In a significant push to tackle illegal dumping and improve urban cleanliness, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has successfully collected and disposed of a massive amount of bulky household waste from across the city over a three-month period.
Massive Haul from Doorstep Initiative
The civic body's special door-to-door collection drive, which commenced on October 11, has led to the safe disposal of more than 582 tonnes of waste. This waste primarily consisted of large, difficult-to-discard items such as old sofas, mattresses, and other furniture that typically clutter streets and vacant plots.
According to a GCC official, the initiative was launched with a clear objective. "The drive was introduced to prevent dumping of large items on streets and vacant plots and to ensure safe disposal through authorised facilities," the official stated. So far, 1,587 residents have availed themselves of the convenient service by registering in advance.
How the Collection System Works
Residents of Chennai can schedule a pickup through multiple channels. They can use the dedicated Namma Chennai mobile app, call the GCC helpline at 1913, or send details via WhatsApp to 9445061913. Once registered, sanitation workers visit the registered homes every Saturday to collect the bulky items.
The collected waste is not just taken away; it is systematically transported to the Kodungaiyur incineration facility for proper and authorised disposal, ensuring it does not end up in unauthorised landfills.
Resident Feedback and Monitoring Challenges
While the drive has been widely welcomed by citizens, some residents have reported lapses in the final disposal stage. There have been complaints that items collected from homes are sometimes found dumped at vacant spots instead of being taken to the incineration plant.
K Manickam, a resident of Pattalam, highlighted the need for stricter oversight. "When such initiatives are implemented, disposal must be carried out properly, and strict monitoring should be ensured by GCC officials. We see conservancy workers dumping collected waste on roadsides especially mats and mattresses. Authorities must ensure follow-up and confirm that all collected waste is properly disposed of at the incineration facility," he said. In several instances, waste was cleared only after residents raised complaints on online platforms.
The GCC's effort represents a crucial step in managing urban waste, but as resident feedback indicates, consistent monitoring is key to ensuring the initiative's complete success and maintaining public trust.
