As things stand now, it appears that restoration of normalcy at KoPT and HBT is not very near, though it is very desirable in the interests of all concerned. According to KoPT sources, Haldia Bulk Terminals (HBT), an ABG-LDA managed cargo –handler has been asked by KoPT to resume operations by October 19 and KoPT also seems to have decided to release “an emergency tender for the evacuation of stored cargo at the berths operated by HBT”. To the threat of HBT to suspend its operations at its berths 2 and 8 on account of unviable losing business, KoPT agreed, through an arbitration, to divert more vessels to its berths. This decision provoked the workers of the other berths in particular and the labour unrest started. To put an end to the unproductive impasse, a three-member committee of KoPT came out with recommendations. The Board of KoPT wants the response of HBT to the recommendations. The sources said that the Board of KoPT has a resolution that “If HBT fails to start operations by October 19, it shall be presumed that it is not interested to carry out operations at Haldia dock. And, suitable steps will be initiated as per the agreement”. HBT’s response seems to be to repeat the request to KoPT and the district administration to restore the law and order situation at the port. “If things do not improve “, Mr. Gurpreet Malhi said, “we will move the Calcutta High Court”.
www.sagarsandesh.com
No comments:
Post a Comment