The Port Day was observed on the auspicious day of Kartik Purnima by the Paradip Port Trust (PPT) on Monday with PPT Chairman Rinkesh Roy attending the function as chief guest, unfurling the Paradip Port Flag at the Wet Basin and performing the traditional Kalas Puja and handing over the sacred Kalas to the Sadhavas who set sail on board a traditionally decorated boat. Roy also inspected the Port Marine crafts.
Port Deputy Conservator Capt Paul N Joseph welcomed the guests and explained the importance of the Port Day celebration.
Chairman Rinkesh Roy said, “On this auspicious day, we must recall the vision and effort of the port’s founder late Biju Patnaik.” Since girls are no less than boys, they should also be part of the symbolic sail on board, he said.
Roy said Paradip has been continuously occupying the second position, among the country’s Major Ports for the last three years. It is vying for the coveted top position with a slew of modernisation programmes. It recorded a growth of 18% by clocking 76 MMT cargo handling last fiscal, whereas other ports could manage 8% growth.
This year, he informed, the PPT has a target to handle 90 million metric tonnes, and in 2018 it is aiming for the coveted 100-MMT mark and to augment its capacity to 325-350 MMT in 2025.
The Paradip Port has always initiated and implemented environmental measures for the benefit of the local community and also to maintain a clean and green Paradip as part of its Green Port initiative. Notablly, the function was address in Odia by PPT Chief Engineer K Ramchandra Rao, who attended as guest of honour and threw light on the port’s overall development.
PPT Secretary UR Mohan Raju extended a vote of thanks. As part of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, prizes were also distributed among port officials and departments for keeping their offices most neat and clean.