The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) issued more than 14,500 tenders during the last financial year, a sharp increase compared with the usual number of around 4,000 to 4,500 tenders each year.
GCC Commissioner G.S. Sameeran shared the details during a recent Corporation Council meeting. The large increase in the number of tenders has also led to questions about whether all the required procedures were properly followed.
Financial and Administrative Approval Required
Commissioner Sameeran explained that development works cannot be started immediately. Before a tender is issued, every project must first receive both financial and administrative approval.
After these approvals are obtained, the tender is placed before the appropriate committee for consideration. Qualified bidders are then selected, and once the tender is awarded, a work order is issued to begin the project.
This process is intended to ensure that public money is spent properly and that development works follow the required rules.
Possible Procedural Issues Under Review
Sameeran also said that there could be more than 1,000 files with procedural issues. He stressed that the Corporation needs to carry out proper checks to make sure that all development works have followed the correct process.
A separate committee is currently auditing the works and related files. The review is expected to help identify any mistakes or irregularities and ensure that future projects follow the required procedures.
The audit is important because the Corporation handles a large number of public projects involving roads, drainage, infrastructure, and other civic services.
Road Cut Charges Pending
The meeting also discussed the issue of pending road cut charges involving the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB).
According to the Commissioner, the CMWSSB owes around ₹3,500 crore to the GCC in road-cut charges. The charges are related to road-cutting work carried out for water and sewerage projects.
The CMWSSB is currently facing financial difficulties and has been unable to clear the full amount. However, the Corporation has asked the agency to continue with essential work despite the financial issues because the projects are considered important for the public.
₹100 Crore Allocated for Monsoon Preparation
The GCC has also taken steps to prepare Chennai for the upcoming monsoon season. The Corporation has allocated around ₹100 crore for various monsoon-related works.
The funds will be used for important activities such as:
- Desilting drains and water channels
- Repairing damaged roads
- Purchasing and deploying high-capacity machinery
- Carrying out emergency works
- Purchasing and maintaining pump motors
- Other measures to improve the city’s ability to handle heavy rainfall
Administrative approval has already been given for the monsoon preparation works. Tenders for different projects are currently being processed, while some works have already reached the execution stage.
Focus on Chennai’s Infrastructure
The large number of tenders issued by the GCC, the review of project files, and the monsoon preparations show the scale of work being handled by the civic body.
At the same time, the Corporation’s audit of files is expected to help ensure greater transparency and better implementation of public projects.
With the monsoon approaching, officials are also focusing on completing essential drainage, road, and flood-prevention works on time. The main objective is to reduce waterlogging and protect residents during periods of heavy rainfall.