Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) Division of Kamarajar Port Limited plays a pivotal role in ensuring safe, environmentally sustainable, and regulatory-compliant port operations. The Division is committed to fostering a strong safety culture by minimizing occupational risks, preventing accidents, and ensuring the health and wellbeing of employees, contractors, and port users through proactive risk assessment, safety audits, training programmes, and emergency preparedness systems.

Environmental Commitment

With a strong environmental focus, the HSE Division implements comprehensive environmental management practices aimed at pollution prevention, conservation of natural resources, and reduction of environmental footprint. Continuous monitoring of ambient air quality, marine water quality, noise levels, and waste management systems is undertaken in compliance with statutory requirements of the Central Pollution Control Board and Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board. The Division actively promotes green port initiatives under the Harit Sagar framework, including marine pollution control, climate resilience measures, energy efficiency, biodiversity protection, and sustainable port development, thereby advancing Kamarajar Port towards safer operations and environmental stewardship.

Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Commitment

Kamarajar Port Limited is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all employees, contract workers, port users, and stakeholders by preventing work-related injuries, ill health, and unsafe conditions across all port operations. The Port strives to establish and maintain a strong safety culture through proactive hazard identification, risk assessment, implementation of preventive controls, and continual improvement of the Occupational Health and Safety Management System.

Kamarajar Port ensures compliance with applicable legal and statutory requirements and aligns its safety practices with internationally recognized standards such as ISO 45001. The organization promotes employee participation, regular safety training, emergency preparedness, incident reporting, and continuous monitoring to enhance operational safety performance. Through leadership commitment and collective responsibility, Kamarajar Port endeavors to achieve zero harm, safe working conditions, and sustainable port operations.

KPL adheres to the Dock Workers Act, 1986, ensuring high safety standards for employees and workers. This includes regular safety training, medical checkups, mock drills, safety audits, inspections, and committee meetings to promote a strong safety culture within the port.

KPL and its BOT / Captive Terminal Operators have well-established fire prevention and safety protocols, regularly monitored through audits and inspections. The port is equipped with adequate fixed and portable firefighting facilities such as fire tender, fire hydrants, fire water cum foam monitors, tower monitors, sprinklers, smoke detectors, and fire alarm systems.

The port maintains a 24/7 ambulance and occupational health centre, staffed with certified personnel and a medical practitioner during working hours.

KPL also has a comprehensive Disaster and Crisis Management Plan in place, ensuring personnel are well-trained for emergencies through frequent drills and skill development programs.

Environmental Excellence in Port Operations

KPL was the first major port to introduce mechanised coal handling with closed conveyor systems and water sprinklers in 2001. Its Marine Liquid Terminal, commissioned in 2009, is equipped with VOC analysers and an effluent treatment plant.

The Common User Coal Terminal uses closed conveyor systems, windshields, and sprinklers to minimise dust emissions. Clean cargo handling at the Multi Cargo Terminal and electrification of internal transport vehicles at the Container Terminal further highlight KPL's commitment to environmental excellence in port operations.

Greenbelt Development

KPL has been enhancing its greenbelt since 2008, covering 636.14 acres, which now makes up 22.82% of its total area. This greenbelt acts as a barrier against dust, contributing to the port's eco-friendly operations.

Environmental Monitoring and Management

Since 2008, KPL has actively monitored environmental parameters, including air and water quality. In 2023, KPL installed three continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations, synchronised with CPCB and TNPCB servers to provide real-time data. This reflects the port's ongoing commitment to ensure a clean environment.

Green Port Initiatives & Achievements

KPL provides shore-based power for small crafts when idle alongside the jetty, further reducing carbon emissions. The port has installed a shore power supply facility for ships at Coal Berths 1 & 2, ready for commissioning.

KPL and its BOT / Captive Terminal Operators have installed sewage treatment plants with a total capacity of 83 KLD, with treated sewage being used for greenbelt maintenance. To address water needs, KPL is also installing a 1 MLD Sea Water Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) Desalination Plant for captive use. 

KPL has made significant strides in renewable energy by installing a 320 KWp ground-mounted off-grid solar power plant, allowing the port to meet 50% of its energy needs through renewable sources. BOT operators have installed solar units, drawing 30% of their energy from renewable sources. For the FY 2025-26, the combined green power share for KPL and its terminal operators was about 64%.

Port has installed 3nos. of Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations and Continuous Marine Water Quality Monitoring Stations in its premises and the data is synchronized with the servers of TNPCB and CPCB for realtime monitoring.

The port also provides reception facilities to ships under MARPOL Annex I, II, IV, V, and VI, ensuring compliance with international environmental standards.

To reduce carbon footprint, KPL has introduced electric vehicles for solid waste management within the port and implemented a ban on single-use plastics in its premises.

