THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

PARADIP, FEBRUARY 3, 2026

Paradip Port Authority (PPA) has clinched the first prize at the Swachhata Pakhwada Awards 2025, instituted by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), in recognition of its exemplary performance in cleanliness, sustainability, and community-driven initiatives.

The prestigious award was presented by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, in the presence of Minister of State Shantanu Thakur, at a formal ceremony held in New Delhi on Tuesday. P. L. Haranadh, Chairman, Paradip Port Authority, received the award on behalf of the entire port team.

Several organisations under MoPSW were honoured with the Swachh Bharat Pakhwada Awards–2025 for their outstanding efforts during Swachhata Pakhwada 2025 and Swachhata Hi Sewa 2025. These initiatives focused on cleanliness drives, citizen participation, awareness campaigns, and Safai Mitra welfare, collectively fostering a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable work environment across the maritime sector.

The recognition marks a significant milestone for Paradip Port Authority, reflecting its steadfast commitment to the ideals of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, environmental stewardship, and inclusive development. Under the guidance of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, PPA effectively implemented the three core pillars of Swachhata Pakhwada 2025 — Jan Bhagidari, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, and Safai Mitra Suraksha.

As part of the Jan Bhagidari initiative, PPA ensured extensive public participation through large-scale cleanliness drives across schools, heritage sites, temples, beaches, ponds, and port premises. A wide array of activities — including cyclothons, Swachhata Raths, rallies, Swachhata Runs, human chains, and citizen-led campaigns such as Ek Din Ek Ghanta Ek Saath — reinforced the message that cleanliness is a shared social responsibility.

Under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign, large-scale plantation drives transformed neglected and unused spaces into vibrant green zones. A major highlight was the plantation of 40,000 saplings at Paradip Sea Beach to commemorate the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, undertaken as part of the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0” initiative. The effort underscored the port’s commitment to environmental conservation, sustainable development, and building a greener and healthier India.

The Safai Mitra Suraksha pillar focused on ensuring the safety, dignity, and well-being of sanitation workers. Medical health check-up camps were organised, and Safai Mitras were formally recognised for their contributions, including special felicitation events held on the Prime Minister’s birthday, acknowledging their vital role in maintaining cleanliness.

PPA also launched extensive awareness campaigns against single-use plastics through street theatre, rallies, cotton bag distribution drives, and citizen engagement activities under the theme “End Plastic Pollution.” Innovative initiatives such as Scrap to Structure and Waste to Wealth exhibitions showcased sustainable reuse of Swachh Bharat Mission assets, while actively involving youth and local talent.

Additional activities included Swachhata-themed painting and rangoli competitions, selfie booths, clean food street initiatives, blood donation camps, and the renovation of the Administrative Building under Special Campaign 5.0, further strengthening the culture of cleanliness across the entire port ecosystem.

Speaking on the occasion, Paradip Port Authority Chairman P. L. Haranadh said that the award reflects the collective dedication and coordinated efforts of the port’s workforce, contractual staff, stakeholders, and the local community. He reiterated PPA’s unwavering commitment to advancing cleanliness, sustainability, and meaningful community engagement in the years ahead.

The Swachhata Pakhwada Awards, an annual initiative of MoPSW, assess ports and maritime institutions nationwide on parameters such as cleanliness drives, waste management, green initiatives, and public participation. This recognition further reinforces Paradip Port Authority’s leadership in advancing the Clean India Mission and setting new benchmarks for sustainable and responsible port operations.