GCC and Metro Water to curb sewage discharge into storm water drains
Officials will conduct joint inspections to identify and block illegal sewage connections into the city's storm water drain network and roads.
Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) Commissioner GS Sameeran on Tuesday directed zonal officials to identify and block sewage outlets discharging into storm water drains (SWD) and roads, according to The New Indian Express.
The inspections will be conducted jointly with the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB). Officials must maintain a joint register documenting discharge locations, inspection findings, blocked connections, and fines collected.
Building owners will be guided to obtain authorised sewage connections through the CMWSSB. Each of the 15 zones will appoint a nodal officer to coordinate between the GCC and CMWSSB.
Penalties will be imposed as per a council resolution from June 2025. Ordinary residential buildings flouting norms will face a fine of Rs 10,000, while commercial buildings in that category will be fined Rs 25,000.
For special buildings, fines are Rs 50,000 for residential and Rs 1 lakh for commercial properties. Multi-storeyed residential buildings will be fined Rs 2 lakh, and commercial multi-storeyed buildings will attract a penalty of Rs 5 lakh.
A corporation official told TNIE that the civic body will now undertake door-to-door inspections in each division. All collected fines will be updated immediately on the GCC app.