CHENNAI: The Greater Chennai Corporation has removed about four lakh metric tonnes of construction and demolition (C&D) waste and collected fines totalling Rs 1.57 crore from 3,131 violators for improper disposal since January 2025.

On average, the civic body collects around 6,300 metric tonnes of solid waste and about 1,000 metric tonnes of C&D waste every day. Officials said rapid urbanisation and new development projects in the city have led to a sharp increase in such waste. Illegal dumping in drains, canals, and vacant plots has led to water pollution and blockages in stormwater drains,

increasing the risk of flooding during the monsoon. The associated dust and air pollution pose serious public health concerns.

In January 2025, the GCC introduced specialised vehicles for the collection and transportation of C&D waste to designated processing centres for recycling, as part of efforts to ensure environmental protection and maintain cleanliness.

Data for the period from January 2025 to January 2026 showed that the highest quantity of C&D waste, about 1.65 lakh metric tonnes, was collected in the central region covering zones 6 to 10. This was followed by the south region, zones 11 to 15, with about 1.20 lakh metric tonnes. The north region, comprising zones 1 to 5, recorded the lowest collection at about 1.16 lakh metric tonnes.

A total of 168 vehicles, including dumper placers, bobcats, earthmovers, Tata Ace trucks and dumper lorries, have been deployed across the 15 zones for daily removal of C&D waste. Citizens can access information on C&D waste management through the GCC website or by contacting the civic body’s 1913 helpline.