Paradip Port Authority (PPA) received the First Prize at the Swachhata Pakhwada Awards 2025, awarded by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways for excellence in cleanliness and sustainability. The award was presented in New Delhi on February 3, 2026, highlighting PPA’s commitment to the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan through extensive community participation and environmental efforts. Key initiatives included large-scale cleanliness drives, plantation of 40,000 saplings, and support for sanitation workers. PPA also promoted awareness against single-use plastics and hosted various community engagement activities. Chairman Shri P. L. Haranadh emphasized.
Understanding Swachhata Pakhwada and Its Importance
The shared dedication of PPA’s workforce and stakeholders towards sustainability and cleanliness, reinforcing PPA’s leadership role in the Clean India Mission Paradip Port Authority’s achievement of winning the First Prize at the Swachhata Pakhwada Awards 2025 marks a significant milestone in India’s maritime and infrastructure sector. This recognition reflects the port’s consistent commitment to cleanliness, hygiene, environmental responsibility, and community engagement. Swachhata Pakhwada, inspired by the Swachh Bharat Mission, is a nationwide initiative aimed at promoting cleanliness across government institutions, public infrastructure, and industrial establishments.
Paradip Port Authority’s success highlights how large-scale industrial hubs can align operational efficiency with sustainability goals while setting benchmarks for other ports across the country. Swachhata Pakhwada is a fortnight-long cleanliness drive observed annually by ministries, departments, and public sector bodies across India. The initiative focuses on cleanliness audits, waste reduction, sanitation awareness, and public participation. For ports like Paradip, the challenge is far greater due to high cargo volumes, continuous vessel movement, industrial waste generation, and heavy workforce presence. Winning the top prize indicates that Paradip Port Authority not only met but exceeded.
Paradip Port Authority’s Cleanliness Vision
The evaluation criteria set by the authorities, including waste management efficiency, innovation in cleanliness practices, and measurable environmental impact. Paradip Port Authority has systematically embedded cleanliness into its operational framework rather than treating it as a one-time campaign. The port has implemented structured waste segregation systems, mechanized sweeping, scientific disposal of hazardous waste, and regular sanitation drives across docks, cargo yards, administrative buildings, and residential colonies. Digital monitoring tools and internal audits have ensured sustained compliance with cleanliness standards.
Key Initiatives That Led to the Award
These efforts align closely with national sustainability objectives and support India’s vision of environmentally responsible infrastructure development.The award-winning performance of Paradip Port Authority can be attributed to a series of integrated initiatives undertaken during Swachhata Pakhwada 2025. These included large-scale cleanliness drives involving port employees, contractual workers, and local communities. Awareness programs on plastic waste reduction, cleanliness pledges, and innovative reuse of waste materials were actively promoted. The port also emphasized marine ecosystem protection by preventing oil spills, managing ship-generated waste.
Role of Employees and Community Participation
Responsibly, and ensuring clean waterfront operations. Such comprehensive efforts positioned Paradip Port as a role model among major ports in India. A defining factor behind Paradip Port Authority’s success was the enthusiastic participation of its workforce and (India) nearby communities. Cleanliness campaigns extended beyond port premises into surrounding residential areas, schools, and public spaces. Employees were encouraged to act as cleanliness ambassadors, reinforcing hygiene practices both at work and at home. This inclusive approach strengthened public trust and demonstrated that sustainable cleanliness is a shared responsibility rather than an administrative mandate.
Alignment with Swachh Bharat Mission
Paradip Port Authority’s initiatives are closely aligned with the objectives of the Swachh Bharat Mission, which emphasizes sanitation, waste management, and behavioral change. By integrating these principles into daily port operations, the authority has shown how national missions can be effectively implemented at the ground level. The recognition at Swachhata Pakhwada Awards 2025 underscores the port’s contribution to India’s broader cleanliness and sustainability agenda.
Impact on India’s Maritime Sector
This achievement sets a new benchmark for cleanliness and sustainability in India’s port sector. As ports play a crucial role in economic growth, ensuring clean and environmentally responsible operations is essential. Paradip Port Authority’s recognition encourages other ports to adopt similar best practices, leading to healthier work environments.
reduced environmental impact, and improved global perception of Indian ports Winning the Swachhata Pakhwada Award 2025 is not the end of the journey for Paradip Port Authority but a motivation to scale its initiatives further. The port plans to enhance automation in (India) waste management, increase renewable energy usage, and deepen community engagement programs. These forward-looking measures will help maintain high cleanliness standards while supporting environmental conservation and operational excellence in the long run.
Q1. What is the Swachhata Pakhwada Award?
The Swachhata Pakhwada Award is a national recognition given to organizations that demonstrate exceptional commitment to cleanliness, sanitation, and waste management during the Swachhata Pakhwada campaign.
Q2. Why did Paradip Port Authority win first prize in 2025?
Paradip Port Authority won due to its comprehensive cleanliness initiatives, effective waste management systems, employee participation, and alignment with national cleanliness goals.
Q3. How does this award benefit the port?
The award enhances the port’s reputation, boosts employee morale, and positions Paradip Port as a benchmark for sustainable port operations in India.
Q4. Is Swachhata Pakhwada linked to Swachh Bharat Mission?
Yes, Swachhata Pakhwada is an extension of the Swachh Bharat Mission, focusing on institutional participation and behavioral change.
Q5. Will these initiatives continue beyond the award period?
Yes, Paradip Port Authority has integrated cleanliness into its long-term operational strategy, ensuring sustained implementation beyond the award cycle.
