FM Sitharaman Lays Foundation for Mini Planetarium and Astro Globe at Hanle Dark Sky Reserve

During her visit to Ladakh, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman laid the foundation stone for a Mini Planetarium and Astro Globe at the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve, Changthang region, on June 15, 2025. Sanctioned under the Special Development Package (SDP) at a cost of ₹276.65 lakh, the initiative aims to promote scientific learning, astro-tourism, and local employment, while enhancing India’s stature in public astronomy outreach.

Why in News?

This move is part of the government’s broader push to promote science-based tourism and inclusive development in remote regions. The foundation of a Mini Planetarium at Hanle — home to one of the world’s highest astronomical observatories — is expected to enhance scientific awareness, community participation, and support nomadic populations through linked welfare schemes and CSR efforts.

About the Hanle Project

• Location: Hanle Dark Sky Reserve, Changthang region, Ladakh
• Sanctioned under: Special Development Package (SDP)
• Project Components: Mini Planetarium and Astro Globe
• Estimated Cost: ₹276.65 lakh

Objective

• Promote scientific education and stargazing
• Strengthen astro-tourism infrastructure
• Encourage hands-on learning in astronomy
• Create local employment opportunities

Scientific Collaboration

• The event took place at BARC’s Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE) Telescope.

Presentations were made by,

• Prof. Annapurni Subramaniam, Director, Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA)
• Dr. K.K. Yadav, BARC’s Astrophysical Sciences Division
• Sitharaman emphasized the importance of scientific content creation and public engagement.

Support for Local Nomadic Communities

• Interacted with Anganwadi workers, contractor associations, and BJP workers in Nyoma.
• Visited animal husbandry site at Rongo, met female yak and pashmina herders.
• Distributed goat-shearing machines to support traditional livelihoods.
• Presented ₹50 lakh cheque to Nyoma nomads under SBI CSR initiative to fund 16 community tents.

Other Initiatives

• Participated in Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan.

Departments showcased,

• Live nomadic lifestyle demos
• Millet-based food innovations
• Mobile Anganwadi centers for nomadic children