Visakhapatnam Port declared as the second cleanest in the country

Visakhapatnam Port Trust (VPT) has been announced as the second cleanest among the major ports in India. Receiving the honour for the third consecutive year, the port was merited on the basis of sanitation parametres in an independent assessment made by the Union Ministry of Shipping.

While Haldia Port bagged the top honours when the award was first instituted, the New Mangalore Port has bagged the top spot for the rankings for the subsequent two years, including the latest one.

The honours come as a recognition to the Visakhapatnam Port’s efforts in the implementation of ‘Swacchta Pakhwada’ programme. Reportedly, several measures were put into effect to ensure cleanliness.

The city’s port has been in news for implementing mechanisation in key areas to reduce the pollution caused. Other green measures implemented by the Visakhapatnam Port Trust include recycling 10 million gallons of sewage water per day, commissioning 10 MW solar power plant and supply the surplus power to the State grid, and construction of a wall to prevent the spread of dust particles.

Earlier, VPT Chairman Krishna Babu informed that Visakhapatnam Port has been placed in ‘good category’ in performance by Dun & Bradstreet and has also been awarded the first prize in an industrial category as part of AP Green Awards-2017.