In a significant step toward improving cleanliness, the Greater Chennai Corporation will soon install AI-enabled CCTV cameras to monitor garbage dumping in public places. The initiative aims to identify violators and impose fines effectively, according to Corporation Commissioner J Kumaragurubaran. These cameras will monitor specific `garbage vulnerable points` or hotspots and will be integrated with the city’s *Integrated Command and Control Centre* at Ripon Building.
Fines Imposed for Garbage Dumping
As part of its ongoing efforts, the Corporation has already levied Rs 17.97 lakh in spot fines for 480 incidents of garbage dumping across the city. Kodambakkam (Zone 10) recorded the highest fine collection of Rs 2,25,500, followed by Royapuram (Zone 5) with Rs 2,14,400. The North region, comprising Zones 1 to 5, collected the most significant share of fines, amounting to Rs 8,02,400. This was followed by the central region (Zones 6 to 10) with Rs 5,44,600, and the southern region (Zones 11 to 15) with Rs 4,49,800.
Digital Fine Collection
The spot fines are collected through digital point-of-sale devices, enabling easy and cashless transactions. This is part of the Corporation’s broader effort to modernize enforcement and streamline fine collection for garbage dumping.
Revised Penalties
In its most recent council meeting, the Corporation approved a 10-fold increase in fines for waste dumping. The penalty was raised to Rs 5,000 from the earlier Rs 500 for improper disposal. Additionally, the fine for burning waste, whether in private or public areas, has also been increased to Rs 5,000. These measures reflect the city`s stricter stance on maintaining cleanliness and ensuring proper waste management.