Chennai, July 11 (IANS) In a significant move aimed at ensuring the uninterrupted availability of key construction materials within the state, the Tamil Nadu government has amended its mining regulations to empower the Director of Geology and Mining to regulate and, if necessary, temporarily prohibit the transport of rough stone and related products to neighbouring states.

The amendment, notified by the Natural Resources Department through a Government Order issued on July 9, introduces a new Rule 3-A into the Tamil Nadu Prevention of Illegal Mining, Transportation and Storage of Minerals and Mineral Dealers Rules, 2011, framed under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.

The newly inserted provision authorises the Director of Geology and Mining to regulate the interstate movement of rough stone, including khandas and boulders, along with a range of processed construction materials. These include manufactured sand (M-Sand), metal jelly, ballast, millstones, hand chakais, and stones used for building and road construction.

Under the amended rules, the Director may impose a temporary ban on transporting these materials outside Tamil Nadu whenever such a measure is considered necessary to maintain sufficient supplies for domestic consumption.

The government has said the objective is to safeguard the state’s construction sector by ensuring adequate availability of essential raw materials. The amendment comes against the backdrop of growing concerns over the availability and pricing of construction materials, particularly M-Sand and blue metal, which are crucial for the real estate and infrastructure sectors.

Industry stakeholders have in recent months reported supply disruptions and price fluctuations, prompting the government to review regulatory mechanisms governing the mining and transportation of minerals.

Since assuming office, the TVK government has intensified efforts to streamline the mining sector and curb illegal extraction and transportation of minerals.

Enforcement agencies have stepped up inspections and surveillance across quarrying regions, while officials have launched crackdowns on unauthorised mining and illegal transport of mineral resources.

Government sources indicated that the latest amendment is intended to provide the authorities with greater flexibility to respond swiftly during periods of shortage or abnormal market conditions.

By regulating interstate movement, the administration hopes to stabilise the supply chain and prevent shortages that could affect public infrastructure projects as well as private construction activity.

Officials said the revised rules are expected to strengthen oversight of mineral transportation while ensuring that Tamil Nadu’s developmental and infrastructure requirements receive priority during periods of constrained supply.

–IANS

aal/skp