Berliner Tageszeitung - Chennai Waste Debate Pits Worker Demands Against Dumping Complaints

While conservancy workers continue to press for permanent jobs, residents in parts of the city have called for stricter action against open dumping, even as some areas have seen improved garbage clearance following complaints and privatisation of collection services.

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC), meanwhile, launched a 40-day source-segregation awareness programme targeting 50,000 households across five southern zones. Bulk waste generators have been directed to mandatorily segregate waste from September 1.

Former DMK councillor V. Vasu in Ayanavaram falling under Anna Nagar Zone stated open dumping had continued despite a 25-year-long campaign involving warning boards, wall paintings and appeals against dumping.

He also raised concerns over the consistency of work by NULM workers and permanent staff in the zone saying, “The workers are not punctual, constantly absent and often reluctant to take on alternative tasks, strictly sticking to their preferred duties like sweeping and not door-to-door collection. So, supervisors find it extremely difficult to manage them or enforce consistent cleanliness routines across the ward. Also, people do not segregate the waste while handing it over to the workers. The waste is openly dumped causing street dog menace and fights, mosquito breeding and constant stench,” he charged.

“The space under Chakravarthi Nagar Canal Crossing Bridge was closed to control the incessant open dumping by the public, yet, they still find a way to dump trash in the locality. Even pictures of deities were put up at dumping points, but waste continues to be thrown again,” he stated. Several lakhs had been spent on such efforts. He stated motorists dump waste on the go, and even if CCTV cameras were to be fitted to monitor, it would be tough to ascertain the persons responsible and fine them.

Meanwhile, Perambur resident Palani stated street sweeping and garbage clearance had improved in the recent months. While dumping still occurred in many parts of the area, especially in the canal and near the ISKCON temple, he stated complaints were generally attended to and waste was cleared by workers there, sometimes within a day, which is faster than before. He suggested small fines to deter repeat dumping. The Community Welfare Brigade had, over the past few years, pushed for privatisation of waste collection in the area to streamline operations.

In Anna Nagar West, resident Baktavatchalam stated garbage collection had improved after privatisation and complaints were generally addressed within hours or the next day. However, he stated source segregation was “virtually non-existent” and garden waste could take longer to remove.

Protests continue

Meanwhile, the Uzhaippor Urimai Iyakkam, affiliated to Labour Trade Union Congress–All India Central Council of Trade Unions (LTUC-AICCTU), in a petition to Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, sought permanent employment for all conservancy workers, besides paid weekly holidays, maternity and menstrual leave, quality housing and wages based on the ₹832-daily wage announced for unskilled workers.

In a protest held at the Ripon Buildings on Wednesday, the NULM workers also sought withdrawal of cases related to the August 2025 protests , reinstatement of the remaining 13 among 1,400 workers and office space for the union in the GCC headquarters. The union stated thousands had signed its petition, which was also endorsed by the Left parties.

A. Lefebvre--BTZ