Ladakh, Nov 26, 2023 – Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh announced today that Ladakh is set to become home to South East Asia’s first Night Sky Sanctuary. The sanctuary, established with the assistance of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics Bengaluru, affiliated with the Department of Science & Technology, Govt of India, is poised to boost astro-tourism in the region.
Collaboration and Inauguration Plans
Dr Jitendra Singh expressed gratitude to Lt Governor Brig (Retd) B.D. Mishra for active cooperation in the project. He highlighted plans to request Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to inaugurate the Night Sky Reserve at Hanle, located in Eastern Ladakh. The proposal is part of a larger initiative by the Ministry of Science & Technology and CSIR.
Exhibition Celebrates Ladakh’s Progress
The announcement came during the inauguration of the exhibition ‘Ladakh’s Pride’ in New Delhi, marking the fourth anniversary of Ladakh as a Union Territory. Organized by Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Leh, the exhibition showcases Ladakh’s GI-tagged treasures, commended by Dr Jitendra Singh.
Dark Sky Reserve Details
Spread over 1,073 square kilometers within the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, the Night Sky Reserve in Hanle will host some of the world’s highest-located optical, infra-red, and gamma-ray telescopes. It will be adjacent to the Indian Astronomical Observatory, boasting the second-highest optical telescope globally.
Dr Jitendra Singh emphasized that the Dark Sky Reserve project includes a tripartite MoU among the UT Administration, LAHDC-Leh, and the Indian Institute of Astrophysics. The initiative aims to not only enhance scientific exploration but also contribute to local tourism and economic development.
PM Modi’s Vision for Ladakh
Dr Jitendra Singh reiterated Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to the development of Ladakh. He mentioned the establishment of a university, hotel management institute, medical and engineering college, and a roadmap for a “Carbon Neutral” Ladakh.
The Union Minister highlighted significant governance and social reforms, including the introduction of a UPSC examination center in Leh and the conduct of Common Eligibility Tests in Leh and Kargil for government sector jobs.
Ladakh’s Rich History and Future Aspirations
Dr Jitendra Singh emphasized Ladakh’s unique blend of being India’s youngest Union Territory and its status as India’s oldest civilization. He credited PM Modi for fulfilling the Ladakhi people’s aspirations by forming the UT of Ladakh in 2019.
In conclusion, Dr Jitendra Singh expressed confidence in Ladakh’s progress, quoting PM Modi: “My efforts will be to fulfill aspirations of the neglected remote regions of the country including Ladakh and the North-East.” The Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC-Leh, Tashi Gyalson, thanked Dr Jitendra Singh for his initiatives to boost development and tourism in Ladakh. Executive Councillor (Minority/Forest), LAHDC-Leh, Shri Ghulam Mehdi also spoke at the occasion.
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