Cleanest Port of the Year at Swachhata Pakhwada 2025

Paradip Port’s National Recognition

Cleanest Port of the Year at Swachhata Pakhwada 2025: Paradip Port Authority emerged as the Cleanest Port of the Year by securing the First Prize at the Swachhata Pakhwada Awards 2025. The award reflects consistent excellence in cleanliness, sustainability, and community participation, rather than isolated campaigns.

This recognition reinforces the changing role of Indian ports as active contributors to national cleanliness and environmental goals, alongside trade facilitation.

Swachhata Pakhwada Awards Framework

The Swachhata Pakhwada Awards are instituted by the Ministry of Ports Shipping and Waterways. They evaluate ports on sanitation standards, green initiatives, behavioural change, and Safai Mitra welfare.

Static GK fact: Swachhata Pakhwada is observed annually across central ministries to promote focused cleanliness drives.

Award Ceremony Highlights

The award ceremony was held in New Delhi on 3 February 2026. It was presented by Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

The honour was received by the Chairman of Paradip Port Authority on behalf of the entire port workforce. The presence of senior officials underlined the national importance of cleanliness-linked governance.

Jan Bhagidari and Community Ownership

Under the Jan Bhagidari pillar, Paradip Port prioritised mass public participation. Cleanliness drives were conducted across schools, temples, beaches, ponds, and port premises.

Activities such as Swachhata Runs, cyclothons, rallies, Swachhata Raths, human chains, and the “Ek Din Ek Ghanta Ek Saath” campaign strengthened civic responsibility. This approach embedded cleanliness as a collective social movement, not an administrative exercise.

Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam Initiative

The Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam initiative marked Paradip Port’s strong environmental commitment. Large-scale plantations transformed neglected zones into sustainable green spaces.

A notable milestone was the plantation of 40,000 saplings at Paradip Sea Beach under Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0. The drive commemorated the birthday of Narendra Modi, linking national leadership with grassroots climate action.

Static GK Tip: Coastal plantations help in erosion control, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience.

Safai Mitra Suraksha and Worker Welfare

The Safai Mitra Suraksha pillar focused on the dignity, safety, and health of sanitation workers. Medical check-ups, safety awareness sessions, and formal recognition programmes were conducted.

By prioritising Safai Mitras, Paradip Port demonstrated that inclusive cleanliness values human effort alongside infrastructure.

Innovation and Waste Management Practices

Paradip Port implemented strict measures against single-use plastics through awareness rallies, street theatre, and cotton bag distribution. Initiatives like Scrap to Structure and Waste to Wealth exhibitions promoted sustainable reuse.

Additional activities such as blood donation camps, Swachhata art competitions, and Special Campaign 5.0 renovations ensured cleanliness became part of everyday port culture.

Static GK fact: Waste-to-wealth models support the circular economy, a key sustainability principle.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

Cleanest Port of the Year at Swachhata Pakhwada 2025: