Shimla, Sept. 9 -- Himachal Pradesh wants the Union Ministry of Science, Technology and Earth sciences to clear the proposal for establishing a centre for astronomy and astrophysics in the high altitude region of Lahaul-Spiti and Pangi, on the lines of Hanle in Ladakh.

Hanle is a remote village in Ladakh, 260 km(approx.) away from Leh, known for its clear skies and minimal light pollution.

It is also a home to the Indian Astronomical Observatory, one of the highest observatories in the world. Clear night skies make Hanle a haven for stargazing and astrophotography enthusiasts and Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, shelters diverse flora and fauna, including the Tibetan Wild Ass (Kiang), marmots, and numerous rare bird species.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who met Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Jitendra Singh discussed a range of proposals aimed at strengthening science and technology-based initiatives in Himachal Pradesh.

Sukhu informed the MoS that favourable conditions for astronomical research and observations suits the setting-up of the centre as it will also provide opportunities to local youth and students to develop scientific interest. This will be a good move to create new avenues for sustainable, knowledge-based tourism in the tribal areas of the State.

In the meeting, Sukhu discussed measures to promote lavender cultivation in Himachal Pradesh and requested support through the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) for expanding demonstration sites for lavender cultivation across the state on lines of Kishtwar and Bhaderwah, in Jammu and Kashmir.

He also underlined the need for strengthening the local weather monitoring network and urged the union minister to expedite the initiative for installation of automatic rain gauges in every gram panchayat and automatic weather stations at the block level. The initiative would provide accurate and real-time weather data at the Panchayat and block levels, strengthen scientific weather monitoring and enable farmers to access precise, location-specific information on weather forecasts.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also met Union Minister for Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu and took up the matter of expansion of Kangra Airport on priority, highlighting its importance for tourism development.He informed the union minister that the land acquisition process for the expansion of Kangra Airport has already been completed.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.