Astro tourism is a new beginning for Himachal
In a landmark initiative to promote Astro-tourism for community empowerment in the high-altitude cold desert of Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu here today formally launched the stargazing facility at Kaza for local tribal community entrepreneurship as part of a programme under Himachal Pradesh Council for Science, Technology & Environment (HIMCOSTE) of Environment, Science Technology & Climate Change of Himachal Pradesh.
Sh. Sukhu distributed high-end computerized telescopes (Sky-Watcher BKDOB 8” Collapsible GOTO) to two local beneficiaries, while other beneficiaries joined the programme virtually. These telescopes would be used to conduct night sky observations for tourists, thereby establishing Spiti as a unique destination for Astro-tourism.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that it would also go a long way in integrating science with culture. He said that efforts were on to rope in local home-stays and hotel owners to take benefit of this project and it was a matter of happiness that people of Kaza, Langza and Rangrik areas were coming forward to avail this facility who would be provided telescopie and training.
Sh. Sukhu said that this programme was a first-of-its-kind effort in the region to harness Spiti’s pristine night skies, minimal light pollution and high-altitude clarity for Astro-tourism and stargazing activities. He said, “It is a new beginning in the history of the State and will strengthen the local economy by attracting more tourists in the area.”
The Chief Minister emphasized that a collective effort by local tribal communities especially youths, scientific institutions and government agencies was essential to ensure the long-term success of this initiative. He lauded the proactive role of local tribal youth and homestay owners in embracing astronomy as a new opportunity for livelihood and also learning.
Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena said that the strategic move behind integrating science and tourism through community-led models in remote regions like Spiti was envisaged by the Chief Minister in August, 2023
The programme is being coordinated by HIMCOSTE with active support from the office of ADC Spiti at Kaza. A tripartite MoU has been signed between HIMCOSTE, the Central University of Himachal Pradesh (CUHP) recently and the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) for scientific/technical guidance and long-term sustainability.
MLA Anuradha Rana, Principal Advisor (Media) to Chief Minister Naresh Chauhan, ADGPs Satwant Atwal and Abhishek Trivedi, Special Secretary D.C. Rana and other senior officers also attended the meeting.
