GCC to Install ₹54.3 Lakh Water Sumps at Perungudi and Kodungaiyur Dumpyards

To tackle recurring landfill fires, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) plans to set up two new 2 lakh litre water storage sumps at the Perungudi and Kodungaiyur dumpyards for ₹54.3 lakh. The move aims to ensure immediate water availability on-site when blazes break out in these localities.

The civic body decided to expand its infrastructure after five fire incidents were reported at the two waste sites between March and June this year. The first fire broke out at the Kodungaiyur dumpyard on March 14. Perungudi recorded two fire outbreaks shortly after, on June 4 and June 15. Kodungaiyur experienced two additional fires on June 21 and June 26. During each of these five incidents, the GCC was forced to rush water tankers and excavators to the locations to assist firefighting teams.

P. Banukumar, superintending engineer for solid waste management at the GCC, stated that the previous water storage capacity at the dumpyards was limited. The civic body earlier had a storage capacity of 1 lakh litres at the sites. Banukumar explained that the GCC wants to increase this capacity to ensure adequate water is available on-site so it can be pumped out quickly during fire emergencies.

Tenders for the construction of the water tanks were floated in July, and officials confirmed that the bidding process will close by Friday. The additional storage is expected to significantly reduce dependence on water tankers and external water sources during firefighting operations, allowing municipal staff to draw water directly from the site whenever a blaze occurs.

To further monitor the waste management sites, 38 CCTV cameras have also been set up across the two locations. This includes 20 cameras at the Kodungaiyur dumpyard and 18 cameras at the Perungudi dumpyard. All 38 cameras are connected to the GCC’s integrated command and control centre (ICCC) for continuous surveillance.