Dark Sky Reserve in India - UPSC Notes

Understanding the Concept of a Dark Sky Reserve

As defined by the International Dark Sky Association, an International Dark Sky Reserve (IDSR) is a large public or private land (at least 700 km², or about 173,000 acres) that possesses an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and nocturnal environment. This land is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, and cultural heritage, as well as for public enjoyment.

• Generally, a dark sky reserve consists of a "core" area that has a clear sky free from light pollution, enabling telescopes to view the sky in its natural darkness, and a peripheral area that supports the dark sky present in the core.

India's Maiden Dark Sky Reserve

Ladakh, a Union Territory, will be home to India's first Dark Sky Reserve (DSR), which will be established in the Hanle area. The Dark Sky Reserve is being set up as an integral part of Ladakh’s high-altitude Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary.

Image source: www.adequatetravel.com

• A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Union Territory administration, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, and the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru, to launch the Dark Space Reserve.
• The facility is being supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru. The IIA already manages the Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO) complex in Hanle, Ladakh.

Why Ladakh is the Ideal Location for the Dark Sky Reserve?

• Hanle in Ladakh is perfectly suited for the project due to its location in the cold desert region of Ladakh, which has clear sky and dry weather conditions throughout the year, and is far from human disturbance.
• Hanle is located at an altitude of about 4500 metres above the mean sea level, north of the Western Himalayas.
• The cloudless skies and low atmospheric water vapour make it one of the best sites globally for optical, infrared, sub-millimetre, and millimetre wavelengths.

Objectives of Ladakh Dark Sky Reserve

• One of the primary objectives is to promote astro-tourism in a sustainable and environment-friendly manner. Villages around Hanle will be encouraged to offer homestays equipped with telescopes that visitors can use to view the night sky.
• The Dark Sky Reserve in Ladakh will be one of the highest-located sites in the world for optical, infrared, and gamma-ray telescopes.
• The establishment will also contribute to the region's economic growth.