From Kottivakkam to Uthandi, Chennai’s shoreline is expected to be cleaner, as the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) is planning to acquire a ₹95-lakh tractor-driven beach cleaning machine. The unit is designed to clear at least six acres of wet or dry sand an hour across Perungudi and Sholinganallur zones, according to the GCC.
The machine will be deployed on beaches in Kottivakkam, Palavakkam, Neelangarai, Akkarai and Uthandi. Notably, these beaches have been slated to be upgraded with sustainable infrastructure under a programme to acquire Blue Flag Certification by the State recently.
The machine will feature a hopper with a capacity of over 2 cubic metres, a minimum cleaning width of 7 feet and a dump height of 9 feet. It is capable of removing glass, plastic, stones, seaweed and other debris, operating at speeds up to 15 km/h, with an adjustable cleaning depth of at least 6 inches, an official stated.
The tractor will be a four-wheel drive model with a 55 HP diesel engine, a wheelbase of no less than 2,300 mm, and equipped with GPS and fuel monitoring systems.
Published – August 11, 2025 11:42 pm IST
