Visakhapatnam Port Authority Bags Top Honours in Swachhata Pakhwada Awards 2024

Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) has added yet another feather to its cap by securing the first prize in the Swachhata Pakhwada Awards 2024, instituted by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW).

The awards were conferred in Mumbai by the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal during the ONOP Programme, in the presence of senior dignitaries from the maritime fraternity.

In the 2023 edition, VPA had secured the 3rd position at the national level and 1st position among all major ports—a testament to its sustained commitment to the Swachhata mission.

Building on this legacy, VPA has now ascended to the top spot in 2024, reinforcing its leadership in environmental stewardship and sustainable port operations.

Dr. M. Angamuthu, Chairperson, VPA, received the prestigious award from the Minister. He was accompanied by senior officials from VPA including T. Venu Gopal, Secretary and N.S.R.C. Murthy, Chief Engineer.

While receiving the award, Dr. Angamuthu expressed heartfelt gratitude to the the Union Minister and the Ministry, stating: “This recognition is a proud moment for Team VPA and a testament to our unwavering commitment to Swachhata, green initiatives, and sustainable port development. Under the visionary directives of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, VPA has successfully implemented the three key pillars — Jan Bhagidari for mass cleaning drives, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam for large-scale plantation, and Safai Mitra Suraksha for the health and well-being of our sanitary workers."

He said this collective achievement belongs to every employee, stakeholders, PPP operators, O&M operators, trade bodies, unions, Associations and other stakeholders.

Swachhata Pakhwada Awards are an annual recognition by MoPSW, evaluating ports, maritime institutions, and organizations based on their cleanliness drives, waste management systems, green practices, and community engagement initiatives.

This year’s top three awardees are were 1st prize VPA, 2nd by Shyama Prasad Mookherjee Port Authority (SMPA), Kolkata and 3rd prize by Indian Maritime University (IMU).

the “Harit Sagar” and “Swachhata Hi Seva” missions.