Greater Chennai Corporation accelerates biomining to reclaim land

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) is advancing biomining operations to reclaim land from major dumping yards, including Kodungaiyur, Perungudi, and Athipattu.

At the 350-acre Kodungaiyur site, approximately 72% of the 66.53 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of legacy waste has been cleared, resulting in the reclamation of 22 acres. The project aims to reclaim a total of 200 acres by May 2027. Following budget announcements, the GCC is preparing tenders to clear an additional 12.30 lakh MT of waste at this location at an estimated cost of Rs 116.89 crore.

At the 250-acre Perungudi dumpyard, Phase 1 has reclaimed approximately 96 acres. Phase 2 is currently underway, with 20% of the targeted 5.50 lakh MT of waste already removed. This phase is expected to be completed by March 2027, with a goal of reclaiming 75 acres. An additional 16.50 lakh MT of waste clearance is planned for Perungudi at a cost of Rs 158.93 crore.

At the Athipattu dumpyard, Phase 1 is complete. Phase 2 has processed 89% of its 72,083 MT waste target and is expected to be finished by December 2026.