The Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT) has asked the ABG-LDA-run cargo handler, Haldia Bulk Terminals (HBT), to resume operations within a week at the Haldia dock complex.

According to KoPT sources, the Board of Trustees of KoPT took the decision on Friday. The Board has also decided to issue “an emergency tender for the evacuation of stored cargo at the berths operated by HBT”.

HBT has been told to resume operations at Haldia port by October 19. The Board also decided to seek a response to the recent recommendations made by KoPT’s three-member committee, the sources said.

HBT, which handles dry bulk cargo at the mechanised berths (No. 2 and 8), had stopped operations since September 25. HBT also retrenched 275 workers to “right-size its workforce” on September 24. HBT had earlier complained of “forced” induction of 650 employees in excess of its requirement.

“The Board has taken a resolution: ‘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,” the sources said.

Counter move

HBT is understood to be planning to move the Calcutta High Court if the Port Trust and the district administration fail to improve the law and order situation at Haldia dock.

“We will again request KoPT and the district (East Midnapore) administration to restore the law and order situation at the port. If things do not improve, we will move the Calcutta High Court,” Gurpreet Malhi, Chief Executive Officer of HBT told Business Line .

HBT claimed that the company’s staff members were attacked for the second time on October 10.

Earlier on September 28, it had alleged that the West Bengal Government had failed to ensure law and order at “Haldia port and its surroundings”.

ayan.pramanik@thehindu.co.in

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