Bags the First place under the Infrastructure Sector category among 120 participants
India CSR News Network
MUMBAI: Krishnapatnam Port, the country’s largest all-weather; deep water port on the east-coast has been recognized as the key engine driving economic growth for Andhra Pradesh and as a harbor that has set new efficiency and operational benchmarks for the Indian port sector. The recognition comes from India’s renowned industrial body – CII at its SR Excellence Awards for 2015-16 held in Chennai on 8th July 2016.
Krishnapatnam Port won two awards including the First place in EHS Practices under the Infrastructure Sector category among almost 120 participating companies. EHS activities at the port have always played a pivotal role among its operations which has helped the company gain recognition as a Green and a Safe Port. Its EHS programs encourage continuous improvement in environmental protection by including aspects such as Waste management, Water management, Pollution control, Resource conservation, Best management practices and usage of Renewable resources among others.
The sustained efforts and the company’s philosophy has led the port to be certified in ISO14001:2004 – Environment Management System and OHSAS 18001:2007 – Occupational Health & Safety Management System.
Beyond such efficient operational and economic considerations, a focused drive of Krishnapatnam has lead to a ‘Sustainable and Inclusive’ growth for the adjoining region. KPCL which is today addressed as a national asset, strongly believes that its contribution is not only towards the economic growth of the country but also in improving standards of living of the society at large thereby being the change agent in protecting the environment through sustainable practices which go well beyond the statutory requirements.
Jithendra Nimmagadda, COO of Krishnapatnam Port Container Terminal (KPCT) and the Head of EHS department, KPCL on the occasion said “Environmental sustainability and socially inclusive growth has always been the core belief of Krishnapatnam Port apart from providing operational efficiencies par excellence and playing a catalyst in the economic development of the region”. Due to such sustainable operations, port is always at the forefront in creating operational milestones. In one such instance, KPCT recently set a new Crane productivity record by surpassing its earlier record when 420 TEU were exchanged in vessel M.V. Hyundai Progress on 22nd May 2016. This vessel witnessed the highest crane productivity of 51.0 moves per hour surpassing its earlier record of 48.6 moves per hour.
The Port is currently in its eighth year of operations and has always focused on environmentally sustainable growth. Some of the salient features are:
- Planting 2.6 million saplings with a target of 10 million
- Focus on renewable power by using almost 60% of wind power for its requirements
- Recycling of water through STP and its usage for green belt
- Rain water harvesting
- Working towards its target of becoming carbon neutral by year 2020
- Protection & development of mangroves
- Mechanized cargo handling system for reduction of fugitive emissions
- Strict safety norms and internal audits
- Monitoring, review and correction mechanisms
Krishnapatnam Port’s unstinted commitment towards creating suitable climate leading to better productivity can be seen in its EHS structured programs which encourage continuous improvement by following best management practices in promoting 4R`s – ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover’. Port believes that its role extends far beyond its own premises and by reaching out to the communities, societies and nearby industrial region it has facilitated in achieving a fine balance between development, social welfare and environment upgradation.
