Around 250 tonnes of garbage was collected around Flower Market area here during the night sanitation drive launched by the City Corporation.

Corporation Commissioner K. Vijayakarthikeyan initiated the drive to clear the waste gathered in the city during the Puja holidays. Authorities chose to clear the waste during night time so that the public are not put to hardship.

According to K.V. Thirumal, Sanitary Officer and Nodal Officer of Swachh Bharat, 32 vehicles were pressed into service during the drive. “More than 65 workers were involved in the drive that began at 10 p.m. on Tuesday. The work was completed at 4 a.m. today,” he said.

Claiming that most of the waste was bio-degradable, Thirumal said that some roads were completely blocked because of the waste. “We have planned to conduct such drives in bus stands also. We will begin with the Gandhipuram bus terminus tonight,” he added.

Corporation Commissioner Vijayakarthikeyan said such drives would yield good results in the long run. Those involved in the work would be provided with proper gears including boots and gloves. “We are planning to cover most parts of the city in the coming days,” he said.