Lucknow, Sep 20 (PTI) Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Dinesh Sharma said that a vision document would be prepared to make the Andaman Islands an attractive and safe destination for tourism. Speaking at a discussion on climate change in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands organised under the aegis of the Institute of Hydrocarbon Energy and Geo-Resources at Lucknow University on Saturday, Sharma emphasised the significance of tourism in the Andaman region.
He said this archipelago of 836 islands situated amidst the sea has the immense potential to attract tourists. Time has come to give a new direction to tourism there, which will involve implementing special measures to mitigate the challenges posed by natural disasters. These steps will enhance the safety of both tourists and local residents, he said.
He further said that new tourist attractions will be developed while preserving the region’s natural beauty.
In a statement issued here, he also said that a series of expert workshops would be organised, and the insights gained from these deliberations would be incorporated into the vision document.
He highlighted the various challenges arising from environmental changes and a rise of approximately 1.5 degrees Celsius in temperature. Rising sea levels also pose a threat to the mangrove forests in low-lying coastal areas, which are crucial for protecting the coastline against erosion, he said.
Sharma said that Barren Island, part of the archipelago, is home to India’s only active volcano. Although tourists are not permitted to visit the island itself, proactive consideration must be given to ensure that harmful gases and other emissions from volcanic activity do not adversely affect the surrounding marine life.
On Tuesday (September 15), Sharma took the oath as the 14th lieutenant governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
A former deputy CM of Uttar Pradesh and mayor of Lucknow, Sharma was also a professor of commerce at the University of Lucknow. PTI NAV MNK MNK
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