INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Come summer, Indias first dark sky reserve or night sky sanctuary will welcome you
The reserve lies at an elevation of 4,500 m above water level in a cluster of 6 hamlets that form Han le village inside the Changthang Cold
Desert Wildlife Sanctuary in southwestern Ladakh.The Hanle reserve is located around the Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO) of the Indian
Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) spread over 1,073 sq km
It is among the greatest locations worldwide for observing celestial bodies and collecting scientific information about the
universe.Although professional and amateur astron omers have actually been organising treks to secluded areas to observe the night sky, the
Hanle reserve is distinct due to the fact that it not just promotes the eco-friendly activity of astrotourism but also aims to lower
synthetic light pollution for the purposes of wildlife preservation, spreading awareness and education about astronomy, and enhancing
scientific research.Places that have little light pollution compared to urban, peri-urban, and village landscapes are ideal for night sky
Thats why the Ladakh UT administration had on Dece mber 1, 2022 alerted Hanle as Indias first dark sky reserve
The decision is most likely to benefit regional communities with extra income and assistance in the preservation ofcrepuscular wild animals
(mammals active at dawn and sunset)
The official alert will require accreditation from international companies, such as Starlight Foundation and International Dark-Sky
Internationally, there are just 20 such qualified reserves and 16 sanctuaries, with the majority of them located in Europe
These consist of Alpes Azur Mercantour (France), Cranborne Chase (England), Ce ntral Idaho (US), Rhon (Germany), Kerry (Ireland) and Aoraki
Dorje Angchuk, engineer incharge at the Hanle IAO, stated, We have currently used to the g lobal certification bodies
Hanle has been a website for astronomical research since the setting up of the observatory in 2000
Asked whether the facilities needed fo r astrotourism have actually been set up, the chief wildlife warden of Ladakh UT, Sajjad Hussain
Mufti, stated, The department of wildlife protection has actually procured 18 neighborhood telescopes and IIA has offered training to 23
community members of the Hanle village cluster
These community telescopes havebeen installed at the homestays of the beneficiaries
Angchuk verified: We have currently trained villagers as astronomy ambassadors and turned over 18 of 24 telescopes
They know how to use minimum light, whenever and wherever it is required
This will make the entire area light pollutionfree-- the very best suited for astro-tourism and research studies of heavenly bodies
Mufti told TOI the department would also be installing one innovative telescope for the typical observatory near the IAO.Regarding the best
time for astro-tourism in Hanle village, Mufti said, Hanle has clear skies throughout the year
However, lovers may primarily prefer April-Septem ber because of warmer temperature levels
In winter, individuals pertain to Hanle to identify elusive wildlife, such as snow leopard, Pallass cat, black-necked crane, etc The task
came to life through collaboration between the Ladakh administration, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, and IIA, and is being led
by the UTs department of wildlife protection, with support from the Central government, UNDP and Global Environment Facility (GEF) through
their joint SECURE Himalaya Project.Ladakh to host Indias very first frozen-lake marathon on 20 FebruaryWhat is light pollution?At night,
light from houses and streets reflects off Earths surface, resulting in a continuous haze that makes heavenly bodies tough to see
This is most obvious in city environments where even bright celestial bodies are hardly visible to the naked eye.What makes hanle a good
dark sky reserve?Hanle has a number of natural benefits for observing heavenly bodies
It lies in Ladakh, a cold desert with minimal climatic moisture, so light rays from celestial bodies flex less in its air
This makes catching sharp images-- through the naked eye, telescopes and cams-- easier
Equally crucial is the very low light pollution due to Hanles sparse population-- there were simply 1,879 homeowners at the time of the 2011
Census.How will synthetic light be managed?The Indian Institute of Astrophysics has a light management plan that covers procurement,
circulation, and setup of devices to minimize and manage light contamination in Hanle
Itll occur through making use of warm-coloured lights, lamp tones, and curtains
The procurement has currently been completed and setup is under method in the general public areas and homes of the village.How will it help
wildlife conservation?Hanle and its environments are home to a number of evasive wild animals and birds, consisting of Ladakhs state animal,
snow leopard, and its state bird, the black-necked crane
Many of these animals, consisting of the snow leopard, Eurasian lynx and Pallass feline, are crepuscular in nature (active at dawn and dusk)
Light contamination can disrupt their body clock and disrupt their behaviours connected to migration, breeding, foraging and sleep
Thus, darker environments will add to their preservation.
