Ladakh is all set to have India’s first Dark Night Sky Reserve at Hanle village in Changthang region. In about eighteen locations in Hanley, powerful telescopes will be installed for stargazing.
Union Territory Ladakh administration has distributed eighteen telescopes to the trained youths of Hanley village.
At an elevation of 4,500 meters, Hanley is home for the second-highest optical telescope in the world, established in 2001 by Indian Institute of Astrophysics.
On his maiden visit to Hanley, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor RK Mathur was convinced with the unique potential lied for Astro tourism in the area.
Following a tripartite MoU between UT Administration, Leh Hill council and Indian Institute of Astrophysics in June this year, necessary approvals from Department of Science and Technology and Ministry of Environment and Forests were issued for Dark sky sanctuary.
On the other hand, Leh Hill Council CEC Tashi Gyaltson and MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal have convinced the villagers about the economic development through Home stays and new avenues in tourism. LG Mr Mathur has kept establishment of Dark Sky Sanctuary on priority. He already instructed the concerned authorities to get affiliation with International Dark Sky Association and Star Light Foundation for Hanley Dark Sky Sanctuary. Sanctuary opens up personalized experiences to Astro tourists, economic opportunities for youths through the Telescope operation and villagers from the home stays.
UT administration is also planning for mobile and static planetariums in the region. 24 youths from three hamlets of Hanley were provided with training by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics under the guidance of Engineering Chief Dorjey Angchuk.
Locations are identified for the installation of telescopes including one big telescope in Punguk village.
Kashmir is a land of snow-covered mountains, green valleys, and sparkling waters. Rivers play a…
India’s fisheries and aquaculture sector has emerged as one of the fastest-growing segments of the…
Fruits are one of nature’s most wonderful gifts, full of colour, flavour, and goodness. Most…
India has entered a new era of advanced robotics with the launch of SCORP, the…
India and Germany have taken a major step forward in strengthening their strategic and economic…
Throughout history, many kings became famous not only for ruling their kingdoms but also for…