State PCS - West Bengal (WBCS)

• 08 Aug 2025

Beautification of Surinam and Mayer Ghat

What is News? 

In a significant move towards enhancing Kolkata’s riverfront, Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMP, Kolkata) has partnered with Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE) for the beautification of Surinam Ghat and the development of Mayer Ghat.  

• This initiative forms part of the port’s broader Swachhata initiatives, with the aim to revive these iconic ghats, strengthening their cultural and historical significance. 

Key Points 

• GRSE will undertake the beautification of Surinam Ghat and development work at Mayer Ghat under their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.  
  • Both ghats hold immense cultural value for the city and will undergo transformations aimed at enhancing public infrastructure while preserving their rich history. 
• Surinam Ghat is historically poignant, as it was the departure point for over 34,000 indentured laborers (mainly from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh) who sailed to Suriname between 1873 and 1916.  
  • The first ship, Lalla Rookh, departed in 1873, carrying 410 passengers. 
• Mayer Ghat, located near Bagbazar, has spiritual significance, being frequented by Ma Sarada during her visits to Udbodhan Patrika.  
  • Both ghats have been integral to Kolkata’s maritime legacy, dating back to the 1500s when European traders frequented the Hooghly River.

Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMP Kolkata) 

• SMP Kolkata is one of India’s 13 government-designated major ports, administered under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. 
• It is India’s only riverine major port, located on the Hooghly River in Kolkata, West Bengal.  
• It is the oldest operational port in India (established in 1870 as the Kolkata Port)). 

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) 

• CSR refers to a company’s responsibility towards society and the environment.   
  • It is a self-regulating model that ensures businesses remain accountable for their impact on economic, social, and environmental well-being.   
  • By adopting CSR, companies become more aware of their broader role in sustainable development.   
• India is the first country to make CSR spending mandatory under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013.  
• CSR rules apply to companies that, in the preceding financial year, have a net worth exceeding Rs 500 crore, or a turnover over Rs 1,000 crore, or a net profit above Rs 5 crore.  
• Such companies must spend at least 2% of their average net profit of the last 3 financial years (or available years if newly incorporated) on CSR activities.