Minerals ‘illegally transported’ from Tamil Nadu to Karnataka: Truck owners association

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu is facing massive revenue losses as an estimated 80,000 to 100,000 tonne of minerals -- including gravel, M-sand, dust and wet mix -- are illegally transported daily from Krishnagiri district to Karnataka, Tamil Nadu Sand Lorry Owners Association president M Yuvaraj has said. He said despite complaints from residents since 2020, no action had been taken to curb this alarming trend.

"Krishnagiri district hosts more than 150 quarries, with several operated by individuals from Karnataka. These quarries exploit resources at an unsustainable rate, jeopardising the region’s environment and mountains along the Tamil Nadu-Karnataka border. Corruption among officials in the mineral and public works departments enables illegal transport. Reports suggest 4,000 trucks operate daily, bypassing checkpoints and using duplicate transit passes," he said.

According to him, while Tamil Nadu struggles to obtain even basic resources like water from Karnataka, thousands of tonnes of minerals flow out unchecked, benefiting private entities at the cost of state revenue.

Locals question the lack of enforcement and call for stricter regulations on quarry operations and M-sand production, citing poor-quality materials flooding the construction market.

The association demanded immediate action, including establishing border checkpoints, to prevent smuggling. "Failure to address this issue will prompt public protests and legal actions to protect Tamil Nadu’s resources," added Yuvaraj.