The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have the potential to transform their historical identity as the British-era ‘Kala Pani’ into India’s ‘Amrit Pani’, Lieutenant Governor Dinesh Sharma has said, highlighting the territory’s growing economic, tourism and strategic importance. Addressing an event at the University of Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday, he stressed the need to improve connectivity and utilise the islands’ vast development opportunities. Pointing out that only 31 of the 836 islands are inhabited, Sharma said the region offers considerable scope for tourism. Its pristine beaches, clear blue waters and lush greenery could attract visitors from India and abroad. He also highlighted the proposed port development in Nicobar as an important opportunity to strengthen the islands’ contribution to national economic growth.
Recalling the region’s painful colonial history, the Lieutenant Governor said the British had established penal settlements to isolate Indian freedom fighters from the independence movement. He referred to the hardships faced by prisoners at Cellular Jail, including Veer Savarkar and his brother, who were imprisoned there but could not meet. He also recalled Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s unfurling of the national Tricolour in the islands. Emphasising a development approach that respects both heritage and nature, Sharma stressed the protection of tribal communities, ecological balance, employment generation, fisheries development and improved healthcare services. He envisioned the islands emerging as a significant maritime, economic and cultural gateway for India.
