A Special Initiative to Collect and Recycle Waste in Government Offices Across Tamil Nadu Through the Swachh Bharat Mission

Among the various forward-thinking initiatives currently being implemented by the Government of Tamil Nadu, a significant step in waste management has emerged through the Swachh Bharat (Cleanliness) campaign. To coordinate and implement this initiative, an organization called Clean Tamil Nadu Corporation (CTCL) has been established.

As the first phase of CTCL’s operations, and to mark World Environment Day (June 5, 2025), a state-wide cleanliness drive has been launched across 1,100 government offices. The campaign includes the collection of various types of waste from these offices and emphasizes recycling and reuse.

Today, cleaning operations were carried out in government offices such as the Tamil Nadu Secretariat, Greater Chennai Corporation, municipal and rural development departments, district collectorates, corporations, municipalities, panchayats, and block development offices. Waste collected included plastic waste, electronic waste, bio-waste, paper waste, glass waste, and unusable metal materials, among others.

In these identified offices, designated officers were appointed to oversee the collection process in accordance with issued guidelines. Waste collected at each office was handed over to designated waste collectors. A central monitoring cell was set up at the Greater Chennai Corporation to oversee the progress of the operation.

The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu inaugurated this monitoring cell today and issued instructions regarding the initiative. Also present at the event were the Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary, Special Project Directors, the Commissioner of Greater Chennai Corporation, and other senior government officials.

Under this initiative, approximately 250 metric tonnes of waste have already been collected across the state. The collected waste will now be processed using advanced technology in compliance with environmental regulations to ensure reuse and recycling.

Appropriate guidelines have been issued for this phase. Going forward, similar waste collection activities will be conducted in village panchayat offices and government educational institutions across Tamil Nadu as part of the next phase of this initiative.

For the Additional Chief Secretary
Special Project Director

Issued by: Director, Department of Information and Public Relations, Chennai-9