Sustainability holds paramount importance for the Dhamra Port Project. Apart from recommendations and guidelines from EIA, IUCN, local NGOs, scientific research panels & marine turtle specialists, DPCL is focusing on a balanced approach towards economic & environmental parameters. It is fully aware of and sensitive to its social and environmental responsibilities and would continue to undertake the task of building the public infrastructure it has taken upon itself in the best spirit of sustainable development.

The port is aimed at making economic progress while simultaneously protecting the environment and addressing issues pertinent to sustainability.

DPCL has worked out together with IUCN, a plan of action that provides for sustained development and growth of the environment, the people in and around the port’s periphery and marine life.

As key measures for developing Dhamra as an ideal eco-friendly port, the following steps have been taken up by the company:

• DPCL plans to implement ISO 14001:2004 based EMS
• DPCL has entered into an agreement with The World conservation Union (IUCN) for providing assistance in developing environmental standards, designing potential mitigation measures during port construction and develop well researched and sound Environment Management Plan (EMP) for development and operation of the port
• IUCN has reviewed, assessed and submitted its reports on potential Dredging and Lighting impacts on Olive Ridley Turtles
• IUCN has issued protocols to which DPCL is committed
• The company has undertaken plantation programme along the 62 km rail-road corridor from Bhadrak to Dhamra
• Building Dolphin type (pier mounted) jetties, without disturbing the natural slope of the seabed
• Dredging along a naturally deep alignment
• Installing modern illumination system in line with the suggestions of the “International Dark Sky Association (IDA)" to avoid illuminating the sky or focusing light towards sea
• Installing a well-designed dust suppression system with atomized water sprinkler to eliminate the dust in transfer chutes, stack yard and wagon loading system
• The accumulated sprinkled water to be recycled using settlement tanks