In a major step towards sustainable urban development, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has planted 1,500 tree saplings at the reclaimed Kodungaiyur dumpyard. The initiative, equipped with piped irrigation and protective fencing, aims to increase the city’s green cover and improve air quality in the surrounding areas. The project, costing ₹57 lakh, also includes maintenance of the green space for one year.The tree-planting drive comes in the wake of the ongoing bio-mining project to clear legacy waste from the Kodungaiyur landfill, one of the largest dump yards in the city. Of the total 66.52 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of waste, around 16.67 lakh MT have already been removed. This has allowed the reclamation of two large land parcels, paving the way for eco-restoration.
Spread across 250 acres, the bio-mining project is being carried out in six phases by three different contractors. GCC aims to complete the entire project in two years. Alongside waste clearance and afforestation, the civic body has also ramped up fire safety measures at the site, including the deployment of 24/7 water sprinkler trucks to prevent landfill fires, especially during the summer months.
To strengthen its firefighting capabilities, the Corporation has installed a 9,000-litre emergency water tank, two fire trucks, and a larger 1.5 lakh-litre capacity emergency water tank at the site. These measures aim to ensure quick response in case of emergencies.
The ultimate goal of the project is to transform the reclaimed space into a thriving green belt and set a benchmark for sustainable landfill reclamation across India. GCC’s efforts reflect a strong commitment to restoring ecological balance in the urban landscape and serve as a model for cities grappling with waste management challenges.