materials within Tamil Nadu for infrastructure and housing projects, while also helping protect the State’s mineral resources and curb excessive exploitation.

Reacting to the decision, Anbumani described the government’s move as timely and necessary, saying it would help safeguard Tamil Nadu’s environment and natural wealth.

However, he argued that a temporary restriction would not be sufficient to address the larger problem of illegal mining and cross-border smuggling.

In a statement, the PMK leader alleged that large quantities of minerals were being transported from Tirunelveli, Tenkasi and Coimbatore districts to Kerala.

He claimed that illegal mining and smuggling had reached alarming levels during the previous DMK regime, allegedly with the support of influential political figures.

Anbumani said that soon after the TVK government assumed office, he had urged the administration to take stringent action to end illegal mineral transportation.

Although the State’s Minister for Mines had personally inspected several quarries and ordered enforcement measures, illegal extraction and smuggling continued, he alleged.

He further pointed out that despite restrictions on transporting mineral resources through the National Highway linking Tamil Nadu and Kerala due to ongoing road-widening works, smugglers had shifted to alternative routes, allowing the illegal trade to continue.

Recalling his statement issued on July 22, Anbumani said he had demanded an immediate and comprehensive prohibition on transporting mineral resources out of Tamil Nadu, particularly at a time when the State itself was facing shortages of construction materials.

He noted that the government’s latest order partially addressed those concerns but insisted that only a permanent ban, coupled with strict enforcement against illegal quarrying and transportation, would effectively protect Tamil Nadu’s mineral wealth and prevent continued environmental degradation.

—IANS

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