Thu May 22 14:41:52 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
The Virudhunagar district administration in Tamil Nadu has issued a strict warning to quarry owners regarding the illegal transportation of minerals. District Collector V.P. Jeyaseelan has stated that transporting minerals like M-Sand, P-Sand, and crushed stones without the mandatory transit pass from the Department of Geology and Mines will be considered illegal. Violators will face stringent action under various mining and mineral regulations, including fines, closure of storage units, confiscation of illegally stored minerals, and potential detention under the Goondas Act. The Collector emphasized compliance with government orders and warned against illegal mining and smuggling, which are criminal offenses.
**News Article:**
**Virudhunagar District Cracks Down on Illegal Mineral Transportation**
**Virudhunagar, May 22, 2025:** Quarry owners in Virudhunagar district, Tamil Nadu, have been put on notice. The district administration, led by District Collector V.P. Jeyaseelan, has issued a stern warning regarding the illegal transportation of minerals.
According to the Collector, the transportation of minerals such as M-Sand, P-Sand, and crushed stones will be considered illegal if conducted without the required transit pass issued by the Department of Geology and Mines. Concerns have been raised about the use of GST bills as a substitute for the official transit pass.
“Any such shipment will be considered an illegal transportation under the provisions of Tamilnadu Prevention of Illegal Mining Transportation and Storage of Minerals and Mineral Dealer Rules, 2011,” stated Collector Jeyaseelan during a meeting with various departmental officials.
The crackdown will involve coordinated action from the Department of Geology and Mines, Department of Revenue, Police, and the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, enforcing the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, and the Tamilnadu Minor Mineral Concession Rule, 1959.
Quarry owners have been directed to adhere to Government Orders 50 and 14 regarding alluvial soil mining. Illegal mining and smuggling activities will be treated as criminal offenses, potentially leading to cases under Section 303(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, and even detention under the Goondas Act for repeat offenders.
Storage units failing to obtain necessary permits for stocking minerals within a month face permanent closure and confiscation of their inventory, along with significant fines.
The district administration’s move is aimed at curbing illegal mining activities and ensuring adherence to regulations for sustainable mineral management.
First Piper 