Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, RK Mathur reviewed the progress of the setting up of the Dark Sky Reserve at Hanley on December 27.

Secretary, Tourism and Labour, Mehboob Ali Khan; Chief Wildlife Warden, Sajad Mufti, and Engineer-in-charge, Indian Astronomical Observatory at Hanle, Dorje Angchuk were present at the meeting.

LG Mathur advised that the preparation of the setting up of the Hanley Dark Sky Reserve, including the purchase of curtains, lights, etc. may be expedited. He instructed the issue of formal standard operating procedure (SOP) with Do’s and Don’ts in the specified area, upgradation of homestays, and operational telescopes.

He emphasized the need to offer varied services to tourists/visitors other than star gazing. He stressed the need to provide training to the villagers in this regard and advised that a visitors’ centre or a planetarium may be set up for tourists/visitors.

LG Mathur highlighted the need to improve the telecommunication facility in Hanley along with providing a 4G network in the area.

Chief Wildlife Warden, Sajad Mufti gave a detailed presentation on various proposed activities at Hanley for the Dark Sky Reserve, including a tourism management plan; implementation of the light management plan; purchase of telescopes of different diameters; upgradation of homestays in the area; providing nature guide and hospitality training to the villagers; setting up stargazing observatories across the village clusters; improving mobile connectivity; preparation of the website, branding of the Sanctuary; notification of rules, Do’s and Don’ts and bylaws; formation of eco-development committee, etc. He also informed about the constitution of various committees, task forces, and inter-departmental cooperation for the management and implementation of the Dark Sky Sanctuary.