Illegal discharge of sewage into drains may attract penalty of up to ₹5 lakh

Chennai The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) will impose fines of up to ₹5 lakh on buildings found discharging sewage into storm-water drains, besides initiating legal action against those responsible. The civic body and the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board will conduct joint inspections across the city to identify and block illegal connections. The penalties, approved by a GCC Council resolution, vary according to the building’s category and use.

Owners of ordinary buildings will be fined ₹10,000 for residential premises and ₹25,000 for commercial premises. For special buildings, the fines are ₹50,000 and ₹1 lakh, respectively. Multi-storeyed buildings on residential premises will attract a penalty of ₹2 lakh and those on commercial premises, ₹5 lakh.

Commissioner G.S. Sameeran has issued a circular directing the GCC and Metrowater officials to conduct joint field inspections, and disconnect and block illegal outlets.