UT Ladakh To Soon Have India’s First Dark Night Sky Reserve

06-12-2022 : Hanle hamlet in the Changthang region will house the first Dark Night Sky Reserve in India, according to UT Ladakh. A total of roughly 18 places throughout Hanley will have large telescopes set up for stargazing. The Hanley village’s skilled youths have received 18 telescopes from the Union Territory Ladakh administration. The second-highest optical telescope in the world, built in 2001 by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, is located in Hanley at a height of 4,500 metres.

RK Mathur, the lieutenant governor of Ladakh, was persuaded of the area’s exceptional potential for Astrotourism during his first visit. Following a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in June of this year by the UT Administration, the Leh Hill Council, and the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, the Department of Science and Technology and Ministry of Environment and Forests issued the necessary approvals for the Dark sky sanctuary.

On the other hand, the villagers have been persuaded by Leh Hill Council CEC Tashi Gyaltson and MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal about the economic development of homestays and new tourism opportunities. LG The creation of the Dark Sky Sanctuary is Mr. Mathur’s top objective. He has already given the necessary instructions for Hanley Dark Sky Sanctuary to join the Star Light Foundation and International Dark Sky Association. Sanctuary offers individualized experiences to Astro tourists, as well as economic prospects for young people through the operation of the telescope and the house stays with the villages. Additionally, the UT administration is preparing both stationary and mobile planetariums for the area. Under the direction of Engineering Chief Dorjey Angchuk, the Indian Institute of Astrophysics gave training to 24 youngsters from three hamlets in Hanley. There are designated locations for the installation of telescopes, including one large telescope in the village of Punguk

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