Chennai Vinayagar Chaturthi 2026: GCC Removes 139.63 Tonnes of Waste from Five Beaches

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) carried out a massive clean-up operation across five beaches following the Vinayagar Chaturthi idol immersions held on Saturday and Sunday. The civic body removed 139.63 metric tonnes of solid waste using 97 machines and 377 workers.

Among the five immersion locations, Palavakkam Beach recorded the highest volume of waste at 78,200 kg from 704 Vinayagar idols. The waste included 57,100 kg of wooden pallets, 1,550 kg of dry waste, 3,700 kg of flower waste, 1,550 kg of wet waste and 1,350 kg of food waste.

Srinivasapuram in Pattinapakkam witnessed the largest number of idol immersions, with 6,479 statues generating 37,538 kg of waste. Kasimedu Fishing Harbour recorded 1,645 statues and 13,693 kg of debris, while Ennore saw 2,485 statues and 9,711 kg of waste. Tiruvottiyur recorded 340 statues and 493 kg of waste.

Across all five locations, the collected waste consisted of 84,690 kg of wooden pallets, 33,555 kg of dry waste, 16,390 kg of flower waste, 3,650 kg of wet waste and 1,350 kg of food waste.

Security Arrangements

The Greater Chennai Police (GCP) deployed extensive security arrangements to manage crowds and ensure public safety during the idol immersion processions.

A total of 16,500 police personnel from Law and Order, Traffic and Special Branch units were deployed, along with 2,000 Home Guards. In addition, 2,080 personnel from Avadi Police Commissionerate and 1,500 personnel from Tambaram Police Commissionerate were deployed.

According to the police, a total of 22,080 police personnel were deployed for bandobust duty.

Temporary police control rooms were established at the immersion locations. Cranes, conveyor belts and JCB machines were also deployed to support the immersion and clean-up operations. CCTV cameras and drones were used for real-time monitoring.

Emergency arrangements included ambulances, fire engines, Coast Guard vessels and boats operated by volunteer swimmers, ensuring preparedness throughout the immersion activities.

The Greater Chennai Police said the immersion process was largely peaceful, apart from minor arguments between two groups in Triplicane. GCP Commissioner A. Amalraj inspected the immersion points throughout the day and monitored the security arrangements.