The Tamil Nadu government has faced significant challenges in regulating beach sand mining, particularly concerning minerals like garnet, ilmenite, and rutile. Despite a comprehensive ban imposed in 2013 due to widespread illegal mining activities, unauthorized extraction has persisted, leading to environmental degradation and legal disputes.
Investigations revealed that several companies exceeded their permitted mining areas and failed to restore excavated sites, causing severe ecological damage. In response, the government halted all mining operations and transportation of these minerals until a thorough inquiry could be completed.
The Madras High Court has been actively involved in addressing these issues. In 2015, it initiated a suo motu public interest litigation concerning illegal beach sand mining in the southern districts. The court has questioned the validity of environmental clearances granted for such activities and has reserved orders in related cases as recently as January 2025.
The central government has emphasized that the responsibility for preventing illegal beach sand mining lies primarily with the state authorities. This underscores the need for effective enforcement of regulations at the state level to curb unauthorized extraction and ensure sustainable mining practices.
Despite these efforts, reports indicate that illegal mining and transportation of beach sand minerals have continued, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the Tamil Nadu government in regulating this sector.
