Leh, May 14: The Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Dr. Pawan Kotwal, chaired a meeting at the Civil Secretariat in Leh to review and discuss the progress and future roadmap of the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve.
Prof. Annapurni Subramaniam, Director of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), delivered a detailed presentation highlighting the ongoing initiatives under the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve project. She outlined key developments since its inception, such as the provision of telescopes to selected villagers in Hanle, training them to be astro-tourism guides to visitors, outreach programs to raise awareness about astro-tourism, introduction of an astro-tourism curriculum, and the revival of astronomy laboratories in schools across Ladakh.
Prof. Subramaniam informed the gathering that approximately 28,000 tourists visited Hanle last year, indicating a growing interest in astro-tourism. She emphasized the need for initiating training programs in astronomy for school students across the region to further strengthen public engagement and scientific awareness.
Dr. Kotwal directed the Indian Institute of Astrophysics to formally recommend the introduction of the astro-tourism course, following the relevant vetting process that are ongoing. He further instructed the Institute of Hotel Management and the University of Ladakh to collaborate and launch an integrated course on hospitality and astronomy in a phased and structured manner.
Stressing the importance of field-level implementation, the Chief Secretary directed the Department of Tourism to conduct an on-ground visit to Hanle to assess the ongoing work and provide necessary support. He emphasized the need to train local residents in the use of those telescopes installed in various places in Ladakh to enhance community participation in the project.
In a strategic push for global recognition, Dr. Kotwal also instructed the IIA to prepare a comprehensive roadmap to achieve international accreditation for the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve at the earliest. Additionally, he raised concerns regarding the lighting in army camp areas during nighttime, directing the relevant authorities to address the issue in coordination with defence stakeholders.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary, Tourism Department, Ladakh; Chief Conservator of Forests, Ladakh; Assistant Director, Tourism, Leh; representatives from the Ladakh Pollution Control Committee (LPCC); the University of Ladakh, representatives from the Indian Astronomical Observatory led by Shri Dorje Angchuk. Prof. Subramaniam and Dr. Niruj Mohan Ramanujam joined the meeting virtually.
