The Minister disclosed that the Sanctuary is being developed in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru, affiliated with the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India. He commended the active support of the Lt Governor of Ladakh, Brig (Retd) B.D. Mishra, for his contribution to the initiative.
Expressing plans on behalf of the Ministry of Science & Technology and CSIR, Dr. Jitendra Singh mentioned the intention to invite Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to inaugurate the Night Sky Reserve at Hanle.
During the inauguration of the ‘Ladakh’s Pride’ exhibition, organized by Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Leh to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the Union Territory of Ladakh, the Minister highlighted the significance of the upcoming Dark Sky Reserve in Hanle village, situated within the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary. This reserve is anticipated to elevate astro-tourism in India and is poised to become one of the world’s highest-altitude locations for optical, infra-red, and gamma-ray telescopes.
Spanning an area of 1,073 square kilometers, the Night Sky Reserve, nestled within the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, neighbors the Indian Astronomical Observatory at Hanle. Positioned at an elevation of 4500 meters, this observatory houses the second-highest optical telescope globally, affiliated with the Indian Institute of Astrophysics.
Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that amidst the triumphs of Chandrayaan-3 and the Aditya-L1 solar mission, the Dark Sky Reserve would captivate enthusiasts, standing as one among merely 15 or 16 such reserves worldwide. He elaborated on the tripartite memorandum signed between the UT Administration, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Leh, and the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) for the establishment of the Dark Sky Reserve. The site’s activities are anticipated to stimulate local tourism and economic growth through science and technology interventions.
Commending the LAHDC-Leh for organizing the ‘Ladakh’s Pride’ exhibition, Dr. Jitendra Singh showcased the distinctive treasures of Ladakh, including GI-tagged products like Seabuckthorn, Raktsey Karpo apricots, Ladakh wood carvings, and Pashmina wool.
Furthermore, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the Central Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR)’s promotion of ‘Leh Berry,’ an exclusive product of the cold desert. He referenced PM Modi’s visit to Ladakh in 2018, emphasizing the Prime Minister’s emphasis on widespread Seabuckthorn cultivation, the source of ‘Leh Berry.’
Additionally, the Minister highlighted the promotion of commercial cultivation of three medicinal plants above 15,000 feet, including the “Sanjeevani Booti,” renowned for its high life-saving and therapeutic properties. Plans for Department of Atomic Energy facilities in the UT for Gamma Irradiation Technology aimed at preserving/shelf life extending fruits and vegetables were also mentioned, along with the exportation of Apricots from Ladakh to Dubai.
Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored PM Modi’s commitment to Ladakh and other remote regions, citing the establishment of a University, Hotel Management Institute, Medical and Engineering College in Ladakh under the Modi government. Referring to PM Modi’s announcement of an action plan for a “Carbon Neutral” Ladakh, the Minister highlighted a Rs. 50 crore Special Development Package for the region, signaling the unprecedented financial support for various regional projects.
Moreover, an exclusive Examination Centre in Leh for conducting UPSC’s Civil Services Examination and the implementation of the Common Eligibility Test (CET) in Leh and Kargil for government job aspirants in remote areas were mentioned as significant governance and social reforms.
Dr. Jitendra Singh concluded by emphasizing Ladakh’s position as India’s youngest Union Territory, encapsulating India’s oldest civilization. He attributed the fulfillment of Ladakh’s aspirations through the formation of the UT to PM Modi, stating that though Ladakh sought separate UT status decades ago, it was only realized under PM Modi’s tenure.
Quoting PM Modi’s commitment to prioritize neglected remote regions, Dr. Jitendra Singh hailed his efforts to address the aspirations of regions like Ladakh and the North-East, declaring that “PM Modi walks the talk!”
The Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC-Leh, Tashi Gyalson, extended gratitude to Dr. Jitendra Singh for his personal interest and efforts to bolster Ladakh’s development and tourism. Executive Councillor (Minority/Forest), LAHDC-Leh, Shri Ghulam Mehdi also shared his thoughts during the occasion.