Paradip, Nov 15: The Port Day was observed on the auspicious day of Kartik Purnima by the Paradip Port Trust Authorities on Nov 14 as being done every year. On this occasion, Shri Rinkesh Roy, Chairman, Paradip Port Trust attended the function as Chief Guest and unfurled the Paradip Port Flag at Wet Basin. He performed the traditional Kalas Puja & handed over the sacred Kalas to the Sadhavas who set sail on board a traditionally decorated boat. He also inspected the Port Marine crafts.
Thereafter Dy. Conservator, Paradip Port Capt. Paul N Joseph welcomed the guests in the meeting and explained the importance of Port Day celebration.
Shri Rinkesh Roy, Chairman, Paradip Port Trust spoke on the occasion and extended his greetings to the gathering and said that on this auspicious day of Kartik Purnima, Paradip Port is celebrating its anniversary and we must recall the vision and effort of the founder of the Port Late Biju Pattanaik. He said that since girls are no less than boys, hence they should also be part of the symbolic sail on board. Mr. Roy told that PPT has been continuously occupying the second position, among the major ports in India for the last three years. It is vying for the coveted top position with a slew of modernization programmes. It has recorded a growth of 18% by clocking 76 MMT cargo handling vis-à-vis last fiscal, whereas other ports could manage 8% growth. This year it has a target to handle 90 million metric tonnes, in 2018 it is aiming for the coveted 100 MMT mark and to augment its capacity to 325-350 MMT in 2025. 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.
One of the notable mention of the function was address in Odia by Shri K Ramchandra Rao, Chief Engineer of PPT who attended as guest of honour and threw light on the overall development of Paradip Port and appreciated the functioning of the Port.
At the end, Shri U.R.Mohan Raju, Secretary, Paradip Port Trust extended vote of thanks. As part of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, prizes were also distributed among the Port Officials and Departments who are keeping their offices most neat and clean.
