Corpn to install CCTVs to nab litterbugs as warnings, campaigns fail to succeed

CHENNAI: The Greater Chennai Corporation has decided to install CCTV cameras on interior streets where people continue to dump garbage to identify those who dirty the roads and take action against them, said officials.

This was decided after a nearly two-week-long inspection drive revealed that several people were continuing to dump waste, including construction debris, on many of the interior streets despite awareness campaigns and repeated warnings.

“To put an end to it, we have decided to install CCTV cameras in areas where more garbage is found on the road. Using that, we will be able to identify the violators, whether shop owners, residents or others, and impose fine,” said a senior official from Tondiarpet zone.

The civic body undertook the inspection drive from March 3 to 16 at each of the 15 zones to intensify its efforts to make the city litter-free under the Singara Chennai 2.0 project. Those found dirtying the roads by dumping garbage and construction waste were slapped with penalties.

As per the official data from the civic body, it imposed a total fine of Rs 10.77 lakh on individuals who littered waste in public places, and Rs 8.79 lakh on those who dumped construction waste. So far, 805 police cases have also been registered against violators.

The highest total fine collection for dumping garbage on the road was from Teynampet zone (Rs 1.27 lakh), followed by Sholinganallur zone (Rs 87,000), officials said.

Reiterating its appeal, the Corporation urged the public to cooperate with it to keep the city clean by avoiding littering public places. Officials said the people could contact the civic body’s helpline number 1913 if they spot any area where garbage is accumulated. Sanitary workers would clean the place at the earliest, it said.