The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has allocated ₹352 crore in its budget presented on Wednesday for solid waste management (SWM).

Of this, ₹300 crore is for a biomining project that is to be carried out under six packages in the Kodungaiyur dumpyard and the remaining is to complete the ongoing biomining project at the Perungudi dumpyard — where the work under three packages has been halted for several years for various reasons.

The allocation for waste management has increased by ₹142 crore as against the last year’s figure of ₹210 crore. According to the GCC’s budget documents, the peak allocation of ₹424.01 crore was in 2023–24 — a significant jump from the previous years, especially compared to ₹16 crore in 2018-19.

When asked about this increase, a GCC official cited the privatisation efforts and an increase in ongoing projects. “In 2018, only three or four zones were privatised. Now, the number has increased to 10, and management will be outsourced in more zones for efficient handling of waste and protecting banks of waterbodies. Hence, the cost also increases. Further, more projects were introduced, which added to the cost. More vehicles were also deployed. So, overall expenditure increased,” the official said.

Standing Committee (Public Health) Chairperson G. Shanthakumari said that in 2023, biomining began in the two dumpyards, which was the reason behind the increase in expenditure estimates. Since 2018, estimated expenditure of the Solid Waste Management Department was noted under categories — compost bins, Swachh Bharat initiatives, river restoration works and procurement under the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) 2.0 scheme, among others.

Capital expenditure

Capital expenditure for GCC refers to funds allocated for long-term infrastructure investments—such as roads, bridges, and waste management facilities—that secure the city’s future growth.

Allocations for compost bins rose from ₹3 crore in 2018-19 to ₹12 crore in 2025-26 and SBM-SWM projects, from ₹2 crore to ₹30 crore. These changes reflect shifting priorities, and increased investments in waste management and infrastructure.

According to Mayor R. Priya’s announcements during her speech at the Greater Chennai Corporation Budget presentation for FY 2025-26 on Wednesday at the Ripon Buildings, an estimated ₹14 crore has been allocated for setting up two windrow compost plants in Perungudi, each with a capacity of 50 metric tonnes.

These will be established on reclaimed land from bio-mining operations. Additionally, plastic baling centres will be set up in Tiruvottiyur (I), Madhavaram (III), Tondiarpet (IV), Anna Nagar (VIII), Teynampet (IX), Kodambakkam (X), Valasarvakkam (XI), Alandur (XII), Adyar (XIII) and Sholinganallur (XV) Zones for a total estimated cost of ₹22.25 crore.

“There are several complaints from the public regarding foul smell and health issues across the city from Micro Composting centres. Therefore, these plants are being set up,” Ms. Shanthakumari said.