A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for setting up of the first Dark Sky Reserve of the country at Hanley, Changthang was signed on June 16. 

The tripartite agreement was signed between the UT Administration, LAHDC Leh, and the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA). 

Lieutenant Governor, R K Mathur stated that the Dark Sky Reserve at Hanley would prove beneficial to the scientific community and also contribute to the economy of the people of Changthang. He expressed hope to see the creation of more scientific infrastructure and experts from the scientific community conducting research work on Ladakh. He stated that the installed telescopes in homestays would be connected to a computer with internet facilities so that the tourists can watch the celestial bodies from anywhere in the world. 

LG Mathur stated that the promotion of Astro-tourism virtually would enable to reduce carbon footprint. He said that the promotion of Dark Sky Reserve along with wildlife and religion would enable to increase the footfall of tourists substantially in Changthang and benefit its people. He thanked Hill Council Leh and MP Ladakh along with other elected representatives and the people of Changthang for their support in making the Dark Sky Reserve a reality.

LG Mathur requested the Army for their assistance in ensuring protective measures for the Dark Sky Reserve and also for the development of model villages in Changthang. He shared the plan to get affiliation from international bodies such as the International Dark-Sky Association and Starlight Foundation. He stressed the need for regulation of vehicles and issuance of do’s and don’ts for the success of the Dark Sky Reserve.

Chairman, LAHDC Leh, Advocate Tashi Gyalson, stated that the Dark Sky Reserve is an initiative by the Administration and Hill Council to strengthen the rural areas in Ladakh. He expressed hope to see the Dark Sky Reserve at Hanley becoming one of the best sites in the world for astronomy and providing economic benefits to the people of Changthang.

MP Ladakh, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal said that the Dark Sky Reserve at Hanley will be an asset for Ladakh and also for the country. GOC 14 Corps Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta assured to assist in making the Dark Sky Reserve project successful in Hanley. 

Director, IIA, Prof Annapurni Subramaniam gave a detailed presentation on the activities and initiatives of the organization, including the Indian Astronomical Observatory at Hanley.
Free precautionary dose of the Covid-19 vaccine for the 18-59 age group was also launched by LG Mathur during the day.

Mathur said that the expenses incurred for the purchase of the precautionary dose are meant to check the spread of Covid-19 in Ladakh and to ensure the safety of the population. He advised the Health Department to complete the process of administering the precautionary dose to the beneficiaries at the earliest.

Dr. Pawan Kotwal informed that Ladakh is the first Union Territory and among the four states, including Bihar, Haryana, and Delhi in the country to provide free precautionary doses of the Covid-19 vaccine to its population.

A film on Hanley Dark Sky Reserve was also screened during the event.