V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority celebrated ‘World Environment Day‘ on 5th June 2025, on the theme ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’, reaffirming its commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices.
Shri Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson, and the chief guest of the event Shri B. Kasiviswanathan, IRSME, Chairperson, Cochin Port Authority jointly unveiled the plaque declaring V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority as a “Plastic Free Zone”, in the presence of Shri Rajesh Soundararajan, IAS, Deputy Chairperson and Shri P.Kavin Maharaj, IOFS, Chief Vigilance Officer and other Senior officers of the Port, marking a major milestone in the Port’s journey towards environmental responsibility. This significant sustainability milestone reinforces our commitment to Sustainable consumption & production, protecting oceans and marine ecosystems and preserving life on land.
The Chief Guest, Shri B. Kasiviswanathan, IRSME, Chairperson of the Cochin Port Authority, emphasized in his address the urgent need to adopt sustainability initiatives to restore and protect the environment. He commended the Port for achieving the distinction of becoming India’s first plastic-free Port. He also distributed the prizes to the winners of various competitions organised by the port, as part of the ‘World Environment Week’.
Shri Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson, in his speech highlighted the various green initiatives carried out by the Port, reflecting the Port’s strong commitment to protecting the environment and building a cleaner, greener future. Shri Rajesh Soundararajan, IAS, Deputy Chairperson, remarked that the activities conducted during the World Environment Week have laid a strong foundation for the accelerated implementation of all green initiative projects identified at the VOC Port.
VOC Port organized a series of impactful initiatives throughout the week-long observance from June 1st to 5th, 2025. ‘Go Green Walkathon’, sapling distribution, Green Pledge, “Best Out of Waste” competition, Slogan Writing contest, Rangoli Competition and the “Green IQ” Awareness Quiz, photography & reel making competition were organised for the employees of the Port. To sensitise awareness on environmental protection, a Street Play on the theme “Plastic Free Zone” was conducted at prominent locations of the port.
Reinforcing its role as a dedicated steward of environmental sustainability, the Port is upgrading its administrative office to meet green certification standards. A 1 MW Solar Power Project is under execution, and a 2 MW Battery Storage System is under active consideration. The tender process has commenced for a 6 MW Wind Power Project and Green Methanol Bunkering facilities. Feasibility studies are underway for innovative solutions like Wind Tree, Solar Tree, and Offshore Wind Energy. The Shore-to-Ship Power Supply project for coastal berths is making steady progress. An MoU with NTPC has been planned for the development of an additional 1 MW of Green Hydrogen. Collaborative green corridor studies are ongoing with the European Union, the Ports of Singapore and Rotterdam, in coordination with the Deendayal Port Authority. Discussions are also in progress with stakeholders on establishing a biofuel corridor and advancing green hydrogen initiatives.
Shri Srinivasa Rao Chilli, Chief Engineer, welcomed the gathering and gave an insight on the environment protection initiatives carried out by the Port. Smt. Sheba, Executive Engineer, Civil Engineering Department, proposed the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all participants and organizers for making the World Environment Week a grand success.
