GCC Deploys 600 Personnel and 350 Vehicles for Firecracker Waste Collection in Chennai

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has deployed 600 personnel and 350 vehicles to collect and safely dispose of firecracker waste across the city during Deepavali. The special initiative aims to maintain cleanliness and ensure public safety during the festive season.

Under the direction of GCC Commissioner G S Sameeran, the Solid Waste Management Department has launched a citywide cleaning drive to remove firecracker debris from roads, public spaces and stormwater drains.

As part of the initiative, the Corporation has distributed 30,000 designated collection bags, each with a capacity of 50 kg, to conservancy workers to ensure the separate collection of firecracker waste.

The GCC has urged residents and administrators of residential complexes, particularly bulk waste generators, to segregate firecracker waste from regular household garbage. They have been advised to keep it separate from biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste and hand it over directly to conservancy workers.

The Corporation has also intensified its cleaning operations by deploying mechanical sweepers and overnight road-cleaning teams across Chennai during the festival period.

In addition, awareness campaigns are being conducted through battery-operated vehicles in various neighbourhoods. Outreach programmes are also being organised in schools, colleges and public spaces to educate people about proper waste segregation and disposal.

The civic body has issued safety guidelines, urging residents to use only approved green crackers to minimise noise and air pollution.

The initiative is expected to help keep Chennai`s roads and public spaces clean, prevent firecracker waste from blocking stormwater drains and ensure a safer environment during Deepavali celebrations.