Coal news and updates

Haldia Dock starts fumigation services for minerals

In a move that has may irk a number of port users, the Haldia Dock Complex (HDC) of Kolkata Port Trust has started fumigation services for minerals such as gypsum and limestone, industry sources said.

“Haldia was the first among the state-owned major ports to bring minerals under this classification. This is leading to slow movement of such materials, affecting importers and end-users alike,” the sources told ICMW.

Fumigation services are necessary to keep away exotic pests and diseases from entering the country, but these are generally applied on items like foodgrains and timber (including timber packaging), the sources said, adding “making them mandatory for minerals is leading to slow clearance and delay in despatches.”

An official from a stevedoring company said, “This delay may further reduce the turnaround time and pre-berthing detention.”