Paradip, Sept. 1: Normality has returned to the port township with protesting service providers and stevedoring companies reaching an amicable settlement over trade dispute today. Cargo handling from the limestone-loaded MV Kamari ship resumed late this evening.
Paradip was tense for the past week with the local dumpers' association threatening to disrupt cargo handling operations from the ship. The main grouse of members of the dumpers' association was that a Hyderabad-based stevedoring agency was arbitrarily awarded the task of cargo-handling operations.
The ship, carrying limestone for Steel Authority of India Limited, was berthed at the port's multi-purpose berth around 6.17pm tonight. Cargo handling operations have now begun at the port with the involvement of the local dumpers. The operation is going on peacefully though security was tightened in the core area of the port apprehending disturbances, said traffic manager of Paradip Port Trust Damodar Nayak.
"We have prioritised the interests of the local service providers. We held discussions with the representatives of Paradip dumpers' association today and the dispute was amicably settled. We have engaged 30 local dumpers in the cargo-handling operations. The unloading of limestone from MV Kamari is presently going on with active co-operation of local service providers," said Mahendra Swain, the general manager of Hyderabad-based Seaways Shipping and Logistics Ltd, which is engaged in cargo handling operations.
Additional police superintendent Gadadhar Pradhani said: "We have stepped up security with deployment of armed police and CISF personnel apprehending disturbances caused by the local dumper owners. However, no untoward incident has been reported so far. Cargo handling operations are continuing smoothly."
Paradip Dumpers' Association president Bijoy Nayak said: "As the stevedoring agency promised to protect the interests of the local service providers, we have abstained from protesting and have decided to co-operate to the port officials. Dumpers from Paradip are now on the job of cargo handling operations from the limestone-loaded ship."
