Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct. 8: Connectivity and infrastructure have emerged as the top priority among respondents in a poll conducted by The Wave Andaman on what the new Lieutenant Governor, Dr. Dinesh Sharma, should prioritise during his tenure.
The poll, which asked “What should be the top priority for the new LG, Dr. Dinesh Sharma?”, saw Connectivity & Infrastructure receive the highest support, with 45.65 per cent of the responses.
Tourism & Local Economy followed with 32.61 per cent, while Governance & Public Services received 21.74 per cent of the responses.
The poll was conducted following Dr. Sharma’s arrival in the Islands on Sunday, when he was welcomed by senior administrative dignitaries. His arrival marked the beginning of his tenure as the new Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
In his initial remarks, Dr. Sharma highlighted the Islands’ natural beauty, environmental significance, tourism potential and strategic importance. He said his approach would be to understand the Islands and their requirements while ensuring that development works are carried out in accordance with rules and in the public interest.
The poll results place connectivity and infrastructure clearly at the top of the priorities identified by participating Islanders. The issue has a direct bearing on several aspects of life in the Islands, including transportation, healthcare, education, tourism, trade and employment.
The result comes amid continuing public discussion around air and sea connectivity, road infrastructure and essential public facilities. For an island territory geographically separated from the mainland, reliable connectivity remains particularly important for residents as well as the movement of tourists, goods and essential services.
Tourism and Local Economy, which secured 32.61 per cent, emerged as the second-highest priority. This also corresponds with one of the key areas highlighted by Dr. Sharma in his first remarks after arriving in the Islands.
Referring to the popularity of destinations such as the Maldives and Thailand among Indian travellers, the Lieutenant Governor said the Andaman and Nicobar Islands possess considerable potential to develop tourism experiences that could attract visitors who otherwise travel overseas.
He stressed that greater tourism activity could generate economic benefits for the Islands and its people.
The poll’s third option, Governance and Public Services, received 21.74 per cent of the responses. The category covered issues such as efficient delivery of government services, addressing administrative gaps and responding to public concerns.
Dr. Sharma has emphasised that development should be undertaken within the framework of law and established rules, while keeping public interest at the centre of governance.
The poll provides an early indication of the priorities that resonated with The Wave Andaman readers at the beginning of the new Lieutenant Governor’s tenure. It is not intended to represent a scientific survey of the entire Island population, but reflects the preferences of those who participated.
The outcome presents a clear order among the three options: Connectivity and Infrastructure emerged as the leading priority, followed by Tourism and Local Economy, and Governance and Public Services.
As Dr. Sharma begins his tenure, the findings underline the expectations of participating Islanders for stronger connectivity and infrastructure, while also placing significant emphasis on tourism-led economic opportunities and effective public services.
