GCC to enforce stricter rules on construction sites to curb dust and debris

Stricter regulations on construction sites in Chennai to crackdown on dust, debris, and safety hazards, with penalties for non-compliance.

Construction sites across the city must soon comply with stricter regulations as the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) plans to crackdown on dust, debris, and safety hazards caused by building activities.

All construction projects spanning an area of over 3,000 sq. ft — irrespective of whether they are managed by private builders or government contractors — will have to comply with stricter rules to keep roads clean and ensure public safety.

At the ‘Clean Construction and Precautionary Measures’ meeting held in the Ripon Buildings on Thursday, GCC Commissioner J. Kumaragurubaran, Mayor R. Priya, and Deputy Mayor M. Magesh Kumaar, among others, reviewed plans to enforce stricter rules on construction and demolition activities. Projects that are handled by contractors in partnership with government departments would also come under the purview of these rules.

The Deputy Mayor said: “The new regulations, similar to the ones in Mumbai and Bengaluru civic bodies, will apply to all construction and demolition work covering over 3,000 sq. ft. Builders should install barricades around construction sites, and vehicles transporting materials such as M-sand, bricks, and metal bars must be fully covered...”

A resolution on these regulations will be placed before the Corporation Council in the next meeting. If passed, it will be sent for the government’s approval.

Initially, contractors will receive a notice, reminding them to ensure adherence to the regulations. On non-compliance, penalties will be imposed, he added. If further violations are repeatedly observed, a ‘Stop Notice’ will be issued to the builders.

The respective zone’s Assistant Engineers and Sanitary Inspectors will be responsible for monitoring compliance with the rules, he said, adding: “Recently, there have been complaints of sand from excavation work being dumped on roads, posing a risk to motorists. One of the major issues highlighted was the danger posed to two-wheeler riders when earthwork is carried out at night...”