The Greater Chennai Corporation has launched intensive cleaning operations across the city, focusing on pedestrian pathways along bus routes. Between January 20 and 24, late-night drives were conducted to remove over 600 tonnes of garbage and construction debris. The drive will go on till January 27.

The Corporation cleaned 141 roads and 263 footpaths, covering 155.33 kilometres. A total of 463 workers and 137 vehicles were deployed to remove 142.24 tonnes of garbage and 489.51 tonnes of debris in four days. Kodambakkam Zone (X) reported the largest clearance, after 14.63 tonnes of garbage and 63 tonnes of debris were removed. Only two abandoned vehicles were cleared in the period.

According to a release, the operations also included the removal of advertisement banners, unnecessary cables and encroachments. Tree branches obstructing streetlights were trimmed and pedestrian pathways were cleared.

Despite these efforts, complaints of garbage burning persist. Social activist Ravi Kumar highlighted instances of plastic cable burning in Thiru-Vi-Ka Zone (VI), causing severe air pollution. In Tiruvottiyur Zone (I), Ward 4, residents expressed frustration over unaddressed grievances. M. Kamala Kannan, a member of Makkal Needhi Maiam claimed officials have neglected garbage burning issues on Buckingham Canal Road for over a year.