Chennai Embraces New Building Code from May 21 to Avoid Pollution, Improve Safety

All constructions in Chennai from May 21 onwards will fall under new strict regulations set by the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) which will avoid air pollution and enhance site security.

Titled ‘Clean and Safe Construction Guidelines’, the directive asks developers, contractors, and builders to enforce it in letter and spirit. The criminal will have to shell out between ₹1,000 and ₹5 lakhs as a penalty based on the severity of the offence and project size.

Key controls include mandatory dusting and barricading. Demolitions of an acre or less must have 6-meter-high metal or tin sheet barricades, while larger structures or projects greater than 70 meters in height must have 10-meter-high barricades. Demolition and construction areas must be covered with high-density fabric or double-layered green netting to avoid scattering dust.

To reduce pollution even more, continual fogging or watering must be performed during drilling, cutting, or excavation work. Construction operations above 18.5 meters in height should be fitted with CCTV camera monitoring and air sensors run by them, whose data should be made available to the corporation for regular verification.

The default will fetch a notice of rectification, fines, and even ceasing work in case the default continues after grace.

The GCC clarified that the instructions are categorical. “Environmental consciousness and employee security are not subject to compromise,” said a high-ranking civic officer, asking everyone concerned to review the revised regulations.

Citizens and contractors may access the GCC website or call the helpline at 1913 for more information.