Efforts to Clear Plastic Waste from Chennai’s Virugambakkam Canal

In a significant operation on November 6, 2023, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) successfully removed one tonne of plastic waste from the micro canal of Virugambakkam, located in Choolaimedu’s Tamilar Veedhi within GCC’s Zone 8. GCC Commissioner J. Radhakrishnan announced that a case would be filed against an individual found openly disposing of waste near the canal during his inspection.

The canal, managed by the Water Resources Department (WRD), runs from Nerkundram in Zone 10 to the Cooum basin in Choolaimedu, continually grappling with plastic waste clogging its drainage system. Despite regular maintenance by the Public Works Department (PWD), plastic waste often accumulates. Officials cited the need for increased awareness among the public about the adverse impact of waste disposal in water bodies and encouraged responsible trash disposal practices.

While CCTV cameras could help monitor and deter such violations, the issue of vandalism poses a challenge. GCC Commissioner Radhakrishnan urged citizens not to use banned single-use plastic items and to be vigilant in waste management to prevent further blockages in the canals, especially during heavy rainfall.