Kolkata, October 23, 2024

 

            The Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), Shri Shantanu Thakur, conducted a review meeting with Chairperson, Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP), Kolkata Shri Rathendra Raman, Deputy Chairperson Shri Samrat Rahiand senior officials, to assess the preventive, precautionary and curative measures taken by SMP, Kolkata in combating the Cyclonic Storm ‘Dana’. These measures, which aim to ensure the safety of port operations and personnel at the Kolkata Dock System (KDS) and Haldia Dock Complex (HDC), are in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Ministry and focus on safeguarding the coastal districts of West Bengal, including SMP, Kolkata.

Key measures undertaken by SMP, Kolkata included:

1.      Cyclone Control Rooms: Dedicated control rooms have been set up at both Kolkata Dock System (KDS) and Haldia Dock Complex (HDC) from 1400 hrs on 23rd October 2024 until 2200 hrs on 25th October 2024. These rooms are being manned by SMPK officials to monitor the situation closely.

2.      Suspension of Shipping and Port Operations: Effective from the morning of 24th October 2024, all shipping and port operations will be temporarily suspended until the cyclone has safely passed.

3.      Securing of Vessels: All vessels have been safely taken inside docks or securely moored at anchorages or jetties. Additional moorings have been applied to ships inside the docks, while all barges, including Bangladeshi barges, have been advised to anchor securely outside the shipping channel.

4.      Equipment Safety: The booms of cranes will be lowered before the storm's onset and container stacking within the docks has been limited to two tiers to minimize risks.

5.      Communication Systems in Operation: SMPK has activated all communication systems, including satellite phones and handheld walkie-talkies, to ensure seamless coordination during the storm.

6.      Standby Equipment and Professionals: Adequate numbers of payloaders, tree-trimming machines, generator sets, and water draining pumps have been placed in standby mode. Rescue workers have been strategically mobilized across critical areas, and fire tenders and ambulances have been positioned at key operational points.

7.      Essential Supplies and Safety Measures: Adequate stock of food, drinking water, and other essential items is being ensured across docks and SMPK offices to address any emergencies. Debris cleaning has been completed to prevent water logging, and all cargo shed gates have been secured.

            SMP, Kolkata is committed to the safety of its port workers, vessels and assets, while maintaining vigilance throughout the duration of the storm. The port authorities are closely monitoring the progress of Cyclonic Storm ‘Dana’ and are prepared to take further action as necessary

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SSS/23.10.24/…

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