The Port Day was observed on the auspicious Kartik Purnima by the Paradip Port Trust (PPT) on Friday. PPT Chairman Rinkesh Roy as chief guest unfurled the Paradip Port Flag, performed the traditional Kalas Puja and handed over the sacred Kalas to the Sadhavas who set sail on board a traditionally-decorated boat. He also inspected the port marine crafts lined up in the harbour and took salute.
Port Deputy Conservator Capt AK Mohapatra explained the importance of Port Day celebration.
Chairman Roy lauded the port marine department’s achievement of a commendable 27 vessel movements in 24 hours and also for the first time Mediterranean Mooring-type berthing of a ship carrying edible oil in the eastern coast. He informed that the Rs 3,500-crore port modernisation programme is in full swing, which would result in capacity augmentation of 55-60 MMT over the existing capacity, thus by enabling Paradip to become the No. 1 port in the country in terms of cargo handling.
He said that for providing safe drinking water to the local community, a desalination project in consultation with the National Institute of Ocean Technology would be undertaken which is expected to be commissioned by December 2019. The PPT Board has approved for 350 new quarters for employees. To curb pollution and dust suppression, construction of concrete roads has already been started in the township. The dry fog dust suppression system has been implemented at the Mechanised Coal Handing Plant for unloading coal from rail wagons without spreading of coal dust.
For the first time among the Major Ports, a group insurance scheme covering both employees and contractual workers has been implemented by the PPT. For the benefit of the local fishing community, the PPT would spend about Rs 15 crore by this year-end for dredging the confluence point of river Mahanadi. Under CSR, the PPT has provided financial assistance to the Jaipur Weaver Craft Village, where local weavers can sell their handloom products, Roy further informed.
PPT Chief Engineer K Ramchandra Rao, who attended as guest of honour, threw light on the overall development of the port. Port FA & CAO SK Sahu extended a vote of thanks.