All efforts will be made to restore pristine glory of Visakhapatnam: Navy Chief

Navy Chief Admiral R.K. Dhowan, who reviewed the cyclone affected naval areas here in the aftermath of Hudhud, on Wednesday reiterated the Indian Navy's commitment of restoring the pristine green cover of Visakhapatnam in the shortest possible time.

Expressing deep concern on the loss of the green cover in Visakhapatnam and specifically in the naval areas wherein approx 50,000 trees have been uprooted, Admiral Dhowan launched Tree Plantation Drive of the Indian Navy with the aim to plant 1,00,000 trees.

Addressing the media personnel, he reiterated the Navy's commitment of restoring the pristine green cover of Visakhapatnam in a shortest possible time, wherein, the Navy shall plant two trees for the loss of each fallen tree.

Admiral Dhowan was briefed by Vice Admiral Satish Soni, FOC-in-C Eastern Naval Command, on various relief activities and initiatives undertaken by the Command since October 12.

On completion of the briefing, Admiral Dhowan visited the naval facilities at Visakhapatnam including Naval Air Station INS Dega, Naval Armament Depot, Base Victualling Yard, Materials Organisation, Ship Building Centre, Naval Dockyard and residential areas of officers and sailors.

Chief of the Naval Staff later in the day, interacted with the officers, sailors and defence civilians of the ENC. Speaking to them, he complimented ENC and all its personnel for ensuring high standard of preparedness prior to and during the cyclone, resulting in minimum damage to naval assets including ships, submarines and aircraft.

Admiral Dhowan highlighted the efforts of Command in early restoration of essential services such as road clearance, water/ electricity supply and basic amenities.

The Navy Chief further lauded the unstinted efforts of Naval Air Station INS Dega for resuming air operations in less than 24 hours of the calamity and ensuring availability of runway to facilitate airlifting of relief material to Visakhapatnam from various parts of the country as also the early resumption of civil flight operations.

The Chief of Naval Staff left for New Delhi later in the evening.