Chennai Ramps Up Clean Construction Drive with Official Training, Tree Plantation & Anti-Plastic Push

In a bid to tighten enforcement of clean construction norms and boost environmental awareness, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) conducted a training session for local body officials on Saturday, focusing on newly implemented safety and cleanliness guidelines for construction sites.

The event, which was presided over by Mayor R Priya, also included the flagging off of a city-wide anti-plastic awareness vehicle that was decorated with traditional art performers like the Parai artists. The cultural program seeks to sensitize the public to the devastating effects of using plastic.

The orientation session, which was held in the presence of Deputy Mayor M Magesh Kumaar, Additional Commissioner (Health) Jayachandra Banu Reddy, and regional deputy commissioners, stressed the successful implementation of construction site rules rolled out on May 21. The rules require that all construction sites be fenced with metal sheets to check dust, debris spillage, and dumping of refuse on public roads. Stiff penalties now exist for violation.

Officials said the session was necessary due to rampant violations across the city. “Despite issuing the rules, ground-level adherence has been a challenge. This training will help streamline enforcement,” an official noted.

Besides these, the Mayor also launched a mass plantation drive to plant one lakh native tree saplings in Chennai, which reflects the city’s multi-dimensional strategy for environmental sustainability.

The two projects, simplifying the management of construction sites and reducing the use of plastic, are part of a comprehensive civic strategy for solving air pollution, city waste, and climate adaptability through public outreach and strong regulation.