Puri: The valiant sailors of Indian Navy are all set to display their readiness and might off the shores of Puri in Odisha on the occasion of the Navy Day on December 4. Preparations for the Navy Day are in its final stages and Puri as well as the rest of the world should witness splendid demonstrations of Indian Navy’s capabilities on Wednesday.
Even as the two-day full dress rehearsal for the Navy Day demonstrations started on Sunday the Puri district administration has made all possible event a grand success. President Droupadi Murmu, who is the supreme commander of the Indian Armed Forces, will be the chief guest on the occasion.
The Navy Day celebrations will feature 15 warships and 40 aircraft demonstrating combat exhibitions for the first time in Odisha. This aside, the Naval personnel will perform daring combat demonstrations, including stealth operations by MARCOS commandos.
INS Chilka’s commanding officer B Deepak Aneel said, “This is the first that the demonstration operations will be held in Odisha. The preparations for the Navy Day celebrations started months back. Navy ships, submarines, aircraft and marine commandos will participate in the event.”
In response to a question, the Navy officer said, “Various kinds of warships will participate in the Navy Day celebrations. Some perform anti-submarine activities, some do anti-air operations and others perform amphibious operations.”
“We have LPD-INS Jalashwa which is a landing platform dock (LPD) and performs amphibious operations. Besides, we have the Delhi-Class Destroyers which are very potent platforms. They are the front force which goes into the armsway. We have Shivalik-Class Frigates and some corvettes, offshore patrol vehicles and tankers to name a few,” he added.
“Odisha is a very important state for us with 480 km of coastline. I will request all of you to enjoy the show and we are definitely going to be putting up a spectacular show,” said Aneel.
“A two-day full dress rehearsal began on Sunday. Keeping in view the interests of the public, infrastructure developments set in place for the people to witness the event. Adequate police forces have also been deployed to avoid untoward incidents,” said Puri Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain.
“All the facilities have been provided to help the Indian Navy in the successful organisation of the event. A sufficient number of police forces have been deployed for the programme. Infrastructure has been developed on the open beaches so that people can experience the event all along the coast,” said Swain.
Swain further informed in the presser that LED displays, toilets, and medical units will be deployed for the event on December 4.
Warning the tourists and spectators not to venture into water, Swain stated that additionally 300 lifeguards have been deployed to avoid any untoward incident during the grand programme.
According to a press release issued by the Indian Navy, “The Indian Navy will display a spectacular Operational Demonstration off the coast of Puri, showcasing the strength and versatility of its naval fleet. This event is not only a tribute to India’s rich maritime heritage but also an opportunity for the general public to witness first-hand the world of naval operations, a realm often hidden from public view.”
