Heat Wave: Chennai Corporation Grants Relief to Conservancy Workers with Adjusted Hours

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has announced a relaxation in working hours for conservancy workers in response to the ongoing heat wave conditions. The civic body also plans to improve conservancy operations in residential areas, expedite the construction of toilets for women conservancy workers in all wards, and create additional welfare facilities.

GCC Commissioner G.S. Sameeran stated, “Work relaxation measures will improve the conditions of women conservancy workers. Field-level supervisors have been instructed to ensure adequate rest breaks, encourage frequent hydration, and avoid unnecessary exposure of workers to peak afternoon temperatures, wherever operationally feasible.”

Regarding the improvement of facilities such as toilets, Dr. Sameeran said, “So far, work has been completed in 284 locations. I have instructed zonal officers to complete ongoing work in 82 locations within two weeks and identify locations for the non-starters. Twenty-six works are yet to commence, mainly due to a lack of an appropriate location within the division. Those issues will be sorted out at the earliest and facilities will be created in those places as well.”

In view of the prevailing heat wave, the Corporation has implemented several welfare and protection measures for conservancy workers engaged in solid waste management. Head caps have been supplied to all conservancy workers to shield them from direct sunlight during field operations. Buttermilk has been distributed to all workers since March 9, 2026, as a heat mitigation measure. Considering the continuing heat wave, the distribution of buttermilk may be extended up to July 2026 to safeguard the health and well-being of the workers.

The civic body will also launch initiatives to promote the safety and security of conservancy workers and prevent road traffic accidents involving women conservancy workers. Many women have sustained injuries, and several have been killed in road traffic accidents while on duty.