Finance
The valiant sailors of the Indian Navy are preparing to demonstrate their preparedness and strength off the coast of Puri, Odisha, on Navy Day, December 4. Preparations for Navy Day are nearing completion, and Puri and the rest of the globe can expect spectacular demonstrations of the Indian Navy’s capabilities on Wednesday.
Even as the two-day full dress rehearsal for the Navy Day demonstrations began on Sunday, the Puri district administration ensured that the event was a huge success. The chief guest for the occasion will be President Droupadi Murmu, the highest commander of the Indian Armed Forces.
The Navy Day celebrations will involve 15 warships and 40 aircraft performing combat demonstrations 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 also stated in the press conference that LED displays, toilets, and medical units will be deployed for the event on December 4.
Swain warned tourists and spectators not to enter the sea, and added that 300 lifeguards had been deployed to prevent any unpleasant incidents during the major 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.”
