Chennai Corporation to spend ₹3.3 crore monthly on burial ground upkeep

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) council has approved the extension of privatised solid waste management services to cover 176 burial grounds across the city. The maintenance of these facilities, currently managed by multiple contractors, will be integrated into the existing packages handled by private firms in their respective project areas, according to the civic body.

The decision follows complaints from ward committees and the council regarding lack of hygiene and sanitation at burial grounds.

Under the new arrangement, Chennai Enviro Solutions Private Limited, a private party already managing solid waste management with GCC, will manage 87 burial grounds in Tiruvottiyur, Manali, Madhavaram and Ambattur Zones from July and August 2026, at a monthly cost of ₹1.22 crore.

Urbaser Sumeet Private Limited, another private company partnered with the GCC, will maintain 68 sites in Valasaravakkam, Alandur, Perungudi and Sholinganallur Zones for ₹1.14 crore per month. The company will also oversee 21 burial grounds in Teynampet, Kodambakkam and Adyar Zones at a monthly rate of ₹95.83 lakh.

The scope of work includes daily removal of ritual waste, clearing of unwanted vegetation, and sweeping of internal roads. The companies will deploy additional manual sweepers, supervisors, and equipment, including grass cutters and compactors. Independent engineers will monitor the performance of these services based on established key performance indicators, stated GCC.