Chennai: In a major step towards strengthening waste management enforcement in Chennai, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has proposed installing Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled cameras on 55 enforcement vehicles operating across the city.

The initiative aims to detect illegal waste dumping, improper garbage disposal, and violations of Solid Waste Management (SWM) rules in real time, improving monitoring and compliance across different zones.

AI surveillance for waste management violations

To implement the project, the Greater Chennai Corporation has invited bids to appoint a System Integrator (SI) responsible for deploying, integrating and maintaining the AI-powered camera surveillance system.

The cameras installed on the vehicles will be connected to the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) at the GCC headquarters, allowing officials to monitor field activities and identify violations across Chennai.

Officials said the city already operates 55 enforcement vehicles equipped with GPS tracking, geofencing technology and predefined route mapping to detect waste management violations.

“Any unauthorised deviation from the assigned route triggers an automated alert on the monitoring dashboard at the ICCC. With the installation of AI-enabled cameras, the enforcement standards will be further strengthened, and monitoring will become more effective,” a senior GCC official said.

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Advanced monitoring and data integration

The selected System Integrator will handle the complete deployment of vehicle-mounted AI cameras, including installation, configuration, testing, commissioning and maintenance.

The firm will also provide technical manpower and manage the operation and maintenance of the system for one year after the project becomes operational.

The system will enable video footage and data from enforcement vehicles to be transmitted to the ICCC for centralised monitoring and analysis, supporting faster decision-making and improved operational efficiency.

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Monitoring urban infrastructure

In addition to detecting waste disposal violations, the AI camera system will also help monitor urban infrastructure and public utilities, including:

  • Roads and footpaths
  • Parking areas
  • Pedestrian signals
  • Median lighting
  • Roadside hoardings and signboards

Using AI and machine learning tools, the system will automatically identify violations during field inspections.

High-tech features for real-time surveillance

The proposed surveillance system will include tamper-proof, vehicle-grade cameras with 15-day storage capacity, GPS tagging and timestamping.

These cameras will be integrated with the ICCC’s Video Management System (VMS) to allow remote monitoring and incident review.

To ensure uninterrupted data transmission, the system will use secure 4G and 5G connectivity through VPN or APN networks, enabling real-time HD video streaming and GPS tracking.

In the event of network disruptions, the cameras will store footage locally and automatically synchronise the data once connectivity is restored.

The cameras will also be mounted using vibration-resistant brackets, ensuring a stable field of view even while vehicles are moving during inspections.

Officials said further steps for implementing the AI waste monitoring system in Chennai will be finalised after the tender process is completed, particularly as the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is expected to come into effect in the coming months.

IANS