Chennai Corporation Removes 24,000+ Metric Tonnes of Construction Debris in One Month

In the massive cleaning drive that it conducted from January 7 to February 6, the Greater Chennai Corporation has successfully removed over 24,000 metric tonnes of construction and demolition debris. The first phase of the mass cleaning drive by the corporation is to keep all the city roads and public spaces free of waste and keep them clear. With Mayor R. Priya taking the lead, the whole of Chennai is experiencing this busy season of cleanliness.

In all, 101 vehicles, ranging from tipper lorries, mini lorries, and JCBs, to Bobcat machines, were engaged for the purpose. The collection operation was taken up in all 15 zones of the city. An estimated 13,342 metric tonnes of waste was collected in Zones 1 to 8 and 11,820 in Zones 9 to 15. The collection was sent for recycling at designated recycling facilities located at Perungudi and Kodungaiyur.

The Corporation, in addition to clearing construction waste, extended its cleaning efforts to bus stops, parks, burial grounds, flyovers, and subways. The drives also targeted unauthorized posters and advertisement banners.

The civic body has been cracking down on illegal dumping, with a total penalty of ₹8.06 lakh imposed in January. Individuals and companies found dumping construction debris in public spaces such as roads and water bodies have to pay ₹5,000 as a fine and face possible legal action. Three vehicles used for illegal dumping were seized in enforcement efforts.

To manage the waste effectively, the Corporation has brought in rules and a fee structure for the disposal of debris. Those who generate between 1 and 20 metric tonnes of waste need to follow the set rules, while larger-scale disposals that exceed 20 metric tonnes are governed by a different set of rules. The civic body averages clearing about 1,000 metric tonnes of debris daily.

It clearly shows the initiative of Chennai Corporation in keeping its city clean, enforcing tough waste management rules and regulations, thereby making it healthier and better ordered.