Chennai Corporation asks Kodungaiyur waste incinerator to stop work owing to potential public health risk

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) on Friday issued a notice ordering the Kodungaiyur waste incinerator plant to stop incineration of waste.

According to the notice issued by the Superintending Engineer Solid Waste Management Department on Friday, the civic body directed the company to “immediately suspend the operation of the incinerator plant with effect from receipt of this letter and submit within three days a detailed compliance report covering all 48 environmental parameters prescribed by TNPCB.”

 A joint inspection was carried out on February 18, 2026 by officials of Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB), District Revenue Officer/Assistant Commissioner Zone – 4 along with Greater Chennai Corporation officials. During the inspection, the following deficiencies were observed: The water scrubber system was found to be inadequate, insufficient to effectively control emissions. Poor housekeeping was noticed inside the plant premises. Huge backlog of unprocessed waste had accumulated within the facility. More than 100 tonnes of bottom ash was stored at the site.

Pointing to deficiencies that indicate serious operational lapses and non-compliance with statutory environmental norms and the conditions stipulated in the concession agreement, the civic body stressed the need for installation and operationalisation of continuous emission monitoring system (CEMS) integrated with TNPCB servers. “If it is already done, check whether it is working properly. Ensure proper scientific handling and disposal of toxic ash and leachate management as per statutory norms. Produce valid third-party laboratory test reports for emissions and other mandated parameters. And facilitate joint inspection by GCC and TNPCB officials. The plant shall remain shut down until full compliance is verified by GCC and statutory authorities. Failure to adhere to the above directions will attract penal action as per the provisions of the concession agreement, including imposition of penalties, encashment of performance security, and initiation of termination proceedings,” the notice said.