The assistant engineers of each ward were responsible for ensuring that debris, which typically weighs around a tonne, was cleared by contractors from interior route roads to the designated locations, Mayor R. Priya said on Friday.

She was speaking at a press meet after the launch of a training session for the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) engineers and officials on new methods for managing construction and demolition (C&D) waste at the Ripon Buildings.

The GCC’s new guidelines for managing C&D waste, effective April 21, 2025, require waste piles to be cleared within seven days. Non-compliance might incur penalties ranging from ₹3,000 to ₹25,000, she said.

When questioned about the need to raise awareness among the councillor and ward committee members, she said the training session was held for officials as they were the ones responsible for waste management