Chennai: Buildings discharging sewage into storm-water drains face ₹5 lakh fine
The Greater Chennai Corporation and Metrowater will conduct joint inspections to identify and block illegal connections across the city.
The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) will penalise buildings that illegally discharge sewage into storm-water drains with fines reaching ₹5 lakh, according to The Hindu.
The civic body and the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (Metrowater) will carry out joint inspections to find and block these illegal outlets. Commissioner G.S. Sameeran has issued a circular directing officials to disconnect such connections.
Penalties vary based on building type and use. Ordinary residential buildings face a ₹10,000 fine, while commercial premises incur ₹25,000. Special buildings will be fined ₹50,000 for residential use and ₹1 lakh for commercial use.
Multi-storeyed residential buildings will attract a ₹2 lakh penalty, whereas commercial multi-storeyed buildings face a fine of ₹5 lakh. The Corporation stated that these illegal connections cause rainwater to stagnate on roads during the monsoon.
Zonal officers must appoint nodal officers to coordinate inspections and report to the Commissioner. A joint register will track discharge locations, responsible owners, blocked connections, and collected fines, which must be uploaded to the GCC mobile application.