Chennai Corporation removes over 52 lakh tonnes of waste from dumping grounds

Chennai Corporation has removed over 52 lakh tonnes of waste from dumping grounds using bio-mining techniques.

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has removed 52.64 lakh tonnes of legacy waste from the Perungudi and Kodungaiyur dumping grounds through bio‑mining, so far. The civic body manages an average of 6,300 tonnes of solid waste a day across its 426 sq. km limits, according to a press release.

At Perungudi, which spans 250 acres, bio‑mining was taken up on 225 acres to clear 27.50 lakh tonnes of waste at a project cost of ₹350.65 crore. Of this, 26.14 lakh tonnes have been cleared and 94 acres reclaimed, the release said. A second‑phase tender has been sought to remove an additional 5.50 lakh tonnes at an estimated ₹53.60 crore, the release added.

At Kodungaiyur, with a total area of 333 acres, waste had accumulated on 252 acres. Bio‑mining began in 2024 under a ₹641‑crore project awarded in six packages. Of the 66.52 lakh tonnes identified for removal, 26.50 lakh tonnes have been cleared and six acres reclaimed. Around three acres have been fenced and provided with irrigation facilities, and 1,500 saplings have been planted at a cost of ₹57 lakh, the release mentioned.

Apart from this, at Athipattu, 1.07 lakh tonnes had earlier been removed. Work to clear the remaining 72,000 tonnes for ₹6.94 crore is under way and scheduled for completion in six months, the release stated.