Minister C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar on Friday held a consultative meeting with officials from various departments on development works being carried out in Madurai district and issues faced by the district administration.

He instructed the officials to take appropriate action and register First Information Reports against quarries operating illegally, close liquor shops collecting money above the MRP, seal bars operating beyond permitted hours and shops selling banned tobacco products.

The Minister asked the officials to submit Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) regarding underground drainage and sewage treatment facilities to be completed in Madurai city, and a project report on drinking water supply. He also sought data about basic infrastructure facilities, including toilets, in government school hostels.

The meeting was attended by Collector K.J. Praveen Kumar, Commissioner of Police Abhishek Dixit, Superintendent of Police B.K. Arvind, and others.

The Geology and Mining, Revenue, and Police Departments had seized vehicles involved in illegal quarrying/mining and smuggling of minerals. FIRs had been registered against the offenders, the officials said.

On May 8, a tractor, which was transporting gravel illegally, was seized by Kalligudi police. On May 11, a tipper lorry transporting gravel was seized by Melur police. On May 12, an excavator, a tractor and a trailer used to transport sand were seized by Othakadai police.

On May 15, a tipper lorry transporting soil was seized by the Peraiyur Tahsildar and handed over to Saptur Police.

Vehicles found transporting minerals illegally would be seized; criminal cases be registered against their owners and drivers involved, the officials said.

Meanwhile, a surprise joint inspection by Excise Department and Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (Tasmac) officials at an outlet’s (No: 5140) bar at Thathaneri here led to its closure.

The officials found that liquor was being sold illegally at the bar and food items were being prepared using LPG cylinders without authorisation. Proper safety and health protocols were not followed.

The bar was immediately sealed, and legal action was initiated against those involved.

The district administration said in a press statement that all bars must mandatorily follow government-prescribed regulations, safety procedures and health protocols.

The government had identified 50 retail liquor shops in Madurai district located near places of worship, educational institutions, and bus stands. As a first phase, 19 of the 50 shops had been closed, it said.

Tobacco products

With the objective of curbing the sale of banned tobacco products, the Department of Food Safety and the police jointly conducted inspections in the district. Three shops under the Madurai Corporation limits were fined a total of ₹1 lakh and sealed for 15 days.

During these raids, 23.44 kg of banned tobacco products, valued at ₹1,06,900, were seized.