Statewide cleanliness initiative
Kuppai Thiruvizha 2026: Kuppai Thiruvizha 2026 is a three-day statewide garbage collection drive announced by the Tamil Nadu Government. The initiative aims to improve waste segregation, disposal, and recycling practices across urban and rural local bodies.
The drive will be conducted from 21 to 23 January 2026. All municipal corporations, municipalities, town panchayats, and village panchayats are required to participate.
Link with Thooymai Iyakkam
The programme is part of the Thooymai Iyakkam, a broader cleanliness campaign announced in 2025. This campaign focuses on institutional sanitation, public participation, and sustainable waste handling.
Kuppai Thiruvizha acts as a mass-action component of the campaign. It encourages citizens and officials to clear accumulated waste in offices and public spaces.
Static GK fact: Tamil Nadu was among the early Indian states to adopt decentralised solid waste management models under municipal laws.
Performance of earlier phases
Between June and December 2025, four phases of garbage collection were carried out in government offices. These phases targeted old records, e-waste, plastics, and unused materials.
A total of 2,877 tonnes of waste was collected during these phases. The waste was scientifically processed instead of being dumped.
Static GK Tip: Scientific recycling reduces landfill pressure and helps municipalities meet Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.
Revenue through recycling
The recycled waste generated a revenue of ₹3.79 crore for the state. This highlights the economic potential of systematic waste segregation.
Revenue generation also supports self-sustaining sanitation initiatives. It reduces dependence on budgetary allocations for waste management.
Focus on urban infrastructure
In the Greater Chennai Corporation, 200 garbage collection centres have been established. These centres will act as nodal points for waste aggregation during the festival.
Urban local bodies are expected to replicate this model. Temporary and permanent collection points improve logistical efficiency.
Static GK fact: Greater Chennai Corporation is the oldest municipal institution in India, established in 1688.
Administrative and public participation
The success of Kuppai Thiruvizha depends on coordination between officials and citizens. Local body staff, sanitation workers, and resident welfare associations play a key role.
Public awareness drives accompany the collection process. This helps inculcate long-term behavioural change in waste handling.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Kuppai Thiruvizha 2026:
| Topic | Detail |
| Initiative Name | Kuppai Thiruvizha 2026 |
| Duration | 21 to 23 January 2026 |
| Implementing Authority | Tamil Nadu Government |
| Associated Campaign | Thooymai Iyakkam |
| Previous Phases Period | June to December 2025 |
| Waste Collected | 2,877 tonnes |
| Revenue Generated | ₹3.79 crore |
| Chennai Infrastructure | 200 garbage collection centres |
| Core Objective | Efficient garbage collection and recycling |
| Governance Level | All local bodies in Tamil Nadu |
