The Hon’ble Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment, Forests and Climate Change reviewed the sustainability and environmental initiatives of V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA) during its visit to Madurai and Rameswaram on September 23–24, 2026.
A detailed briefing on VOCPA was held at Rameswaram on September 24, where Chairperson Shri Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, apprised the Parliamentary Committee of the Port’s initiatives and ongoing efforts towards sustainable port development.
The briefing covered key areas including environmental protection, green energy adoption, decarbonisation, sustainable port operations and marine biodiversity conservation. The presentation highlighted the Port’s efforts to integrate environmental sustainability into its long-term development and operational strategies.
The interaction was attended by Shri Samarth Verma, IAS, Director, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways; Shri Rajesh Soundararajan, IAS, Deputy Chairperson, VOCPA; and Shri Mohan Kumar, Secretary, VOCPA, among other officials.
The engagement provided an opportunity to showcase VOCPA’s ongoing measures to strengthen environmental stewardship while supporting the development of a modern and sustainable maritime infrastructure.
The discussions underscored the Port’s commitment to building a sustainable, environmentally responsible and future-ready port ecosystem, aligned with India’s broader goals of green growth and decarbonisation in the maritime sector.