The Tamil Nadu government permits quarrying and mining near reserve forests but strictly prohibits it within a 60-metre radial distance from the boundaries of these forests. Additionally, commercial quarrying remains fully banned within 1 km of wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, tiger reserves, and elephant corridors.
- December 2022: The state government amended the Tamil Nadu Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1959 by removing the 1 km buffer zone restriction around "reserve forests," citing revenue losses and practical difficulties for operational quarries.
- January 2023: Following widespread pushback from environmentalists and political allies, the government clarified the policy by imposing a strict 60-metre mandatory safety zone for quarrying around reserve forests.
- Current Operations: New and existing quarry leases near reserve forest borders continue to operate under this mandatory 60-metre buffer limit, alongside a state-wide crackdown on unauthorized and illegal mining.







































