Transporting rough stone and aggregates from Tamil Nadu to other States has been temporarily banned for three months, and stakeholders in the district have been directed to strictly comply with the order.In a press release, Collector S. Kandasamy said the ban has been imposed based on the proceedings of the Director of Geology and Mining, Chennai, dated July 27, 2026, and Rule 3(A) of the Tamil Nadu Prevention of Illegal Mining, Transportation and Storage of Minerals and Mineral Dealers Rules, 2011.The order applies to all quarry operators, crusher unit owners, M-Sand manufacturers, mineral dealers, lorry owners, drivers and others involved in the mining and transport of minerals.The ban covers the transport of rough stone, including khanda, boulders, broken or crushed stones, M-sand, jelly, ballast, millstones, hand chakais, and stones used for building and road construction, beyond the State border. However, the restriction will not apply to the Union Territory of Puducherry, including Karaikal district.The Collector said the temporary restriction had been imposed to ensure adequate availability of construction materials within the state for infrastructure, housing and industrial projects, conserve mineral resources, curb illegal mining, storage and transportation of minerals, and protect the environment. He warned that quarry operators should not load, dispatch, sell, transport or facilitate the movement of rough stone and aggregates to other states during the the ban.Violators would face action under the relevant provisions of law, he said, urging stakeholders to extend full cooperation by adhering to the order. Published - July 30, 2026 06:28 pm IST