Chennai, July 5 (IANS) The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has launched a fresh enforcement drive against Bulk Waste Generators (BWGs), directing all eligible establishments across the city to register on both the Corporation and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) online portals within 15 days or face penalties under the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026.

The directive was issued after a review meeting chaired by Corporation Commissioner G.S. Sameeran at the Ripon Building on Saturday to assess the implementation of the SWM Rules and strengthen compliance with waste management regulations across Chennai.

According to the Corporation, the move follows a Supreme Court order issued on May 25 empowering urban local bodies to take stringent action against establishments that violate the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026.

Officials said the latest drive marks a stricter phase of enforcement aimed at ensuring scientific handling and processing of waste by large generators. The GCC has warned that eligible establishments failing to register within the stipulated period or violating mandatory source segregation norms will face penalties ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 25,000.

Persistent violations could result in more stringent enforcement measures under the provisions of the rules.

As part of its recent enforcement efforts, the civic body collected Rs 5.95 lakh in fines from 120 defaulting bulk waste generators during inspections carried out between June 1 and June 30.

Under the SWM Rules, establishments are classified as Bulk Waste Generators if they have a built-up area of at least 20,000 square metres, consume 40,000 litres or more of water daily, or generate a minimum of 100 kg of solid waste every day.

The category includes residential welfare associations, commercial complexes, hotels, hospitals, educational institutions, IT parks, markets, industries and large institutional offices. The rules require all BWGs to install colour-coded bins at their own cost and ensure segregation of biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste at the source.

Biodegradable waste must be scientifically processed within the premises through methods such as composting or biomethanation, while dry, sanitary and other special category waste should be handed over to the Corporation or its authorised concessionaires for further processing.

Bulk waste generators are also required to maintain records of waste generation, processing and disposal and submit quarterly reports through the online portal.

To facilitate compliance, the GCC has deployed Swachh Bharat Mission animators and independent engineers across all 15 Corporation zones to assist eligible establishments with the registration process and implementation of the waste management norms.

–IANS

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