Chennai Corporation deploys 600 workers and 350 vehicles to clear Deepavali firecracker waste
The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has rolled out a special waste management programme to ensure the proper collection and disposal of firecracker debris following Deepavali celebrations.
Under the supervision of Corporation Commissioner G S Sameeran, the Solid Waste Management Department has launched a citywide cleaning campaign targeting roads, public spaces and stormwater drains affected by firecracker waste.
As part of the operation, the civic body has mobilised 600 sanitation personnel and 350 vehicles. It has also distributed 30,000 specially designated collection bags, each capable of holding up to 50 kg of waste, to conservancy workers.
The Corporation has appealed to residents and residential apartment associations to keep firecracker remains separate from regular household waste. Bulk waste generators, including large residential complexes, have been specifically instructed to hand over the debris separately to sanitation workers.
Additional cleaning measures include the deployment of mechanical sweeping machines and teams assigned to carry out road-cleaning operations overnight during the festive period.
To improve public participation, the GCC is also conducting awareness drives using battery-operated vehicles. Educational institutions and public spaces are being covered through special outreach programmes.
The civic body has further advised residents to opt for authorised green crackers to reduce the environmental impact of celebrations, particularly air and noise pollution.