Chennai’s famed Koyambedu wholesale market, revered for its vast scale as one of Asia’s largest, stands in stark contrast today as a site marred by mounting sanitation issues and neglect. The sprawling 72-acre hub, bustling with 3,995 shops and over one lakh workers, has become a symbol of disarray and environmental concern rather than a beacon of fresh produce and commerce.
The market, processing a staggering 6,000 tonnes of fresh produce daily, finds itself grappling with a staggering 200 tonnes of waste on regular days, which spikes to 300 tonnes during festive periods. This waste, comprising discarded fruits, vegetables, and flowers, accumulates in lanes and corners, emitting an overpowering stench exacerbated by unsanitary practices such as urination by vendors and workers directly onto the waste piles. Despite efforts by two contracted firms employing approximately 200 workers, the absence of a robust waste management system, coupled with inadequate machinery and enforcement by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA), perpetuates the problem. The failure of the market’s 30-tonne bio-CNG plant, embroiled in contractual disputes, has further exacerbated waste disposal issues, forcing all waste to be redirected to the Kodungaiyur dump yard.
In response to mounting public outcry and environmental degradation, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has proposed collaborative efforts with the market to introduce two 100-tonne bio-CNG plants by year’s end, aimed at alleviating the burden on existing waste disposal infrastructure. However, sanitation woes extend beyond waste management. The market’s 82 toilets, a crucial amenity for the workforce, remain largely dysfunctional due to water supply issues, compelling vendors and workers to resort to open urination and bathing. The inadequate accessibility and cleanliness of these facilities have particularly adverse implications for women, exacerbating safety concerns and perpetuating gender disparities in sanitation access.
In light of these challenges, stakeholders, including local associations and environmental activists, advocate for immediate intervention by CMDA to overhaul policies governing hygiene and waste management at Koyambedu. They stress the urgent need for comprehensive reforms that prioritize cleanliness, efficient waste disposal mechanisms, and equitable access to sanitation facilities for all workers. As Chennai navigates this sanitation crisis at Koyambedu, the spotlight remains on authorities to implement sustainable solutions that safeguard both public health and environmental integrity, ensuring the market can reclaim its status as a vibrant hub for commerce and community, free from the shadow of neglect and filth.
