Thu Dec 25 11:50:41 UTC 2025: Summary:

The Tamil Nadu State Sand Lorry Owners Federation is raising concerns about the poor quality of manufactured sand (M-sand) due to the proliferation of unauthorized manufacturing units across the state. They claim that only a small fraction of the 4,000 units in Tamil Nadu have been approved for quality by the Public Works Department (PWD). This substandard M-sand is being used in constructions, potentially compromising building integrity. The federation has filed a police complaint and is demanding action against authorities for failing to enforce M-sand regulations and curb illegal manufacturing. While quality certification is officially voluntary, the PWD says they have certified 500 units and conduct regular quality checks. The Natural Resources Department is currently working on framing comprehensive rules.

News Article:

Tamil Nadu’s Construction Boom Marred by Substandard M-Sand, Federation Warns

CHENNAI (December 25, 2025) – The Tamil Nadu State Sand Lorry Owners Federation has sounded the alarm over the widespread use of substandard manufactured sand (M-sand) in construction projects across the state, potentially jeopardizing the structural integrity of buildings.

According to the Federation, only a small fraction – 478 out of approximately 4,000 – M-sand manufacturing units in Tamil Nadu have received quality approval from the Public Works Department (PWD). This has led to an influx of low-quality M-sand being used in both residential and government construction, filling a daily demand of 25,000 loads state-wide, and a shortage of 2,000 loads in Chennai.

“Several constructions have come to rely on M-sand, particularly in the absence of river sand quarries,” stated S. Yuvaraj, president of the Federation. “However, many of these units are operating without proper quality checks, leading to the use of substandard materials.”

The Federation has filed a complaint with the Fort St. George police station, accusing the PWD and Natural Resources department of failing to enforce M-sand regulations and clamp down on illegal manufacturing units. They are demanding a thorough review of all unapproved units by a government-appointed committee before they are allowed to continue operation.

Officials from the PWD maintain that product quality certification is currently voluntary. They claim the department’s high-level committee has provided quality approval certificates to 500 units and conducts regular quality checks for certification and renewal. The Natural Resources department is reportedly in the process of developing comprehensive rules to address the situation.

The widespread use of substandard M-sand raises serious concerns about the long-term durability and safety of buildings constructed using this material. The Federation is urging the government to take swift action to address the issue and ensure that all M-sand used in Tamil Nadu meets the required quality standards.

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