Port Blair(Sri Vijaya Puram): Better water supply, reliable power, affordable air and sea connectivity, quality roads and advanced healthcare will be among the key priorities of the new Lieutenant Governor, Dr. Dinesh Sharma, who on Thursday outlined his vision for an improved and corruption-free Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Addressing his first public function after assuming office at the launch of ‘Swachhata Hi Seva 2026’, Dr. Sharma said he would take up the Islands’ requirements with various Union Ministries and personally pursue key issues concerning the people.
Beginning his address on Vishwakarma Jayanti, the Lt. Governor linked the occasion’s message of construction and innovation with his vision for the Islands’ development. He said his objective was to make Andaman and Nicobar more beautiful while addressing the everyday problems faced by its people.
Dr. Sharma identified irregular water supply, electricity shortages, shipping services and air connectivity as areas requiring attention. Referring to reports of some areas receiving water only once in six days, he said he would make efforts to address the situation, while acknowledging that all problems could not be solved immediately. He said he would approach the Union Health Ministry for better medical equipment and advanced facilities in island hospitals, including treatment for serious ailments such as heart disease and cancer.
On connectivity, he proposed pursuing new ships, improved passenger facilities and more affordable, frequent and safe air services with the concerned ministries.
Fisheries, jobs and education. The Lt. Governor said fisheries could become a major avenue for business and exports, with cold-storage facilities needed to support fishermen. He also stressed the importance of employment opportunities for islanders, saying local people should receive priority.
Calling for better educational opportunities, he asked why courses such as MBA and PhD could not be expanded in the Islands. “If there is BBA, why not MBA; and if there is MBA or M.Com, why not PhD?” he said, while acknowledging that such expansion would take time. He also referred to the need to maintain a balance in the Islands’ Total Fertility Rate amid concerns over the declining population.
Dr. Sharma stressed that roads should be built to present-day requirements and meet high quality standards. Drawing comparisons with Thailand and Singapore, he questioned why the Islands could not aspire to better road infrastructure. He said development must be backed by an honest system in which people could place firm trust in elected representatives, the Lt. Governor and officials. He outlined the objective of making Andaman and Nicobar corruption-free.
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Dr. Sharma said, adding that he had already begun studying the functioning of departments and identifying shortcomings. He would compile the issues raised by social organisations and take them up with the Prime Minister, Union Home Minister and other concerned authorities. Describing Andaman and Nicobar as sacred land associated with the freedom struggle, he said the sacrifices of freedom fighters must always be remembered. He called for collective efforts by the people and officials to fulfil the vision, saying his approach would be to first understand the issues, develop a perspective and then work towards solutions.
