Hanle Dark Sky Reserve: A science-driven sustainable development project in Ladakh
The region around Hanle in Ladakh has one of the darkest skies in India. Due to its superior sky conditions, it is home to the Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO) of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA, Bengaluru). A region of roughly 22 km radius around Hanle, inside the Changthang Wildlife Reserve, is to be declared as the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve (HDSR). HDSR will be the first dark sky reserve in the country, and is being set up through an MoU between UT Ladakh, LAHDC Leh, and IIA.
The key component of HDSR is astro-tourism, which is an upcoming area globally. 18 telescopes have been purchased, which have been handed over to local volunteers, who are being trained to operate them. HDSR will be advertised as a tourism destination to enjoy the dark skies, and the increased tourism influx, along with employment as astro-tourism guides, will lead to socio-economic development. To preserve these dark skies for continued progress in astronomy research, HDSR is also providing light management equipment like thick curtains, warm light bulbs, lamp shades, etc to the villagers to reduce light spillover for the telescopes.
Hanle is home to many telescopes of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics and is one of the best sites in India for astronomy. Hence the darkness of the skies in Hanle needs to be preserved for continued scientific research in the country. A region of radius 22 km around Hanle is to be declared as Hanle Dark Sky Reserve (HDSR). This will be the first dark sky reserve in India and in all of South Asia. Inside the HDSR, there will be restrictions on outdoor lights in villages and headlights of passing vehicles, to preserve the darkness of the Hanle sky.
Astro-tourism is becoming popular globally and HDSR will promote this new venture within its borders. Tourists will visit and stay in Hanle to enjoy the night sky. They will be shown celestial objects through telescopes by the local villagers who are trained in astronomy. The resulting growth of astro-tourism will provide sustainable socio-economic development for the region.
In addition, the reduced outdoor lights will help preserve skies for astronomy research as well.
An MoU has been signed between the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, UT Ladakh, and LAHDC Leh for implementing the HDSR. The reserve's boundaries have also been notified by the UT administration.
18 telescopes have been purchased so far through the MoU and have been handed over to the community. 22 villagers have been extensively trained in using them, as well as navigating the sky. Shades for outdoor bulbs, special bulbs, and thick curtains have been purchased and distributed to houses to reduce light pollution. Road delineators have been purchased for installation and high beam headlights on vehicles will be prohibited within HDSR. IIA is also working with local schools and UT Ladakh on furthering science education. A promotional film on HDSR was commissioned, and has now been released in the public domain. The first HDSR Star Party was also organised in September.
Following the inauguration of HDSR, a comprehensive tourism plan is being created, along with local communities and UT Ladakh. We will be organising star parties, science melas, etc inside HDSR in collaboration with local schools and amateur astronomy societies across the country. A modern Visitors Centre is also being planned in Hanle by the UT, which will showcase the astronomy research at IAO and the wildlife in the sanctuary. It will also provide employment for local villagers. All of these efforts will make HDSR a famous national and international tourist destination for astronomy enthusiasts. To further this aim, IIA is also working on accreditation of HDSR by international dark sky agencies for global exposure.
More information available at About HDSR