2 weeks Ago By Omjasvin M D
Chennai: Those who dump garbage clandestinely in water bodies can no longer go scot-free, as Greater Chennai Corporatoin (GCC) has deployed drones across the city to nab offenders. On Friday alone, GCC nabbed four people found dumping waste into the Kodungaiyur canal . They were fined up to 20,000, and nearly 10 tonnes of waste was removed.
GCC will be deploying drones across the city to monitor all waterways, including major Otteri Nullah, Buckingham Canal, Adyar river, and other micro and mini canals across the city. An official with the solid waste management department said the drones would be operated by GCC zonal teams randomly over a waterbody, and if individuals are spotted dumping waste, the divisional enforcement teams will be alerted. "They will spot the location and nab violators.
The drones will click images, and these will be used to file police complaints against individuals who repeatedly dump waste in the same spot," said an official. In stretches such as Pulianthope, drones identified four garbage corners around Demellows Road. Here, GCC workers were sent to clear the debris.
The drone footage will be periodically verified by GCC commissioner J Kumaragurubaran. According to data from solid waste management department, GCC has identified more than 30 garbage hotspots where 350 tonnes of waste is collected every day. Regional deputy commissioner (south) M P Amith said preliminary talks with drone operators are over.
"They will be deployed over canals and waterbodies soon," he said. Activists said GCC has to update details of its debris collection agent on its website. K Sadanand of Mogappair said there are no contact details on GCC's website.
"Most construction sites end up dumping debris in isolated spots. If we call GCC's sanitary inspectors, they say they don't collect the waste nor provide the contact of the agent," he said. GCC in 2021 had tied up with a contractor, Premier Precise Surface, for a contract costing 441 crores but the contractor is nowhere to be seen.
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