Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept. 14: Newly appointed Lieutenant Governor Dr. Dinesh Sharma arrived in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on Sunday, marking the beginning of his tenure in the Union Territory. He was welcomed on arrival by senior administrative dignitaries.
Soon after his arrival, Dr. Sharma outlined his broad vision for the Islands, highlighting their natural beauty, environmental significance, tourism potential and strategic importance. He emphasised that development would need to remain aligned with Central Government schemes, established rules and the interests of the people.
Describing the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a region with immense potential, Dr. Sharma said the Islands occupy a unique position because of their natural environment, tourism possibilities and strategic significance.
He said his immediate approach would involve understanding the Islands, their requirements and the aspirations of their people before taking forward various initiatives.
Dr. Sharma stressed that government programmes and development activities should be implemented in accordance with established rules and laws, with public interest remaining at the centre of governance.
“My working style has always been that whatever work is done should be based on rules and should be in the public interest,” he said, adding that Central Government schemes would need to be aligned with the specific requirements and circumstances of the Islands.
Tourism featured prominently in the vision outlined by the new Lieutenant Governor. Referring to the popularity of destinations such as the Maldives, Thailand and other international locations among Indian travellers, Dr. Sharma said the Andaman and Nicobar Islands possess many of the natural attributes required to develop a strong tourism economy.
He said that with appropriate planning and effort, experiences that currently attract Indian tourists to overseas destinations could potentially be developed within the Islands.
The economic benefits, he said, would ultimately accrue to the people of Andaman and Nicobar.
“If the tourism that can come here is developed, who will benefit from it? Andaman and Nicobar will benefit,” Dr. Sharma said.
He also underlined the need to recognise the Islands’ strategic significance alongside their tourism potential. He expressed the aspiration that the region should occupy a leading position in the country on account of its natural beauty, development and strategic importance.
At the same time, his remarks indicated that development would have to be pursued within the framework of law and regulations, particularly in a region where environmental considerations are closely connected with infrastructure and tourism activities.
Dr. Sharma also spoke about his approach to the new assignment, describing himself as a teacher and emphasising the importance of learning before attempting to bring about change.
“I have been a teacher, and a teacher is someone who keeps learning,” he said. “I am coming to Andaman and Nicobar to learn.”
He said he would seek to understand the Islands and their people and use that learning to undertake meaningful work during his tenure.
Describing the people of the Islands as “beautiful” not only in appearance but also in their character and conduct, Dr. Sharma said he was looking forward to working in an environment with a distinctive social and cultural character.
His arrival comes at a time when the Islands are facing a range of issues concerning tourism development, connectivity, infrastructure, environmental protection and the expansion of economic opportunities.
His initial remarks place emphasis on balancing these areas with lawful governance and public interest.
Dr. Sharma concluded by expressing his intention to ensure that the work undertaken during his tenure contributes positively to the people and strengthens the position of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands within the country.
“My desire is that whatever work I undertake should be good and should be in the interest of Andaman and Nicobar,” he said.
