State steps up control over raw material movement to avoid construction shortages

In a bid to prevent future scarcity of essential building supplies, Tamil Nadu has empowered its mining oversight body with a temporary ban power on interstate movement of stones and related aggregates. The Directorate of Geology and Mining, under the amended 2011 regulations, can now order an immediate stop to the export of rough stone, chunk, bolsters, M‑sand, metal jelly, ballast, millstone and hand‑crushed stone if state‑wide demand threatens to outstrip supply. The move comes after construction firms reported fluctuating availability and price hikes in materials such as M‑sand and blue metal during recent months. Since the new government assumed office, the administration has expanded its surveillance of mining districts, increased on‑site audits and fast‑tracked legal action against illegal extraction and transport. The revised rule is designed to give decision‑makers a fast‑track tool to stabilise the supply chain, protect ongoing public works and keep private construction timelines intact.