The country's first night sky sanctuary will be built in Ladakh: a new project of the central government to promote astro-tourism

National Desk:
India's first Night Sky Sanctuary is about to be built in Hanley village of Ladakh.  It will be part of Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary.  The project has been pioneered by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) of the Central Government.  It is an initiative to increase astro-tourism in the country.  Also, this sanctuary will be one of the highest places in the world for optical, infrared and gamma-ray telescopes.
Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh announced
 Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh says that MoU has been signed for the project.  This agreement has been signed between the Ladakh Union Territory Administration, the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Leh and the Indian Institute of Astrophysics.

 All the stakeholders will work together towards protecting the night sky from light pollution and illumination.  The reason for this - such light poses a threat to the natural condition of the sky and scientific observations.  Singh added, "Hanley is the best place for this project.  It is located in the cold desert region of Ladakh.  It is away from human disturbance and has dry weather condition throughout the year.