New Delhi, March 31 : Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brig. B.D. Mishra (Retd.) Friday called on the Union Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh at North Block and discussed the progress of the upcoming India’s first Night Sky Sanctuary in Ladakh in addition to wide range of other issues pertaining to development of the region.
Dr Jitendra Singh informed the Lt. Governor 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.
“Once the project is ready to become functional, on behalf of the Department of Science & Technology and CSIR, we will request Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate it at his convenient date,” he added.
In December last year, the government notified the proposed Dark Sky Reserve at Hanle village in Eastern Ladakh. Spread over 1,073 square kilometers, the 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.
The Minister said the Night Sky Reserve aims to promote livelihood through eco-friendly 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.
Dr Jitendra Singh said 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 added.
The delegation also discussed strategic issues in the border region and local administrative matters.
