Date:25/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/25/stories/2008052554520800.htm

Tamil Nadu

SHGs to be part of sanitation awareness

Staff Reporter

Seven new compactor trucks for garbage collection launched

CHENNAI: Beginning June 1, the Chennai Corporation will impose a fine on people who dump garbage on the streets or sully public spaces.

The civic body has roped in self-help groups to improve awareness of sanitation.

Mayor M. Subramanian on Friday said the Corporation would levy a fine of Rs. 100 for indiscriminate dumping of garbage and a fine of Rs. 50 for spitting, urinating or defecating in public places.

Publicity slides encouraging people to dispose of garbage in the allocated bins were being run in cinema theatres, he said.

Reaching out

Self-help groups would interact with residents to spread the message across the city.

The Mayor presented the keys of seven new compactor trucks for garbage collection to Corporation workers. The trucks cost Rs. 19.31 lakh each.

The vehicles are the second batch of compactor trucks bought by the Corporation after its announcement to purchase 80 trucks to improve garbage collection.

Earlier, 16 trucks were bought. More equipment would be bought in phases, Mr. Subramanian said.

The compactors would be used in six zones where solid waste is managed by the Corporation.

Private firm Neel Metal Fanalca operates compactor trucks in the Pulianthope, Ice House, Kodambakkam and Adyar zones.