Chennai Corporation launches weekly doorstep collection drive for bulk waste
Chennai is gearing up for a cleaner and more organized city environment! The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has officially rolled out a weekly doorstep collection service specifically for bulk household waste — think furniture, mattresses, old beds — that are often too large or awkward for regular waste trucks.
🔍 What’s new?
- Starting October 11, the weekly service will begin in all 15 zones of Chennai.
- These bulky waste items can’t go into the usual compactors. To address that, residents can now request pickup free of cost.
- To avail the service, residents can:
• Call the helpline 1913
• Or send a WhatsApp message to 94450 61913 (with photos)
• Or use the Namma Chennai App to register their bulk waste pickup. - On Fridays, collection plans will be prepared zone-wise. Collections will happen from 8 AM to 8 PM on Saturdays. Any leftover will be done early Sunday.
- After collection, the waste will be taken to GCC’s incinerator plants for safe disposal.
💬 Resident response & challenges
Some residents have already welcomed the move, calling it “much needed,” especially in areas where illegal dumping is common. But many also cautioned that execution and consistency will be key — in some locations, even regular waste collection is erratic.
This initiative is part of GCC’s broader effort to reduce littering, streamline bulk waste handling, and keep Chennai’s neighborhoods cleaner and more livable.
“It’s a free-of-cost plan… we have ensured sufficient vehicles for each division so the initiative runs smoothly.” — GCC official
Source: The Times of India
Chennai Corporation launches portal & app for pet licensing in Chennai
Pet owners in Chennai, take note — things are about to get more digital and convenient! The Greater Chennai Corporation has launched a new integrated platform (website + mobile app) aimed at managing pet dog records and issuing pet licences more efficiently.
📲 What’s in the new platform?
- The system allows pet owners to apply for licences online via the portal. The mobile app is mainly for GCC staff to manage and verify records.
- Key requirements for a licence include:
• The dog must be microchipped with owner, address, and health/vaccination details.
• Dog must have received an Anti-Rabies Vaccine (ARV). - Applications are verified in stages:
1. The vet reviews breed, vaccination, and other details via their login.
2. The zonal veterinary officer then gives the final approval. - Licences will be valid as long as ARV status is active. Pet owners get reminders via SMS or WhatsApp — a month before expiry, a week before, and a day before.
- For community dogs:
• Dog catchers can upload photos + GPS coordinates when capturing them.
• After sterilization, vaccination, microchipping, and documentation, dogs are released near the capture location (within 30 sq m radius). - The portal also supports: pet transfer, adoption of community dogs, reporting of lost pets, and lodging complaints (e.g., dog bites or cruelty) with photographic evidence.
📊 Current stats & impact
- So far, 12,393 pet licences have been issued in Chennai.
- 12,250 community dogs are fitted with QR code collars and microchips.
- Since 2021, a total of 72,345 street dogs have been sterilised and vaccinated.
Mayors and officials say this is just the first step, with plans to expand this to cover other districts in Tamil Nadu going forward.
Source: The New Indian Express
