New Delhi | Paradip Port Authority has been awarded the First Prize at the Swachhata Pakhwada Awards 2025, instituted by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), for its exemplary performance in cleanliness, sustainability initiatives, and community participation.
The award was presented at a ceremony held in New Delhi on Tuesday by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, in the presence of Minister of State Shri Shantanu Thakur and MoPSW Secretary Shri Vijay Kumar, IAS. The honour was received by Shri P. L. Haranadh, IRTS, Chairman of Paradip Port Authority, on behalf of the port’s workforce.
Recognition for Integrated Cleanliness and Sustainability Efforts
The Swachhata Pakhwada Awards recognise outstanding implementation of cleanliness drives, waste management, green initiatives, and citizen engagement across India’s ports and maritime institutions. Paradip Port Authority’s achievement reflects its strong alignment with the objectives of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and sustainable port operations.
Under the guidance of MoPSW, the port successfully implemented the three core pillars of Swachhata Pakhwada 2025—Jan Bhagidari, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, and Safai Mitra Suraksha.
Community Participation and Environmental Action
As part of Jan Bhagidari, large-scale cleanliness drives were conducted across schools, heritage sites, temples, beaches, ponds, and port premises. Public outreach activities such as cyclothons, Swachhata Raths, rallies, Swachhata Runs, human chains, and the Ek Din Ek Ghanta Ek Saath campaign reinforced collective responsibility toward cleanliness.
Under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam initiative, extensive plantation drives transformed neglected areas into green zones. A key highlight was the plantation of 40,000 saplings at Paradip Sea Beach to mark the birthday of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, carried out under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0 campaign.
Safai Mitra Welfare and Waste Reduction Initiatives
The Safai Mitra Suraksha pillar focused on the dignity, health, and safety of sanitation workers. Medical check-ups were organised, and Safai Mitras were formally recognised for their contribution, including special felicitation events.
Additional initiatives included awareness campaigns against single-use plastics through street theatre, rallies, and cotton bag distribution under the theme End Plastic Pollution. Innovative programmes such as Scrap to Structure and Waste to Wealth exhibitions showcased sustainable reuse of materials, actively involving youth and local communities.
Setting Benchmarks for Sustainable Port Operations
Speaking on the occasion, Chairman Shri P. L. Haranadh stated that the award reflects the collective dedication of employees, contractual staff, stakeholders, and the local community. He reaffirmed the port’s continued commitment to cleanliness, sustainability, and inclusive development.
This recognition reinforces Paradip Port Authority’s leadership in advancing the Clean India Mission and sets a benchmark for environmentally responsible and community-driven port governance in India.
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