VPA Tops Swachhta Pakhwada Awards 2024
Visakhapatnam: Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) secured first place in the Swachhta Pakhwada Awards 2024, organised by the Ministry of ports, shipping and waterways (MoPSW), surpassing Shyama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority (SMPA) and Indian Maritime University (IMU), which secured second and third positions respectively.
The ministry commended VPA for its outstanding cleanliness and sanitation efforts. Under parameters set by MoPSW, VPA undertook impactful initiatives as part of âSwachhata Ki Bhagidariâ and âSampoorna Swachhataâ, including mass cleanliness drives, the âEk Ped Maa Ke Naamâ plantation programme, wall paintings, school outreach campaigns, cultural activities, and creative competitions promoting the Swachh Bharat message.
A major achievement was the mega drive at the Fishing Harbour, where sunken boats lying for over 15 years were removed. VPAâs medical department organised Safai Mitra Suraksha Shivirs with preventive health check-ups, PPE distribution, and medical support for sanitation workers.
In a push towards environmental sustainability, VPA developed large-scale beautification and landscaping projects, planting 31,800 saplings across ASR, Anakapalli, and Visakhapatnam districts.
VPA also held a trekking and clean-up drive at Kambalakonda Eco-Tourism Park, engaging 350 participants in community bonding and environmental action. Chairperson Dr M. Angamuthu reaffirmed the portâs commitment to a cleaner, greener, and healthier environment in line with the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
