JOIN USExpressing concern over the loss of the green cover in this coastal city in the fury unleashed by cyclonic storm Hudhud, Navy chief Admiral RK Dhowan today asked his men to plant one lakh trees to restore the ecological health of the 'City of Destiny'.
Dhowan, who is on a visit here, reiterated the Navy's commitment to restoring the pristine green cover in Visakhapatnam within the shortest possible time, which would see it plant two trees for each one that was felled by the storm.
"Expressing deep concern on the loss of the green cover in Visakhapatnam, specifically in the naval areas, wherein approximately 50,000 trees have been uprooted, the Admiral launched the 'Tree Plantation Drive' of the Navy this afternoon with the aim of planting 1,00,000 trees," said an official release.
During his visit, Dhowan reviewed the cyclone-affected naval areas here in the aftermath of Hudhud.
Upon his arrival, Dhowan was briefed on the various relief activities and initiatives undertaken by the Command since October 12, the day when the cyclonic storm ripped through India's eastern coast, leaving in its wake a massive trail of destruction and loss.
After the briefing, Dhowan visited the naval facilities here, including the Naval Air Station INS Dega, the Naval Armament Depot, Base Victualling Yard, Materials Organisation, Ship Building Centre, Naval Dockyard and the residential areas for officers and sailors.
Later in the day, he held an interaction with officers, sailors and defence civilians.Speaking to them, Dhowan complimented the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) and all its personnel for ensuring a high standard of preparedness prior to and during the cyclone which resulted in minimum damage to naval assets, including ships, submarines and aircraft, the statement said.
He highlighted the efforts of the Command in ensuring prompt restoration of roads and essential services such as water, electricity supply and basic amenities.
He also 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 the runway to facilitate airlifting of relief material to Visakhapatnam and the early resumption of civilian flight operations.
Meanwhile, regarding the damage to the infrastructure at the dockyard, dry dock and other areas, Dhowan said that repairs will be taken up on priority and the Defence Ministry has assured all help and financial support for the same.
Asked about the estimated loss suffered by ENC, he said that it was still being computed.
Talking about cyclonic storm Nilofar, which is expected to hit Gujarat on the night of October 31, Dhowan said that the Mumbai-based Western Naval Command was well prepared to meet any eventuality arising due to the phenomenon.
As to the international fleet review, Dhowan said it will be held here as per schedule in February, 2016.