THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

PARADIP, FEBRUARY 5, 2026

Paradip Port Authority (PPA) aims to undertake a massive plantation drive of one million trees by June–July this year, a landmark achievement that would make Paradip Port the first port in India to attain such extensive green coverage, Chairman P. L. Haranadh announced on Thursday while inaugurating the 40th Annual Flower Show of the PPA here.

The milestone event transformed the Officers’ Club into a vibrant canvas of colours, creativity and ecological awareness, marking four decades of Paradip Port Authority’s unique tradition of blending environmental stewardship with community engagement. The inauguration was held in the presence of T. Venu Gopal, Deputy Chairman, Himansu Sekhar Rout, Chief Engineer, along with heads of departments and senior officials of the Port.

The annual flower show has evolved into a strong symbol of Paradip Port’s vision of sustainable industrial growth and its commitment to developing the port as one of India’s leading Green Ports.

This year’s edition witnessed a sharp rise in participation, recording 150 entries against 126 last year, reflecting growing enthusiasm among port employees, township residents and local horticulture enthusiasts. Spread across 48 competition categories, the exhibition showcased an impressive variety of flowers, ornamental plants, bonsai creations and vegetables, drawing large crowds from the township and surrounding areas. Visitors not only admired the displays but also gained insights into sustainable gardening and eco-friendly landscaping practices.

As part of the celebrations, the Chairman and senior officials visited 24 common gardens developed across the Port Township. These gardens, carefully nurtured with seasonal plants and thoughtful landscaping, stand as living examples of PPA’s continuous efforts to expand green spaces and enhance the quality of life for its residents.

Highlighting the scale of ongoing greening initiatives, Chairman Haranadh said that nearly five lakh trees have been planted over the past four years along central medians, carriageways and township areas. He noted that the green belt developed from Sandhakud to the Hanuman Temple not only adds to the region’s aesthetic appeal but also acts as a natural shield against cyclones, significantly strengthening environmental resilience and community safety.

The celebrations concluded with prize distribution ceremony at the Officers’ Club, where Chairman Haranadh and Deputy Chairman T. Venu Gopal presented awards to winners across various categories.

Port leadership lauded the Civil Engineering Department and the Horticulture team, under the guidance of Chief Engineer Himansu Sekhar Rout, for their sustained efforts in organizing the event and maintaining Paradip Port’s extensive green infrastructure.

The 40th Annual Flower Show reaffirmed Paradip Port Authority’s long-standing commitment to sustainability, community participation and its determined march towards a greener, safer and more resilient future.