In anticipation of Severe Cyclone “DANA,” the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) has initiated comprehensive safety measures to safeguard the port, vessels, and personnel. The Minister of State for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Shantanu Thakur, chaired a detailed review meeting to assess the preparedness of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), Directorate General of Shipping, and the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Shri Thakur emphasized the need for coordinated action to mitigate the impact of the cyclone on maritime operations and ensure the safety of port personnel and vessels. Shri Thakur praised the proactive measures taken by the concerned agencies and urged them to stay vigilant in monitoring the situation as the cyclone intensifies.
The cyclone, currently centered over the East-central Bay of Bengal, is expected to intensify and make landfall between Odisha and West Bengal on the night of 24th October, with wind speeds of 100-110 kmph, gusting up to 120 kmph.
To ensure preparedness, all vessels alongside berths are to be ready with proper trim and stability, and their main engines prepared for sea by noon on 23rd October 2024. Vessels with light draft have been instructed to take on heavy weather ballast. Additionally, vessels at Paradip Anchorage are to move to a safe sea area by 23rd October evening, while Coast Guard vessels inside the harbour are to either secure for heavy weather or relocate to safer areas.
During the meeting, the Honorable Minister of State advised the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of Kolkata Port and Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port to maintain full preparedness despite the expected lesser impact of Cyclone DANA in the region, to ensure readiness for any unforeseen events and to prevent any loss of life or property.
The Ministry has directed that all dredgers, barges, and support crafts in Paradip Port be secured for heavy weather. DCI Dredge XV, XVI, and XVIII, along with DCI Dredge Ganga and DCI Multicat in NDC, are to proceed to safe areas, while other crafts in Western and Northern Dock areas are to remain manned round the clock. Heavy machinery, including harbour mobile cranes and ship unloaders at PPL, IFFCO, KICT, MCHP, and IOHP, are to be secured by the evening of 23rd October.
The port is also ensuring the safety of essential equipment in under-construction areas and securing high mast lights, loading arms, and gangways. Emergency services, including power saws for tree cutting, evacuation buses, and emergency rations, will be made available in coordination with Paradeep Port Authority.
In coordination with state and local authorities, the Ministry is ready to support evacuation efforts, with buses arranged for transporting people to cyclone shelters. Adequate stocks of medicines, drinking water, and cooked food are being distributed at shelters to ensure the well-being of those affected.
All necessary precautions have been taken to minimize the impact of Cyclone Dana on the port’s operations and infrastructure, demonstrating MoPSW’s commitment to ensuring maritime safety and operational continuity during adverse weather conditions.
