Visakhapatnam, Aug 15 (IANS): Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu unfurled the national flag on the sea coast here on Saturday to mark India's 69th Independence Day.

Naidu took the salute and reviewed a colourful parade on Ramakrishna Beach road in perhaps the first such celebration on the coast by any state.

As many as 16 contingents of state police, home guards, National Cadet Corps and others participated in the march past.

There were 21 tableaux showcased at the event to highlight the rich culture of the state and various development and welfare schemes of the government. Display of ships anchorage and Heli-fly past by the Indian Navy was the special attraction of the event.

The chief minister gave away awards to police personnel for their meritorious services.

State ministers, Chief Secretary I.Y.R. Krishna Rao, Director General of Police J.V. Ramudu and other senior officials were present.

The city was decorated on the occasion. Police had made elaborate security arrangements for the event from Ramakrishna Beach to Palm Beach Hotel.

Andhra Pradesh, which had celebrated the first Independence Day after bifurcation in Kurnool, chose this port city for the main official ceremony this year.

The state has decided to hold Independence Day celebrations in a different town every year till its state capital Amaravati comes up near Vijayawada.