Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, RK Mathur met Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA), K Vijay Raghavan on March 10 and discussed the promotion of geo-tourism in Ladakh.

LG Mathur stressed the need for the declaration of Dark Sky Sanctuary within the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary and inquired about the process and legal protection through the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Science. He also discussed the possibility of linking up telescopes with the internet to enable viewing from anywhere in the world.

He thanked PSA Vijay Raghavan for the astronomy labs and sought assistance to train the teachers. PSA Vijay Raghavan agreed to provide training to the teachers. 

During the discussion on promoting geo-tourism in Ladakh, PSA Raghavan stressed the need for engaging geologists and linking geology and micro-biology with tourism. LG Mathur informed that the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS) has identified a location in Ladakh for the basic development of the area, such as observation platforms/decks and stairs. He also shared the potential of geo-tourism in Ladakh, especially colourful rocks and the popularity of Lamayuru among tourists as the moonland.

PSA Raghavan assured to associate top scientists conversant with the Himalayan region and to provide all necessary support.

LG Mathur also raised the issue of solar-lift irrigation in areas at high altitudes in Ladakh and the plan to install a large number of solar lifts this year. he also discussed the setting up of a pilot 1 MW solar-cum-hydrogen generation project with the help of NTPC in Ladakh to look for locally self-sufficient and low-cost solutions to minimise the need for diesel and petrol. 

While discussing the need to set up 150 more mobile towers in areas with fewer inhabitants, LG Mathur inquired about low-cost solutions to provide digital connectivity for all.