The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways announced that Jawahar Dweep Marine Oil Terminal at Mumbai Port has achieved plastic-free status, marking the first such declaration for an oil terminal in India. The milestone was announced during Swachhata Abhiyan 2026, a cleanliness initiative held to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal attended the event at Grey Gate, Indira Dock, Mumbai, to recognise the achievement and honour the port’s sanitation workers.
Key facts
- Jawahar Dweep Marine Oil Terminal at Mumbai Port declared plastic-free
- First such declaration for an oil terminal in India
- Announced during Swachhata Abhiyan 2026 on Gandhi’s birth anniversary
- Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal led the event
- Dr. M. Angamuthu, Chairperson of Mumbai Port Authority, and Deputy Chairman Ravish Kumar Singh were present
- Event held at Grey Gate, Indira Dock, Mumbai
- Oil Spill Response facilities were dedicated to the nation during the program
What the plastic-free status means
The declaration that Jawahar Dweep has eliminated single-use plastic reflects Mumbai Port Authority’s commitment to reducing plastic waste across its operations. The terminal is one of the port’s key facilities handling marine oil, and its transition to plastic-free operations demonstrates that large-scale industrial facilities can maintain cleanliness and environmental responsibility alongside regular business activities.
The port authority has outlined plans to extend similar plastic reduction efforts across other areas, including additional docks, residential colonies within the port complex, and coastal zones under its jurisdiction throughout the year.
Connection to Swachh Bharat Mission
The achievement is part of broader efforts under the Swachh Bharat Mission, a national programme focused on cleanliness and sanitation. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has integrated these objectives into port operations nationwide. Minister Sonowal emphasised that cleanliness has become embedded into the daily working culture of ports rather than remaining a periodic observance. He highlighted that sanitation workers, known as Safai Karmis, are central to realising this vision across India’s port system.
Events and recognition during the announcement
The Swachhata Abhiyan programme included several components. The event opened with a lamp lighting and tribute to Gandhi, followed by a pledge ceremony. A short film screening documented Mumbai Port’s cleanliness initiatives over the previous year. Minister Sonowal felicitated the port’s sanitation workforce and spent time directly engaging with them about their work experiences. A tea reception was held in honour of the Safai Karmis.
In addition to recognising workers, the Union Minister dedicated the port’s Oil Spill Response facilities to the nation. The programme concluded with a practical cleanliness drive led by Sonowal across multiple port locations, including areas south of 18ID, the Oil Spill Response facility grounds, sea-cleaning activities at the wharf in the BPX North Area, and mooring staff facilities. This hands-on demonstration reinforced the day’s commitment to ongoing cleanliness standards.
What this means for you
If you work at or use Mumbai Port’s facilities, the plastic-free declaration at Jawahar Dweep signals the port’s direction toward more sustainable operations. The authority has committed to extending these standards to other areas, which may affect how waste is managed and materials are handled across the port complex. For businesses operating at Mumbai Port, this may require adjusting procurement practices to align with reduced plastic usage.
More broadly, this achievement demonstrates a model that other major ports in India may follow, potentially influencing environmental standards across the country’s shipping and maritime sector.