Owners of the stone quarry crushers are allegedly acting as a syndicate, and increasing the price of M-sand, P-sand and jelly stones, every year.
| Photo Credit: LAKSHMI NARAYANAN E.
The Tamil Nadu Sand Lorry Owners Federation (TNSLOF) demanded the State government reduce the price of M-sand and to sell the minerals, including M-sand, directly to the public.The TNSLOF president, Sella Rajamani, said that there are 1,376 M-sand and P-sand crushers functioning across Tamil Nadu with government’s approval. Likewise, without permission, over 1,000 crushers are allegedly functioning, supplying poor-quality M-sand. Similarly, 2,250 stone quarries are functioning with government approval and over 1,500 stone quarries are allegedly functioning without approval. Mr. Rajamani added that instead of the approved 40 meters deep, stone quarries using explosives dug for 300 meters deep, through which the government is sustaining a loss of thousand of crores.Owners of the stone quarry crushers are allegedly acting as a syndicate, and increasing the price of M-sand, P-sand and jelly stones, every year. Based on the demand of lorry owners and social activists, Minister of Natural Resources, T.K. Prabhu, inspected stone quarries in Madurai, Krishnagiri, Virudhunagar, and Tenkasi, and temporarily closed 67 stone quarries, he added. Mr. Rajamani said that from June 1, the price of one unit of M-sand, P-sand, and jelly stone was increased by ₹1,000 and was sold for ₹5,000, ₹6,000 and ₹4,000, respectively. Condemning the move, the federation urges the Minister to hold talks with the crusher owners and reduce the prices.To avoid poor quality of M-sand and P-sand entering the market, and to increase the State’s revenue, the government should directly procure minerals from private stone quarries and crushers, and sell them to the public. The sales should be done through online, and government mineral sales depots should be established in all districts. Mr. Rajamani added. Published - June 08, 2026 07:38 pm IST
