Kerala CM urges Tamil Nadu counterpart Vijay to ease restrictions on stone aggregate transport

Kerala's Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has written to Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay in a bid to seek his direct intervention in easing restrictions imposed by Tamil Nadu on the interstate transport of stone aggregates. The restrictions, introduced by Tamil Nadu on July 9, have threatened to delay several strategically important national highway projects in Kerala, according to Satheesan's letter dated July 28.

The Tamil Nadu government's notification has significantly impacted the movement of stone aggregates supplies from Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, and Kanniyakumari districts to Kerala, which have traditionally served as the principal source of stone aggregates for ongoing national highway projects in the latter. With limited natural availability of suitable stone aggregates in Kerala, the State has heavily relied on Tamil Nadu for meeting the requirements of the ongoing NH projects.

Satheesan emphasized that the restrictions have adversely affected the supply chain and disrupted construction activities, posing a serious risk of delay in the completion of many strategically important projects. These projects, crucial not only for Kerala but also for the southern region as a whole, aim to improve regional connectivity, logistics efficiency, facilitate trade and tourism, and enhance access to economic hubs in both states.

While appreciating Tamil Nadu's policy of ensuring sustainable management of natural resources, Satheesan urged for a balanced approach that would accommodate the requirements of nationally important infrastructure projects without compromising Tamil Nadu's regulatory policies. The letter, invoking the "spirit of cooperation" that has always characterized the relationship between the two states, expressed confidence in Tamil Nadu's cooperation in resolving the matter expeditiously.