Quarry Owners Urge Tamil Nadu Govt to Lift Inter-State Mineral Transport Ban

Members of the Tamil Nadu Quarry, Crusher and Lorry Owners’ Association convened at Sirumalai in Dindigul on Monday, urging the Tamil Nadu government to lift its ban on transporting minor minerals to other states. Industry representatives stated that the restriction on inter-state movement has severely impacted the quarrying, crushing, and transport sectors across the state. The appeal coincided with legal proceedings at the Madras High Court, where the court on Monday directed the state government to file its response within two weeks regarding a petition filed against the restriction.

The demand was formally raised during a consultation meeting organized by the Tamil Nadu Quarry, Crusher and Lorry Owners’ Association at Sirumalai. Speaking to media persons after the consultation concluded, association state president Chinnasamy urged the state government to restore permission for the inter-state transportation of minor minerals subject to existing legal provisions. Chinnasamy stressed that the government should withdraw the ban and allow operations to resume in accordance with the law to mitigate the disruption faced by quarry owners, crushers, and lorry operators.

Alongside the industry association's demand, the restriction is currently facing legal challenges in court. The Madras High Court issued its direction on Monday while hearing a petition on the issue filed by Premanathan, granting the state government a two-week period to submit its response. Additionally, another petition challenging the minor mineral transport restriction has been filed by P. Libin Ponnusamy Leela, a truck owner based in Kanyakumari. That matter remains pending before the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court.