MARG Karaikal Port celebrates World Environment Day 2013

CHENNAI, India - June 6, 2013 - PRLog -- Chennai, June 6, 2013 - MARG Karaikal Port, a subsidiary of Chennai headquartered MARG Limited, one of India's fastest growing infrastructure companies, celebrated ‘World Environment Day’ meaningfully on June 5th 2013 , through a variety of programmes to drive awareness on the need for preserving environment within the employees and community around.  
As part of the World Environment Day celebrations, MARG Karaikal Port planted 400 tree saplings in and around the port premises. Capt. Ramesh, Chief Operating Officer, MARG Karaikal Port kick started the exercise by planting the first sapling at the port and this was followed by other employees. Later, the Port officials and villagers also planted tree saplings at Keezhavanjore Village, Karaikal.

The celebrations also witnessed special vehicle emission tests carried out by a registered testing centre for all vehicles plying inside the Port. This will go a long way in enhancing awareness not just amongst employees but also all visitors to the port towards the benefits of pollution control.

An awareness programme promoting kitchen & roof garden at homes were organized for the members of women self help groups promoted by Karaikal Port. Prof Dr Yassin, Head of the Dept, Horticulture, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru College of Agriculture (PAJANCOA) made presentations on various gardening techniques. Seeds were distributed to the women groups to maintain kitchen garden at their backyards.

Notably, MARG Karaikal Port has been at the forefront of green initiatives and has this World Environment Day celebration adds to already planted 80,000 trees that are being maintained at the Port in the form of a green belt.
MARG Karaikal Port is committed to elevating environmental standards and has been gradually deploying eco-friendly systems & procedures in its day-to-day operations. During last year’s World Environment Day, MARG Karaikal Port was declared as INDIA’s FIRST PLASTIC FREE PORT setting a trend for others to follow. Since then, staff members & visitors are screened at the entrance to prevent entry of plastic or polythene bags inside the port premises. Alternately the Port has promoted the usage of paper cups and paper bags inside the Port premises.

The Port boasts of a green expanse, artistically landscaped with bamboo garden and water bodies, received ducks to adorn the ambience along with rabbits and guinea hens. The port has been nature friendly and poised to set an example towards bio-diversity.

Speaking on the occasion, MLN Acharyulu, Executive Director, Marine Infrastructure, MARG Group said, “MARG Karaikal Port is not just an engine for growth but also a platform for us to take the lead in creating an environment conscious society. The port accords high priority to eco-friendly systems and is deeply committed to being an agent of change towards reducing environment impact and adopting green technology.  These initiatives are part of our continuous efforts to conserve and promote biodiversity at our project locations.”

Elaborating further on the green initiatives , Capt. K.N.Ramesh, Chief Operating Officer, MARG Karaikal Port added, “Over the years, MARG Karaikal Port has taken several initiatives for the protection & conservation of environment. We have put in place state-of-the-art environmental and pollution control systems in line with stipulations of various Government agencies.MARG Karaikal Port has the most modern port infrastructure with better and advanced facilities of environmental protection systems such as Dust Suppression system, Water sprinklers, Ultra Violet Resistance Net, Wind Shield cover, Tarpaulin coverage of various cargo on transit via road and rail etc.”

To ensure 100% environment friendly operation, MARG Karaikal Port has already initiated installation of conveyer based Stacker & Re-claimer system which will facilitate direct transportation of coal from ships to storage plots and to Railway Siding/ truck loading points. MARG Karaikal Port has instituted various green initiatives such as cost effective methods for drip irrigations, groundnut cultivations, robust methods in preventing pollutions, innovative & effective way of scrap usage, sewage treatment for water conservation and using kitchen waste to compost soil etc.