India is set to establish its first-ever “Night Sky Sanctuary” in Ladakh, a groundbreaking initiative announced by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh. This sanctuary, aimed at boosting astro-tourism, will be located in Hanle, within the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary in Eastern Ladakh. It is expected to be completed within the next three months.
The Night Sky Sanctuary in Ladakh will hold the distinction of being South East Asia’s first such facility. This project is being set up with the collaboration of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics Bengaluru, under the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India.
Apart from promoting astro-tourism, the sanctuary is anticipated to be one of the world’s highest-located sites for optical, infra-red, and gamma-ray telescopes. This development not only signifies a major step forward in promoting scientific research and astronomy in India but also aims to attract tourists and astronomy enthusiasts from around the world.