*LG launches free precautionary COVID dose for 18-59 age group
Excelsior Correspondent
LEH, June 16: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh attended the event for the signing of the tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the setting up of the first Dark Sky Reserve of the Country at Hanley and the launch of the free precautionary dose of Covid-19 vaccine for 18-59 age group, in Leh today.
The tripartite agreement was signed between UT Administration, LAHDC Leh and Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA). Chairman, LAHDC Leh, Advocate Tashi Gyalson; Member of Parliament from Ladakh, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal; General Officer Commanding (GOC) 14 Corps, Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta and Director, IIA, Prof Annapurni Subramaniam were present during the event.
Mathur stated that the Dark Sky Reserve at Hanley would prove beneficial to the scientific community and also contribute to the economy of the people of Changthang. He stated that the installed telescopes in home stays would be connected to a computer with internet facilities so that the tourists can watch the celestial bodies from anywhere in the world. LG Mathur stated that the promotion of Astro-tourism virtually would enable to reduce carbon footprint.
The LG stated that the promotion of Dark Sky Reserve along with wildlife and religion would increase the footfall of tourists substantially in Changthang and benefit its people. He shared the plan to get affiliation from international bodies such as the International Dark Sky Association and Starlight Foundation. He stressed on the need for regulation of vehicles and issuance of do’s and don’ts for the success of the Dark Sky Reserve.
Mathur expressed his pleasure over the launch of the precautionary dose in Ladakh. He said that the expenses incurred for the purchase of the precautionary dose is meant to check the spread of Covid-19 in Ladakh and to ensure the safety of the population. He advised the Health Department to complete the process of administering the precautionary dose to the beneficiaries at the earliest.
Advocate Tashi Gyalson stated that the Dark Sky Reserve is an initiative by the Administration and Hill Council to strengthen the rural areas in Ladakh while Jamyang Tsering Namgyal said that the Dark Sky Reserve at Hanley will be an asset for Ladakh and also the country.
Director, IIA, Prof Annapurni Subramaniam, gave a detailed presentation on the activities and initiatives of the organisation, including the Indian Astronomical Observatory at Hanley.
Earlier, Principal Secretary Dr Pawan Kotwal informed that Ladakh is the first Union Territory and among the four states, including Bihar, Haryana and Delhi, in the country to provide free precautionary doses of Covid-19 vaccine to its population.
A film on Hanley Dark Sky Reserve was also screened during the event.
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