CHENNAI: The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has removed 52.64 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of legacy solid waste through biomining from the Perungudi and Kodungaiyur dumping grounds.
At Perungudi (250 acres), biomining is being carried out in over 225 acres at a cost of Rs 350.65 crore through 6 packages.
Of the 27.50 lakh MT of legacy waste identified here, 26.14 lakh MT have been removed so far, leading to the recovery of 94 acres of land, according to the press release. The remaining is expected to be cleared by March. Tenders have been floated for a second phase to remove 5.50 lakh MT at cells 1 and 2 at an estimated cost of Rs. 53.60 crore.
The Kodungaiyur dumping ground extends over 333 acres, with waste spread across 252 acres. Biomining work began in 2024 under a Rs 641-crore project awarded in six packages.
Of the 66.52 lakh MT of legacy waste identified, 26.50 lakh MT have been removed, resulting in the recovery of around six acres. Of this, three acres have been fenced, drip irrigation provided and about 1,500 saplings planted at a cost of Rs 57 lakh.
At Athipattu, 1.07 lakh MT of legacy waste were earlier removed at a cost of Rs 6.02 crore. Work is under way to clear the remaining 72,000 MT through biomining at an estimated cost of Rs 6.94 crore, with completion targeted within 6 months.