STATE TIMES NEWS
LEH: The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, RK Mathur, today reviewed the progress of the setting up of the Dark Sky Reserve at Hanley. 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 that a formal standard operating procedure (SOP) with Do’s and Don’ts in the specified area may be issued. He further instructed that the homestays may be upgraded and the telescopes should be operational.
LG Mathur emphasised 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. He 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 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, inter-departmental cooperation for the management and implementation of the Dark Sky Sanctuary.