Chennai Cracks Down on Illegal Construction Waste Dumping, ₹5,000 Fine Announced

Taking a significant step to secure the city from the growing tons of rubble and waste caused by various construction works, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has introduced a new set of rules for Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste management, from April 21. The civic body has also imposed steep punishments for illegal dumping, starting with a ₹5,000 fine for violators.

As per the new guidelines, residents carrying out minor home repairs or disposing of damaged ceramic items like tiles, bathtubs, and washbasins can now do so at no cost at 15 designated drop-off points across the city. For micro-generators handling up to one tonne of waste, free doorstep clearance is available through the Namma Chennai app or the 1913 helpline.

Waste producers generating between 1 and 20 tonnes must arrange for private transportation via GCC-listed lorry operators or personal vehicles. Alternatively, they can avail of the Corporation’s collection services at ₹2,500 per tonne. All waste can be deposited at the city’s official processing centres located in Kodungaiyur and Perungudi, where a processing fee of ₹800 per tonne will be charged.

For bulk generators producing 20 tonnes or more per day or up to 300 tonnes monthly, direct transport to processing centres is mandatory, with a ₹800-per-tonne fee payable online via the GCC portal.

To enforce compliance, the Corporation has introduced a tiered penalty system. Illegal dumping in public spaces, stormwater drains, or non-designated areas will attract a ₹5,000 fine. Bulk generators face a steeper penalty of ₹5,000 per tonne of waste dumped improperly, while smaller operators and service providers will be fined ₹3,000 per tonne.

Furthermore, construction or demolition projects covering over 6,000 sq.m or 600 sq.m respectively, without proper waste disposal measures in place, will incur a hefty daily fine of ₹25,000.

The move aims to reduce environmental hazards, unclog public spaces, and enforce accountability in Chennai’s booming construction sector.