VIJAYAWADA: The environs at Punnami Ghat, on the banks of river Krishna, turned into a sea of humanity with people in large number congregating to witness the first-ever operational demonstration rehearsals showcased by the Indian Navy on Monday.
The rehearsal started off with the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) officials sailing on the enterprise boats from one end to another, followed by a series of naval exercises in which various warships of the Indian Navy took part. Visitors are enthralled to see the breath-taking feats performed by the Navy officials on the optimist and Hobie 16 boats dropping the divers into waters.
The rehearsal for operational demonstration would be conducted till February 2 and the full dress rehearsal is scheduled for Feb 3, while the final demonstration will be held on Feb 4 wherein Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and ENC Flag Officer Commander-in-Chief Vice Admiral HSC Bisht will witness the performance.
On Feb 5, beating retreat will be held at Tummalapalli Kalakshetram from 5 pm. The show is free. However, the officials will provide passes to the public on first-come-first-serve basis.
“The Navy Operational Demonstrations offer an exposure of the Indian Navy activities to the civilian population/youth and the interaction with officials provides them with employment opportunities,” AP Tourism General Manager G Ramakrishna told ‘Express’.
The Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) was directed to mobilise students from remote villages across the State to witness the naval operational demo. Various naval exercises will be demonstrated by the ships of the Eastern Fleet including the fleet support ship and oil-tankers, asymmetric threat, firing and underway replenishment or refuelling.
A photo exhibition will also be arranged near the venue to create awareness among the public. Documentaries featuring the naval operations will be a major attraction during the event.
Slithering operations by naval commandos will be performed from helicopters.