Jagatsinghpur, Odisha – Paradip Port Authority (PPA) has been awarded the first prize in the 2025 Cleanliness Fortnight initiative, organized by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways. The recognition highlights the port’s outstanding efforts in maintaining cleanliness, promoting sustainability, and encouraging community participation.
The award ceremony took place on February 3, 2026, in New Delhi, where Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, along with Minister of State Shantanu Thakur and Secretary Vijay Kumar, presented the prestigious honor. PPA Chairman P.L. Harnad received the award on behalf of the port authority.
The recognition reflects PPA’s unwavering commitment to the Swachh Bharat mission, environmental protection, and inclusive development. Under the guidance of the Ministry, Paradip Port successfully executed the 2025 Cleanliness Fortnight campaign across three main pillars: community engagement, tree plantation drives, and safety-focused cleanliness initiatives.
Throughout the year, PPA’s employees and stakeholders actively participated in a variety of events, including cyclothons, cleanliness rallies, runs, human chains, and citizen-led programs. One of the major highlights was the “Plant a Tree, Name a Tree” initiative, which transformed neglected areas into green spaces, emphasizing the port’s dedication to environmental stewardship.
On the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday, the port organized a major plantation drive along the Paradip coastline, planting 40,000 saplings. The initiative underlined the port’s commitment to sustainable development and fostering a green, healthy India.
In addition, a series of creative programs such as cleanliness-themed art competitions, Rangoli contests, selfie booths, healthy food drives, blood donation camps, and administrative office upgrades reinforced the culture of cleanliness across the port ecosystem.
Speaking at the ceremony, P.L. Harnad emphasized that the award reflects the collective dedication of employees, contractors, stakeholders, and local communities. He reiterated PPA’s continued focus on cleanliness, sustainability, and meaningful community engagement.
The Cleanliness Fortnight award is an annual initiative by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways to recognize ports and maritime institutions across India for excellence in sanitation, waste management, green initiatives, and active community participation. By winning this award, Paradip Port Authority has set a benchmark for sustainable port operations and strengthened its leadership in promoting the Swachh Bharat mission.