Dark Sky Reserve in Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary

Why in news?

• The Department of Science & Technology (DST) has announced the setting up of India’s first Dark Sky Reserve in Hanle, Ladakh.
• It will be located as part of Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary.

About Dark Sky Reserve:

• It is a public or private land possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural, heritage and/or public enjoyment.
• Reserves consist of a core area meeting minimum criteria for sky quality and natural darkness and a peripheral area that supports dark sky preservation in the core.

How does a site become a ‘Dark Sky Reserve’?

• Individuals or groups can nominate a site for certification to the International Dark Sky Association (IDSA), a United States-based non-profit organization incorporated in 1988.
• There are five designated categories:
  • International Dark Sky parks, communities, reserves, sanctuaries and Urban Night Sky Places.
• The certification process is similar to that of a site being awarded the UNESCO World Heritage Site tag or getting recognised as a Biosphere Reserve.
• Between 2001 and 2022, there have been 195 sites recognised as International Dark Sky Places globally.

Criteria for dark sky reserve:

• The IDSA considers a piece of land suitable for dark sky place only if:
  • It is either publicly or privately owned
  • It is accessible to the public partially or entirely during the year
  • The land is legally protected for scientific, natural, educational, cultural, heritage and/or public enjoyment purposes
  • The core area of the land provides an exceptional dark sky resource relative to the communities
  • Cities that surround it and the land offers prescribed night sky brightness either for a reserve, park or sanctuary.

About Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary:

• It is located on Tibetan Changthang plateau in Ladakh.
• It has some of the highest-altitude lakes including Tso Moriri.
• It is also believed to include the world’s highest village, Korzok Village which draws tourists to the Korzok Monastery.
• It is famous for being the home of the snow leopard.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Consider the following statements regarding ‘Dark Sky Reserve’:

1. India’s first Dark Sky Reserve is located Ladakh

2. Privately owned land can also be designated as Dark Sky Reserve

3. Dark Sky Reserves are recognized under UNESCO

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 only

(d) 1,2 and 3

Answer