Among the various astro-tourism initiatives around the world, the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve (HDSR) is special in combining specific factors that enhance its sustainability and smooth functioning. HDSR is anchored at a professional observatory which acts as a facilitator, the twin prongs of astro-tourism and light pollution reduction aid in local science based socio-economic development, and the operation of HDSR is extensively supported financially and administratively by the government.
HDSR is also more than just the notified region around Hanle. Its operation and impact include the 8 tourism telescopes that are installed across Ladakh for astro-tourism and the education initiatives started in schools in the UT. Upon approval, the proposed National Large Solar Telescope in Merak, on the banks of Pangong Tso, will also extend the astronomy footprint in Ladakh.
Located around a professional observatory
HDSR is centred around the Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO) of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics. The IAO is home to two optical-IR telescopes and two Cerenkov gamma ray telescopes, along with a number of smaller telescopes. Many institutions in India are planning to set up astronomy facilities in the area in the near future. Hence there is a strong need for the observatory to maintain the darkness of the night sky within the reserve. Since Eastern Ladakh, and in particular Hanle, is one of the best sites in India for astronomy, it is important to ensure that light pollution is kept as low as possible.
Daytime visits to the Observatory will continue to be a part of the HDSR activities as always, though the primary astro-tourism initiative in the region will be through the guides, viz., the Astronomy Ambassadors.
Astro-tourism for socio-economic development
The preservation of the dark skies in HDSR is both the driver and the beneficiary of the Astro-Tourism industry that is integral to the reserve. The villages have had a few homestays catering partly to visiting amateur astronomers. However, HDSR is being showcased as a tourist destination for the public to enjoy the starry skies in pristine darkness which they cannot access otherwise. The resulting increase in Astro-tourists will promote many new homestays and related tourism industry.
The main component of astro-tourism is the night sky shows with telescopes conducted by selected villagers themselves. 24 amateur telescopes have been given to these Astro-Ambassadors and they have been trained in using them to show visitors the wonders of the cosmos. They charge a fee for these shows and this science-driven project is expected to bring substantial and sustainable socio-economic development in the region.
The administration has also funded the purchase of several telescopes to be operated as Astro-tourism centres across the territory of Ladakh in collaboration with IIA.
Ownership by local communities
The HDSR cannot be maintained without the active participation and engagement by the local communities. Following many consultations, the villages have now taken ownership of the project and are geared to cater to astro-tourists. The village elders, school teachers, and other stakeholders have formed their coordination networks to ensure the smooth functioning of the venture.
Strong support and engagement of the UT Ladakh administration
A unique aspect of HDSR is the strong support and encouragement by the administration of the Union Territory of Ladakh from the start. They have provided substantial funds for the purchase of not only the telescopes for astro-tourism, but also various items like dark curtains, lamp shades, warmer bulbs, and road delineators to reduce light pollution according to the HDSR Light Management Plan. They are also supporting IIA in the proposed Visitors Centre, mini planetarium, and astro domes in the near future.
Enhanced science and astronomy education in Ladakh
A key ingredient of HDSR is that of astronomy education and the promotion of STEM inside Ladakh. Staff of IAO have been giving popular talks on astronomy in schools in Leh and around Hanle, and these will be substantially increased.
A start has been made with a new Skills course on Astro-Tourism and Astronomy, which will be taught by IIA in Leh. There are plans to engage regularly with schools in the HDSR villages, schools, and colleges in Leh and Kargil, and organize astronomy festivals and star parties in the future. Astronomy is known as the Gateway Science that can attract students to STEM and our project will utilize this as well.