CEC, Hill Council, Leh, Tashi Gyalson reviewed and discussed the plans for establishing a Dark Sky Reserve at Hanley village in the Changthang region with the concerned officers on November 30.

Dorjey Angchuk, Engineer in charge at IAO Hanley also an honorary member of the International Astronomical Union shared his views on the potential of promoting Astro-tourism, including light management, energy efficiency, and ecological integrity, and uplifting the local economy of the region. 

Tashi Gyalson expressed his gratitude to the UT Administration led by LG Ladakh for taking a keen interest in establishing a dark-sky reserve at Hanley village. He stressed the need for formulating a comprehensive plan for the project in consultation with all the stakeholders, including the local community. He further added that the said project should be executed at an international standard to promote sustainable Astro-tourism in the region. 

Principal Secretary, UT Ladakh, Dr. Pawan Kotwal stated that this project should be implemented while keeping the restoration of the natural habitat of the ecosystem in mind. He added that the UT Administration would ensure assistance for the execution of the project. He requested the public representatives to sensitize the local community on economical management, roles, and responsibilities for establishing the Dark Sky Reserve at Hanley.