Chennai, June 4 (IANS) The Tamil Nadu Geology and Mining Department has decided to deploy drones equipped with advanced surveillance technology to monitor quarry operations across the state following the detection of widespread violations during a recent inspection drive.

The move comes after a series of surprise inspections conducted by the Department of Natural Resources last week revealed irregularities in 155 quarries spread across multiple districts. Authorities said the use of drone-based monitoring is aimed at strengthening enforcement, preventing illegal mining and ensuring strict compliance with quarrying regulations.

Natural Resources Minister T.K. Prabhu personally led inspections at quarry sites in Tenkasi, Kanyakumari, Virudhunagar and Madurai districts as part of the state’s intensified efforts to curb violations in the mining sector.

During the inspections, officials examined quarry operations, lease conditions and regulatory compliance at hundreds of sites.

According to an official release, a total of 431 quarries were inspected during the drive. Of these, 155 were found to have violated various rules and operational guidelines.

Following the findings, the minister ordered the immediate suspension of quarrying activities at all sites found to be in breach of regulations. Officials said the violations included breaches of lease conditions, mining in excess of permitted limits, and other regulatory lapses.

The department has initiated follow-up action against the suspended quarry operators to ensure that illegal extraction activities do not continue and to prevent unauthorised transportation of minerals from the affected sites.

In a significant technological upgrade, the department has now decided to conduct regular inspections of all leased quarries using drones fitted with enhanced surveillance systems. The drones will help authorities monitor excavation activities, verify adherence to approved mining limits and identify unauthorised operations more effectively than conventional ground inspections.

Officials said the drone-based inspections will be carried out across the state with prior notice to quarry leaseholders. The technology is expected to provide accurate aerial imagery and real-time data, improving transparency and enabling faster detection of violations.

The government believes the introduction of advanced surveillance measures will strengthen regulatory oversight of the mining sector, curb illegal quarrying and protect valuable natural resources.

The latest crackdown and the decision to adopt drone monitoring signal a tougher enforcement approach by the state government against violations in quarry operations. Authorities indicated that inspections and enforcement action will continue in the coming months as part of a broader effort to ensure lawful, transparent and environmentally responsible mining practices across Tamil Nadu.

–IANS

aal/dpb