THE Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMPK) in Kolkata has enhanced its security protocols and operational vigilance in the wake of the ongoing military conflict with Pakistan, port officials said on Friday. As per the directives from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and the Directorate General of Shipping, SMPK has elevated its security level to 2.
All personnel have been instructed to be on high alert, vigilantly monitor port premises and waterways, and report any suspicious activity immediately.
The secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, T K Ramachandran, chaired a virtual high-level security review meeting with port officials on Friday. The meeting was attended by senior officials of Kolkata Port, including SMP Kolkata chairman Rathendra Raman, deputy chairman Samrat Rahi, senior CISF Commandant Ruchi Anand and departmental heads.
Following the meeting, the port chairman convened a review meeting with senior officials and announced a series of robust security measures to safeguard Kolkata port’s critical infrastructure.
Additionally, the leaves of all employees (including contractual staffers) have been canceled from May 10-14 to ensure operational readiness. Employees are required to stay at the headquarters, even on scheduled days off. Pilots and dock pilots will remain on high alert for any emergency evacuations from the Kolkata Dock System (KDS) and Haldia Dock Complex (HDC), an official statement said.
“At Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata, the safety and security of our men, property and vessels is of utmost priority. Given the current national security situation, it is our collective responsibility to stay vigilant and prepared. We have elevated our security protocols in line with the directives of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and the DG Shipping to ensure that our port remains a secure gateway for maritime trade,” Raman said.
Meanwhile, the port is also set to step up its cyber security measures, with the chief information security officer tasked with implementing stricter protocols to counter potential threats.
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Regular security drills will be carried out with all stakeholders, ensuring preparedness for any contingency, the port said in the statement. Port operations will be suspended during any planned or unplanned blackouts to mitigate risk.
CISF and PSO personnel have been advised to enforce strict access control, permitting entry only to individuals with valid dock entry permits or photo ID cards.
