Will GCC’s designated dumping sites address the problem of C&D waste?

Allotting designated areas to dump construction waste is a good move by the Greater Chennai Corporation as it will ensure only segregated waste enters the site and that waste is recycled as well. If processed scientifically, construction and demolition waste can be recycled and used to reduce the demand-supply gap in the industry

Greater Chennai Corporation has earmarked designated spots for dumping construction and demolition waste (C&D) in every zone. The work to get these facilities up and running is at different stages of completion.

In Thiruvottiyur (Zone 1) and Shollinganallur (Zone XV), work on constructing the yard is yet to begin.

At Madhavaram (Zone 3), work to construct a shed near CMDA Truck Terminal is under way. The zonal officer of Zone 3 says they are in the process of creating awareness about the upcoming facility so that the public would make use of it when it is ready. The shed at Zone V (Royapuram) has begun operations.

In recent months, illegal dumping of construction and demolition waste has drawn a lot of flak from citizen groups. Allotting designated areas to dump construction waste is a good move as it will ensure only segregated waste enters the site and that waste is recycled as well.

Corporation officials, however, say these facilities in every zone will only be responsible for clearing “unauthorised debris” lying on roads and places where it is not supposed to be. They would not be clearing such waste from individual homes or commercial establishments.

“Currently, the standard operating procedure given to us talks about clearing waste from areas where it is not supposed to be found as this results in pollution and environmental degradation,” says a GCC engineer. “If GCC has to start collecting C&D waste from individual residents then a fee must be levied depending on the quantity of waste. This will prevent people from dumping at public places but such a mechanism has to be worked out,” says the engineer.

Currently, construction and demolition (C&D) waste from Tondiarpet, Royapuram, Thiru. Vi. Ka. Nagar, Anna Nagar, Teynampet, Kodambakkam and Adyar zones are outsourced to Premier Precision Private Limited that collects, transports and processes it at the dumpyards in Perungudi and Kodungaiyur.