Still stinks: Greater Chennai Corporation yet to fix foul smell from garbage trucks

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) is yet to fulfil its promise of addressing complaints regarding the foul smell emenating from garbage trucks operating across the city.

During the 2024 GCC Budget presentation, Mayor R. Priya had announced that fish nets would be procured for 102 tipper vehicles to prevent spillage of garbage. The use of lorries without the cover to prevent spillage was a violation, officials had stated earlier. But, residents point out that a cover will still not solve the issue of foul smell and only the use of completely closed trucks can remedy the situation.

Angel (name changed), a domestic worker in Ambattur, said she has become accustomed to the stench while eating at an Amma Canteen close to a garbage truck parking area in the zone.

Sakthivel, an autorickshaw driver, said in several areas garbage is loaded during the daytime, obstructing traffic and causing the smell to cling to the clothes of commuters, including students and office-goers. He said that while night time loading causes less traffic disruption, the odour remains strong.

An eatery owner outside the Koyambedu Wholesale Market Complex said lorries collecting vegetable waste ply without any covering, causing spillage while entering and exiting the market.

A sanitation worker employed by Urbaser Sumeet, under the Corporation, said workers are provided masks but continue to experience the stench while travelling across the city.

A senior Corporation official said new vehicles are planned for a few zones. Chennai has 15 zones, of which 12 are privatised. In these zones, private companies periodically introduce new vehicles or undertake repairs as required, he said.

At present, only closed vehicles are in use, the official said. Data on overhaul will be examined, and any proposal relating to vehicles of the smell-arrest type will be reviewed, he added.

The Corporation has stated on its social media platforms that closed trucks are expected to be deployed for garbage collection to control foul smells.