As we are aware the prime duty of a civic body is removal of garbage in a systematic and swift manner to avoid any breakout of epidemic. This is
where Mechanical Engineering Department, a unit of Corporation of Chennai plays a vital role. Under Section 194 (iii) & (iv) of M.C.M.C. Act, it is mandatory for the Corporation
to arrange to remove the Garbage and Debris by using necessary vehicles.
Armed with 235 Heavy Vehicles (lorries) and 157 Light Vehicles, this department is transporting about 2000 Tons of Garbage and 500 Tons of debris, daily out of the total generation
of 3500 Tons (while private agency is clearing 1000 Tons in Zones VI, VIII and X) from roads to Dumping Grounds at Kodungaiyur and Perungudi for North and South Chennai respectively.
Further to the above fleet, 8 Bull-dozers and 15 Front End Loaders are also maintained for handling Garbage. A total fleet of 672 vehicles including inspection vehicles (124 Nos),
Ambulance(14 Nos), Electrical Ladders (25 Nos), Cattle Catchers (10 Nos),Thermo fogging Vans(17 Nos) etc. is being maintained by this department.
There are 2 Main vehicle-repairing depots at Basin Bridge Road and Harris Road to attend to repairs for North and South Chennai respectively apart from a General Workshop to attend
to various types of Corporation Works. Major works and F.C. Works are being carried out by Tender procedures by Outsourcing. P.M.R.R.(Preventive Maintenance and Running Repairs)
is being Outsourced by Tender since 1998 for the Conservancy and Debris Lorries to ensure prompt and 100% marchout of the vehicles.
There are 1150 drivers and 426 Technical personnel in all to drive and maintain these vehicles under the overall control of this department.
Even though vehicles have to be produced neatly for Fitness Certificate (F.C.) once in a year, since 2005, the vehicles are being subjected
to Half F.C. by attending to mechanical and body repairs, wiring, painting within six months to ensure proper maintenance and better looking. All the vehicles are provided with
fishnet to cover the garbages while being transported.
Further, this department caters to the entire Stationery and Printing needs of Chennai Corporation. Birth/Death Certificates, Property Tax Books, Bills, Challans, M.Books, Stock
Books etc. are all being printed in the Corporation Printing Press situated at Wall Tax Road which is equipped with 4 Nos. of Offset Machines, 3 Copier Machines and other connected
machines.
|