In a bid to improve cleanliness and waste management, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has decided to outsource solid waste management and litter control for the city’s iconic Marina and Besant Nagar beaches. This move follows the recent privatization of waste management services in Royapuram and Thiru Vi Ka Nagar, marking a continued effort to streamline waste operations in the city.Tenders for the management of waste at these popular beaches will be combined with those for Zones 5 and 6, as the GCC aims to expedite the process. The corporation plans to deploy heavy-duty mechanical sweepers to enhance the efficiency of beach cleanup operations. This development was confirmed by GCC Commissioner J. Kumaragurubaran, who emphasized the need for advanced methods to maintain cleanliness at these high-traffic public areas.
To further bolster these efforts, the GCC has introduced three All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) specifically for monitoring garbage dumping and tackling encroachments on the beaches. These vehicles will play a crucial role in ensuring that the beaches remain clean and accessible to the public.
Currently, private contractors manage waste collection, transportation, and disposal in 10 of Chennai’s 15 zones. By extending this model to the beaches, the GCC aims to not only reduce litter but also improve public health and environmental standards in these popular leisure spots.
The GCC will maintain oversight of the contractors to ensure that they comply with the required standards of waste management. With Chennai generating over 6,000 metric tons of waste daily, these initiatives are seen as critical steps in the corporation’s ongoing efforts to manage the city’s waste more effectively and keep public spaces clean.
As these measures are implemented, residents and visitors can expect to see significant improvements in the cleanliness and maintenance of Chennai’s beloved beaches.