Sustainability & Environment

Kamarajar Port Limited (KPL) is committed to sustainable and responsible port operations while minimizing environmental impacts and protecting the coastal and marine ecosystem. The Port integrates environmental management practices into its planning, construction, and operational activities in compliance with statutory requirements and international best practices. KPL undertakes continuous monitoring and improvement measures related to air and water quality, waste management, biodiversity conservation, energy efficiency, and climate action. The Port actively promotes green initiatives, resource efficiency, and stakeholder engagement to support sustainable development of port infrastructure and surrounding communities.

1. Environmental Policy & Commitment

Kamarajar Port Limited (KPL) is committed to sustainable port development and environmentally responsible operations. The Port recognizes its responsibility to protect the coastal and marine environment, minimize environmental impacts, and promote resource-efficient and climate-resilient port infrastructure in line with national regulations and international best practices.

KPL integrates environmental considerations into all stages of planning, development, and operational activities and strives for continual improvement in environmental performance.

2. Environmental Management Cell (EMC)

Kamarajar Port Limited has established an Environmental Management Cell (EMC) to ensure effective implementation of environmental policies, statutory compliance, and continual improvement in environmental performance across port operations. The EMC functions as the nodal unit for environmental planning, monitoring, compliance, and coordination with regulatory authorities, port users, and stakeholders. It oversees environmental management during project development, construction, and operational phases in line with Environmental Clearance (EC) conditions, Consent to Operate (CTO) requirements, and applicable environmental regulations.

3. Environmental Management Plan (EMP)

Kamarajar Port Limited has developed and implemented an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) to ensure systematic identification, monitoring, and mitigation of environmental impacts arising from port development and operational activities. The EMP is prepared in line with the conditions stipulated in Environmental Clearance (EC), Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance, Consent to Operate (CTO), and applicable environmental regulations and guidelines. The EMP provides a structured framework for pollution prevention, resource efficiency, environmental monitoring, and continual improvement in environmental performance.

4. CRZ & Environmental Clearances

Kamarajar Port Limited undertakes port development and operational activities in compliance with the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, EIA Notification, 2006 (as amended), and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF & CC), Government of India. The Port has obtained the requisite Environmental Clearance (EC) and CRZ Clearance for its port infrastructure and expansion projects from the competent authorities. KPL ensures that all stipulated conditions in the approvals are implemented during project planning, construction, and operation phases.

Consent Orders

Kamarajar Port Limited operates its port facilities in compliance with the provisions of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, and the rules framed thereunder. Port obtains the required Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO) from the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) for its port infrastructure and operational activities time to time.

5. Half-Yearly Environmental Compliance Reports

KPL submits half-yearly compliance reports to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) and other regulatory authorities as required under the Environmental Clearance conditions. The reports include:

a) Status of implementation of EC and CRZ conditions

b) Ambient air and water quality monitoring results

c) Noise and soil monitoring results

d) Green belt development and biodiversity initiatives

e) Waste management and pollution control measures

f) Community and CSR-linked environmental initiatives

6. Environmental Monitoring Reports

Kamarajar Port Limited conducts periodic environmental monitoring to assess the impact of port operations and ensure compliance with statutory environmental requirements and Environmental Clearance (EC) and Consent to Operate (CTO) conditions. Environmental monitoring is carried out through NABL-accredited laboratories and qualified agencies, and the results are reviewed by the Environmental Management Cell for compliance evaluation and implementation of corrective measures, wherever required.

7. Solid & Hazardous Waste Management

Kamarajar Port Limited is committed to environmentally sound management of solid and hazardous wastes generated from port operations and associated activities. The Port follows the provisions of applicable environmental laws and rules, including the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016, and guidelines issued by the Central and State Pollution Control Boards. KPL ensures safe handling, storage, transportation, and disposal of wastes through authorized agencies and promotes waste minimization and resource recovery practices.

8. Biodiversity Management & Green Belt

The project area and its surroundings support a variety of terrestrial and aquatic flora and fauna. Biodiversity management is an integral part of the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) to ensure conservation of local ecosystems and compliance with statutory requirements. Port is having Biodiversity Management Plan approved by Tamilnadu Biodiversity Board put in place. The baseline study indicates the presence of common terrestrial vegetation, avifauna, and marine/estuarine species typical to the coastal region. No critically endangered species or protected habitats such as National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, or Eco-Sensitive Zones are located within the project influence area.

9. Greenbelt Development

Green belt is developed within the project premises and along the periphery, roadsides, buffer zones, and vacant areas. The green belt covers approximately 23% (636.14 Acres) of the total project area of 2787 Acres. Preference is given to native, fast-growing, and pollution-tolerant species, multi-tier plantation pattern (trees, shrubs, and grasses) is adopted to maximize ecological benefits. Coastal and salt-tolerant species are planted in shoreline areas and landscaping is carried out along roads, administrative buildings, and open spaces.

10. Sustainability Reporting

The organization is committed to integrating sustainability principles into its business operations to achieve long-term economic growth while minimizing environmental impacts and promoting social well-being. Sustainability is embedded in corporate strategy, governance structures, and operational practices in line with national and international frameworks such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ESG principles, and SEBI BRSR guidelines.