Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) is imposing hefty fines, over Rs.20 lakh monthly, to enforce proper debris disposal as part of their management strategy. Amidst rampant construction and demolition, property owners are held responsible for their waste. The city generates around 500 tonnes of debris daily, which is now managed by a hired private contractor. The contractor collects waste from designated dump sites and transports it to processing centres, where it's turned into reusable resources like sand. This initiative balances Chennai's rapid urban development with environmental sustainability.
The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) is emphasizing responsibility and environmental stewardship in its debris management strategy by levying substantial penalties for noncompliance. Property owners are facing fines amounting to over ?20 lakh per month for incorrect debris disposal, according to a GCC official.
With the rise in construction and demolition of structures around the city, it's incumbent upon property owners to manage their waste properly. The GCC grants the green light for approximately 3,000 to 4,000 house demolitions and reconstructions annually, contributing to the overwhelming volume of debris. However, the problem lies in improper disposal and encroachments beyond property limits, which is now a focal point of the corporation's recent strategy.
S. Rajendiran, Chief Engineer of the GCC, explained that the responsibility of debris disposal is squarely on the shoulders of property owners. He added that "Owners are required to handle debris disposal at their own expense, but we often find that it is indiscriminately dumped in unclaimed areas or dark corners." He underlined the gravity of the situation by revealing that the city generates an astounding 500 tonnes of debris daily.
To address this, the GCC has engaged a private contractor to manage waste from the city's core areas, paying ?1,000 per tonne of debris collected. This initiative has identified 30-40 designated dump sites to prevent haphazard disposal, and the contractor is responsible for transporting the debris from these spots to processing centres in Kodungaiyur and Perungudi.
At these processing centres, the debris undergoes further processing into reusable materials like sand, a move that not only manages waste but also recycles it into a valuable resource. This way, the GCC aims to turn the challenge of massive waste generation into an opportunity for sustainability.
The strategy, reviewed every two weeks by Corporation Commissioner Gagandeep Singh Bedi, has led to the collection of substantial fines that further underscore the importance of proper waste management in the bustling metropolis of Chennai.
In conclusion, the GCC's comprehensive debris management strategy, with its significant fines and focus on the recycling of waste materials, seeks to balance the city's rapid urban development with environmental sustainability. The initiative is a model for cities worldwide that grapple with similar challenges of debris management amidst rapid growth.
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