‘Swachhata Pakhwada’, a Major Step Towards Clean Cochin Port

KOCHI:
The massive cleanliness drive carried out in Cochin Port area during the last week has given a distinct look to many roads and public spaces in Willingdon Island. The Swachhata Pakhwada, observed during 16 th to 31 st March, was the culmination of various activities carried out by Cochin Port Trust and the Port fraternity during the last one year.
Major activities carried out during the last one year include: Swachhagraha- screening of the 10 best short films on Swacha Bharat was conducted in Cochin Port on 18-10- 2016 in the presence of Venkaiah Naidu, Union Minister for Urban Development, HUPA, I &B, development of promenade near BOT bridge (CoPT Avenue Walkway) was completed on 3-12- 2016. Kudumbasree was engaged for door to door collection of segregate waste from the source (Quarters, Shops, Offices, Restaurants, Hotels etc.) and proper disposal.
Green Port initiatives: The work of conducting Air Quality Monitoring at four locations in W/ Island is being
conducted from November 2015 onwards. Stack and Noise Monitoring work at CoPT area, for 1 year in progress.
Water Quality Monitoring in backwaters at 7 locations is being done in connection with implementation of various projects. Effluent Treatment Plant in the Cochin Port Trust Hospital is in operation.
Construction of a Septage Treatment Plant by GoK in the Port area is nearing completion. Slar panels have been installed on the roofs of residential buildings in the RNAS area.
The facilities for Shore power supply to ships are in place. Oil Spill control equipments have been upgraded.
Major cleanliness drive carried out during the last two weeks include: Old Cochin Radio compound, which was in an abandoned stage, has been cleaned and in few days, the surface tarring will be carried out and converted into a public convenience cum parking area for the benefit of general public and tourists visiting the North End area of Willingdon Island.
A major cleaning drive was undertaken in the Shopping Complex and surrounding areas at South End which has now given a fresh look to the place.
Other activities held during the last two weeks: The following roads in Willingdon Island were given a face lift by the employees of different Departments of Cochin Port Trust – Seagull Road, Subramaniam Road, KPK
Menon Road, Road adjacent to lorry parking yard near BOT Bridge, 15 th Cross road at South End.
The residential areas which were cleaned up include – RNAS Area at South End, North End area of Willingdon Island and CISF residential complex (near Ro-Ro Jetty).
Cleaning activities were also carried out in areas like Multi User Liquid Terminal Project site at Puthuvypeen, Cochin Fisheries Harbour, Thoppumpady, Container Freight Station, Nursing School, Kendriya Vidyalaya Port Trust, Sub Stations, Pump House at Mattancherry Halt, Fire Station,etc
The year’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan activities and the Swachhata Pakhwada will conclude on 31 st March, 2017. Prof. K.V. Thomas, Member of Parliament will be the Chief Guest on the occasion and the theme song on Swachh Bharat made by Cochin Port Trust will be released by him.
Awareness programmes were conducted in residential areas and offices towards ensuring cleanliness and to avoid dumping of waste in public places. Trilingual leaflets were issued to residents and offices in Willingdon Island and urged everyone to report dumping of waste in public if they come across. People who report
such incidents will be rewarded and defaulters punished. This system will be continued for ensuring a clean Port. All residents and office establishments should avail the services of Kudumbasree which has been engaged for segregated collection of waste from source and its proper disposal.
The Willingdon Island Residents Association, employees from CGH Earth, students of Kendriya Vidyalaya Port Trust and representatives of trade also took part in the cleanliness drive and awareness programs.
1500 Tonnes of garbage/waste was collected and shifted to the dumping ground. 5 Kilometres of road was cleaned and beautified.
The theme Song on Swachh Bharat composed and sung by the employees of Cochin Port Trust was released by Prof. K.V. Thomas, Hon’ble Member of Parliament during the concluding function of the year’s Swachh Bharat activities and Swachhata Pakhwada held at Conference Hall of Cochin Port Trust on 31.03.2017 at 2.30PM. A.V. Ramana, Dy. Chairman and Smt. Gowri S Nair, Secretary and Nodal Officer of Swachhata Pakhwada spoke on the occasion. Heads of Department and employees of Cochin Port participated.