Hanle Dark Sky Reserve: A Model for Astro-Tourism and Sustainable Development
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Indian Geography (Locations - Hanle, Ladakh, Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary); Science & Technology (Key Observatories - Indian Astronomical Observatory, HAGAR, MACE; Key Concepts - Light Pollution, Bortle Scale); Environment & Ecology (Dark Sky Reserve, Eco-tourism).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 1 (Geography): "Geographical features and their location- changes in critical geographical features... and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes."
General Studies Paper 3 (Economy): "Tourism" (Astro-tourism as a niche); "Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation" (Light pollution); "Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life."
General Studies Paper 3 (Security): "Security challenges and their management in border areas" (Development in Ladakh).
Key Highlights from the News
Hanle village in Ladakh is one of the places with the clearest sky in the world. It has a Bortle-1 rating (the highest clarity on a nine-point scale).
This region has been declared as India's first Dark Sky Reserve.
It is a joint initiative between the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), the Ladakh administration, and the Leh Hill Development Council.
The area, located within the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, has taken special measures to reduce light pollution.
The IIA distributed special lamp shades and blackout curtains to the houses in the area.
To promote Astro-tourism (star-gazing tourism), 25 local youths (18 of whom are women) were trained as "Astronomy Ambassadors".
The Indian Astronomical Observatory, where many of India's important telescopes are located, is in Hanle.
Hanle's clear sky helps in observing rare celestial phenomena like Zodiacal light.
This initiative is an excellent model that brings together scientific research, sustainable development, and local economy empowerment.
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