India’s first Night Sky Sanctuary is ready in Ladakh

A delegation led by the Chairman, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Shri Tashi Gyalson called on the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Dr Jitendra Singh in New Delhi and discussed a wide range of issues pertaining to development of the region. Dr Jitendra Singh informed the Ladakh leaders that India’s first Night Sky Sanctuary being set up in Ladakh will give a fillip to Astro tourism in the Union Territory and generate revenue as well as livelihood. “On behalf of the Department of Science & Technology and CSIR, we will request the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to inaugurate the Night Sky Reserve at an early date,” he added.

In December last year, the Ladakh UT Administration notified the proposed Dark Sky Reserve at Hanle village in Eastern Ladakh. Spread over 1,073 square kilometers, India’s first Night Sky Reserve is located within the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary and adjacent to the Indian Astronomical Observatory, the second-highest optical telescope in the world, of Indian Institute of Astrophysics at Hanleat at an elevation of 4500 meters.

“This Dark Sky Reserve is among only 15 or 16 of its kind in the world that will offer a spectacular view of the night sky. Because of its altitude and location across the Himalayas in the rain shadow area, this Night Sky Reserve is the ideal place for star gazers almost throughout the year,” said Dr Singh.

The Night Sky Reserve aims to promote Livelihood through ecofriendly activities of Astro tourism, spread awareness about astronomy and boost scientific research with reduced artificial light and wildlife conservation.

Dr Jitendra Singh said projects are afoot on developing food products from Leh Berry, the nutritionally rich and exotic fruit of the region. PM Modi accords highest priority to Ladakh and other remote regions of the country. “For the first time under the Modi government, Ladakh has been granted a University and an Engineering College and the Medical College Has also started academic sessions since last year,” he said.