Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman laid the foundation stone for a Mini Planetarium and Astro Globe at the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve in Changthang on June 16. The project, sanctioned under the Special Development Package (SDP) at an estimated cost of ₹276.65 lakh, aims to promote scientific education, astro-tourism, stargazing, night sky programs, and generate local employment in the high-altitude region.

At the Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE) telescope facility under the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre in Hanle, Prof. Annapurni Subramaniam, Director of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), and Dr. K.K. Yadav from the Astrophysical Sciences Division, BARC, presented the current achievements and future vision of the observatory.

Praising the efforts of both scientists and the local community, Sitharaman remarked, “This project symbolizes the spirit of collaboration between science and society—a true matter of national pride.” She encouraged the development of interactive public programs to spark interest in astrophysics through hands-on learning, and emphasized sharing scientific content widely with the public.

During her visit to Hanle, the Finance Minister interacted with delegations of Anganwadi workers, contractor associations, and BJP members from Nyoma, attentively listening to their concerns. At Rongo, she visited an animal husbandry site and met with female pashmina goat and yak herders, distributing goat-shearing machines to support their traditional livelihoods.

As part of the Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan, Sitharaman interacted with local beneficiaries and handed over a ₹50 lakh cheque to Nyoma nomads under SBI’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiative. The fund will support the construction of 16 community tents, each with the capacity to accommodate 30 nomadic herders, improving conditions during seasonal migrations.

The Departments of Sheep and Animal Husbandry organized a live demonstration of the nomadic lifestyle, while the Department of Social & Tribal Welfare (S&TW) showcased a mobile Anganwadi centre and millet-based dishes prepared by nomadic children and caregivers.

The Union Minister was accompanied by Secretary of Tourism, Vikram Singh Malik; Secretary S&TW, Shashanka Ala; Chief Conservator of Wildlife, Sajjad Mufti; DC Leh, Santosh Sukhadeve; SSP Leh, Shruti Arora, along with scientists from the Indian Astronomical Observatory and officials from relevant departments.