NGT directs Chennai Corporation to ensure uninterrupted processing of C&D waste

The southern bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) to ensure uninterrupted processing of construction and demolition (C&D) waste and make alternative arrangements whenever designated processing facilities shut down.

The order dated October 7 was passed in a suo motu case initiated based on a The Hindu report published in May 2024, which identified 25 locations in Chennai where C&D waste was being repeatedly dumped. 

The bench, comprising Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana and expert member Prashant Gargava, observed that despite several measures by the civic body, illegal dumping of construction debris continued to recur at public places, roadsides, and canals.

The bench noted that the GCC’s C&D waste processing facilities at Perungudi and Kodungaiyur had become non-operational in August and December 2024, respectively. This had resulted in the accumulation of collected waste at various locations. It said the civic body must ensure adequate alternative processing capacity so that the temporary closure of a facility does not disrupt the entire waste management system. 

According to the GCC’s latest report, between February 1 and August 15, 2026, it received 5,884 complaints regarding C&D waste, of which 5,411 had been resolved. 

The Corporation identified C&D waste at 3,18,887 locations and removed waste from 3,18,727 locations, leaving 160 locations pending. Of the 1,99,220 tonnes identified for removal, 1,98,887 tonnes had been cleared, leaving 333 tonnes pending. 

The GCC has deployed 42 enforcement vehicles and installed CCTV cameras at strategic locations to prevent unauthorised dumping. It also collected ₹1.28 crore in penalties between October 8, 2024, and October 20, 2025. 

Need for long-term solution

The NGT, however, said the recurrence of dumping showed that merely clearing accumulated debris was not a lasting solution and directed the GCC to ensure effective operation of C&D waste processing facilities, put alternative arrangements in place during any disruption, and ensure strict compliance by builders, developers, and those undertaking construction or demolition. 

It also directed the TNPCB to ensure that C&D waste collection, transportation, processing, and disposal across Tamil Nadu complied with applicable laws and guidelines.