To streamline garbage clearance and minimize public disruptions, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has implemented a new strategy – shifting all conservancy operations to midnight. This initiative, initially launched as a pilot project on approximately 400 bus-route roads and highways, has demonstrated promising results.
GCC commissioner J Kumaragurubaran highlighted the advantages of this shift. “We reviewed the midnight drives done over the last 10 days. Most of our zonal officers found midnight sweeping easier compared to daytime, due to lesser traffic and ease of moving machinery. Now, we are piloting it on bus route roads first,” he stated.
The results have been significant. From July 22, the GCC collected a remarkable 797 tonnes of waste and 6309 tonnes of debris at night. The commissioner emphasized the efficiency of the nighttime operations. “Conservancy workers could cover the full width of a bus route road at night, unlike in the morning when they could only sweep the side lanes. Additionally, the time taken for sweeping and transportation was quicker,” he added.
While interior roads will continue to be swept in the morning, the GCC will assess the feasibility of midnight drives for busy roads with heavy traffic, such as Shanthi Colony 4th Avenue or 5th Avenue, on a case-by-case basis. During monsoon and disaster times, GCC will deploy staff in the morning to clear trees or debris.
The benefits of nighttime operations were also echoed by a zonal officer who emphasized the ease of maneuverability for heavy machinery. “Turning and moving earthmovers and tipper lorries is easier at night. There were also no obstructions from encroachers when we cleared pavements at night,” he said.
Kumaragurubaran indicated that a standard operating procedure (SOP) outlining cleaning timings, required manpower, and shifts will be prepared shortly. Approximately 1,500 staff currently assigned to morning duty for bus route roads will be transitioned to night shifts. The garbage collected in the morning will be transported in the morning, while the garbage collected at night will be transported immediately, ensuring a clear separation between these operations.
Mahmood Sait, CEO of Urbaser Sumeet, which manages conservancy operations in South Chennai, corroborated the positive impact of nighttime operations. “On OMR, long lengths of electric cables were found abandoned once. We cleared them instantly because of no traffic. With high construction activity in the city, a lot of debris and waste come up on the roads. Night drives are helpful for mass cleaning,” he stated.
The GCC’s initiative to implement midnight garbage collection demonstrates a proactive approach towards enhancing waste management efficiency, reducing traffic disruptions, and optimizing the utilization of manpower. This move aligns with the city’s commitment to a cleaner and more sustainable environment.
