Illegal Transport of Minerals to Kerala Curbed by Tenkasi Police Drive

Illegal transport of minerals to Kerala has seen a noticeable decline after the Tenkasi district police stepped up enforcement along key transit routes linking south Tamil Nadu with the neighbouring state. Acting on long-standing complaints from residents and environmental groups, the police intensified checks on mineral-laden trucks, leading to a significant reduction in vehicle movement over the last two days.

Authorities said the crackdown was aimed at stopping unauthorised movement of blue metal and other construction materials that were being transported using forged or invalid transit passes. The enforcement drive focused on major checkpoints in the district, particularly around Puliyarai, which serves as a key corridor for mineral transport to Kerala.

According to police officials, the number of trucks transporting minerals through Tenkasi has dropped from earlier levels to much lower figures after strict verification of documents began. Drivers were stopped, transit passes were scanned and decoded, and vehicles without valid authorisation were taken off the road. This move has disrupted what officials believe to be a larger organised network involved in illegal mineral movement.

As part of the operation, four drivers were arrested for allegedly transporting minerals with fake transit passes. Their vehicles were seized, and investigations were launched to trace the source of the forged documents. Police said the fake passes were reportedly generated through private crusher units, and inquiries are ongoing to identify those responsible for creating and distributing them.

Illegal Transport of Minerals to Kerala Enforcement Brings Local Relief

Senior police officials said the enforcement drive was not limited to isolated arrests but aimed at ensuring long-term compliance with transport regulations. By strictly checking every truck, authorities believe they can prevent illegal transport while also increasing revenue for the government through proper taxation and permits.

Residents living along the busy transport routes welcomed the action, saying the reduction in heavy vehicle movement has brought immediate relief. For years, people in several parts of Tenkasi district have complained about traffic congestion, road damage, noise pollution, and safety risks caused by continuous movement of overloaded mineral trucks.

Many locals said that over the past two days, traffic has noticeably eased, making daily travel safer and more manageable. They also expressed hope that sustained enforcement would prevent the return of unchecked mineral transport that affects both public safety and the environment.

Environmental activists have long argued that illegal transport of minerals to Kerala causes serious damage to roads, increases accident risks, and leads to unregulated mining practices. They say forged transit passes allow overloaded trucks to bypass monitoring systems, resulting in loss of government revenue and environmental degradation.

Representatives from environmental protection groups urged the authorities to maintain pressure on transporters and ensure that enforcement does not weaken once public attention fades. They also called for structural solutions to permanently address the issue.

Illegal Transport of Minerals to Kerala Raises Demand for Permanent Monitoring

One of the key demands raised by activists and local groups is the installation of a permanent weighbridge at Puliyarai. According to them, random checks alone may not be enough to stop overloading and document manipulation. A weighbridge would allow police to verify vehicle weight instantly and prevent excess load violations.

Activists pointed out that the recent police action itself has resulted in the sudden disappearance of a large number of mineral-laden trucks from the roads, indicating the scale of irregularities. They believe that many of the vehicles that stopped operating were likely using fake or questionable permits.

Police officials acknowledged that continuous monitoring is essential and said they are exploring ways to strengthen enforcement mechanisms. They reiterated that the current inquiry would focus not just on drivers but also on identifying those higher up in the supply chain who facilitate illegal transport.

Authorities also warned transporters that strict action would continue and that no individual involved in document forgery or illegal movement would be spared. Officials said the aim is to send a clear message that mineral transport must follow legal procedures. Also Read: Tribal Dept to Team Up With Global Chess Body to Reshape Learning in Schools in 2026

Conclusion

The illegal transport of minerals to Kerala has come under sharp scrutiny following the Tenkasi police crackdown. With reduced truck movement, public relief, and ongoing investigations, authorities say sustained enforcement will be key to preventing the return of illegal operations and ensuring long-term compliance.