Tamil Nadu bans construction material transport to neighbouring states for 3 months

Tamil Nadu has imposed a three-month ban on transporting rough stones and construction materials to Karnataka, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh, citing shortages caused by rising domestic infrastructure demand. Kerala has sought exemptions, saying the curbs could delay key National Highway projects and affect port connectivity.

In Short

• Ban aims to meet rising local demand due to rapid infrastructure and housing growth
• Puducherry and Karaikal were exempted, but three neighbouring states covered
• Border officials told to enforce compliance, prevent unauthorised mineral movement

The Tamil Nadu government has imposed a three-month ban on the transportation of rough stones and construction aggregates, including M-sand, metal jelly and other building materials, to neighbouring states, citing rising domestic demand driven by rapid infrastructure and housing development. The restriction applies to Karnataka, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh, while the Union Territories of Puducherry and Karaikal have been exempted from the order.

The decision was taken following a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Vijay with senior officials on Tuesday. According to the government order, the state is witnessing rapid urbanisation and infrastructure expansion, leading to a sharp increase in demand for construction materials.

"The present production of rough stone and aggregates from the operational quarries within the State is not adequate to fully meet the growing internal domestic demand arising from infrastructure, housing and industrial development activities," the order stated.

The government said that large-scale transportation of construction aggregates to neighbouring states has further strained local supplies, creating an "artificial supply-demand imbalance" and driving up the prices of construction materials. It said the move was necessary to ensure adequate availability for public and private infrastructure projects within Tamil Nadu.

The order also noted that rough stone is not a scarce mineral in Karnataka, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh, suggesting that the temporary restriction would not significantly affect those states.

To enforce the ban, district collectors and superintendents of police in border districts have been directed to maintain strict vigil, coordinate with departments regulating the transportation of minerals and other goods, and create public awareness to ensure compliance.

The government warned that any violation of the order would invite stringent action under the Tamil Nadu Prevention of Illegal Mining, Transportation and Storage of Minerals and Mineral Dealers Rules, 2011, along with other applicable laws.

KERALA SEEKS RELAXATION FOR HIGHWAY PROJECTS

Soon after the order, Kerala Chief Minister Satheesan wrote to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay, requesting urgent intervention and suitable relaxations for the transportation of construction materials meant for key infrastructure projects.

In his letter, Satheesan said the restrictions had significantly affected the movement of stone aggregates from Tamil Nadu's Tirunelveli, Tenkasi and Kanniyakumari districts, which serve as the primary source of construction materials for several National Highway projects in Kerala.

He pointed out that Kerala has limited availability of suitable stone aggregates and warned that the curbs had disrupted the supply chain, threatening delays in strategically important highway projects.

According to the Kerala Chief Minister, the affected projects are critical for regional connectivity, trade and tourism, besides improving access to the Vizhinjam International Seaport and the International Container Transshipment Terminal at Vallarpadam.

While acknowledging Tamil Nadu's efforts to ensure sustainable management of natural resources, Satheesan urged the neighbouring state to evolve a mechanism or grant suitable exemptions for the uninterrupted transportation of stone aggregates meant exclusively for National Highway and other nationally significant infrastructure projects in Kerala.

He expressed confidence that the issue could be resolved through cooperation between the two states while balancing Tamil Nadu's domestic construction requirements with the needs of critical national infrastructure projects.

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