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
Summary/Static Details
Why in the news? FM Sitharaman Lays Foundation for Mini Planetarium and Astro Globe at Hanle Dark Sky Reserve
Location Hanle Dark Sky Reserve, Changthang, Ladakh
Cost ₹276.65 lakh (under Special Development Package)
Purpose Astro-tourism, science education, rural employment
Associated Facility Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE) Telescope
Additional Activities Welfare support for nomadic herders, Anganwadi outreach

Shivam

As a Content Executive Writer at Adda247, I am dedicated to helping students stay ahead in their competitive exam preparation by providing clear, engaging, and insightful coverage of both major and minor current affairs. With a keen focus on trends and developments that can be crucial for exams, researches and presents daily news in a way that equips aspirants with the knowledge and confidence they need to excel. Through well-crafted content, Its my duty to ensures that learners remain informed, prepared, and ready to tackle any current affairs-related questions in their exams.

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