PARADIP: DESPITE threat of paralysing intra-port transportation from dumper owners’ associations, ‘MV Kamari’ vessel, carrying 15,000 tonnes of limestone of SAIL, berthed in Paradip Port on Thursday. Unloading of cargo from the vessel is going on amid tight security.
In the first phase, at least 30 dumpers of Paradip Dumper Owners’ Association have been pressed into service. CCTV cameras were installed in prohibited areas of the port while mobile cameras were fixed in each dumper and one policeman was provided to each driver of the dumper during unloading of cargo. All gates of the port have been sealed while dumpers were allowed entry after proper verification.
Nirakar Dumper Owners’ Association president Jyotikant Parida said, “We praise the administration and police for managing the cargo operation smoothly on Thursday. The monopolistic approach of some stevedores and dumpers has failed to paralyse the cargo operation of SAIL. On Wednesday, we had a discussion with service provider agency, Seaways Shipping and Logistics Ltd, to allow 115 dumpers for transporting cargo of the next vessel. We extended our services for unloading of cargo from MV Kamari on Thursday.” At least 24 platoon of police forces, seven magistrates and 50 police officials were deployed to maintain law and order. Police also registered cases against 37 persons under Section 107 of CrPC.