Illegal discharge of sewage into drains can be fined up to ₹5,000

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) will impose fines of up to ₹5,000 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 fines approved by the GCC Council resolution vary according to the category and use of the building. Owners of ordinary buildings will be fined ₹10,000 for residential premises and ₹25,000 for commercial premises. For special buildings, fines are ₹50,000 and ₹1,000 respectively.

Multi-storied buildings in residential areas will be fined ₹2,000 and those in commercial areas will be fined ₹5,000.

Commissioner GS Sameeran issued a circular directing GCC and Metrowater officials to conduct joint field inspections and disconnect and block illegal outlets.

A common register will be kept detailing where sewage is discharged into stormwater drains or onto roads, the responsible owners or tenants, blocked connections and fines imposed or collected.

Building owners will be guided to obtain authorized sewer connections through Metrowater. The circular says that under no circumstances should stormwater drains be used for sewage disposal.

Zonal officials have been instructed to appoint nodal officers to coordinate inspections, ensure follow-up and submit reports to the commissioner. Details of fines collected must be uploaded to the GCC mobile application without delay.

The company said illegal sewer connections obstruct the flow of rainwater, leading to water stagnation on roads during the monsoon.

Published – 05 Nov 2026 0:19 IST