Andaman and Nicobar Islands Lieutenant Governor Dr Dinesh Sharma on Wednesday presented a development roadmap for the Union Territory at a high-level review meeting chaired by NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Ashok Kumar Lahiri in New Delhi, highlighting key priorities in infrastructure, connectivity, healthcare, tourism and economic growth.
Dr Dinesh Sharma called for an integrated and sustainable development model that addresses the islands’ geographical and strategic requirements. He further sought greater flexibility in development scheme costs and eligibility conditions, citing the high expense of transporting construction materials and essential goods from the mainland.
Highlighting connectivity challenges, the Lieutenant Governor raised concerns over declining flight frequency and high airfares. He further stressed the need to upgrade National Highway-4, construct the Middle Strait Bridge, rebuild 13 jetties under Sagarmala 2.0 and improve cargo vessel services.
Dr Dinesh Sharma outlined priorities in essential services, including replacing ageing water pipelines under the Jal Jeevan Mission, improving water storage and distribution across 265 villages, filling medical posts at ANIIMS and expanding MRI facilities.
On economic development, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted opportunities in deep-sea tuna fishing, local employment and exports.
Tourism projects at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island, Viper Island and Swaraj Dweep, along with agricultural development, cold storage and farm mechanisation, featured in the roadmap.
The meeting was attended by NITI Aayog Member Dr R Balasubramaniam, CEO Anurag Jain, Chief Secretary Gyanesh Bharti (Retd) and senior officials from the Centre and the Union Territory.
Dr Sharma urged NITI Aayog and Central Ministries to take time-bound decisions, assign clear responsibilities and review pending proposals regularly, stressing that coordinated development of the islands would contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
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