Leh, Aug 04: Former Member of Parliament from Ladakh, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal (JTN), has raised pressing issues faced by the residents of Hanle village during his recent visit. In a social media post on Facebook, Namgyal highlighted several concerns brought to his attention by the villagers, emphasizing the need for immediate action to address these matters.
During his visit, the villagers of Hanle discussed a range of issues, including the adjustment of the boundaries of the Wildlife Sanctuary and the granting of settlement rights to residents of border villages in Eastern Ladakh. They also stressed the urgent need for the installation of a 4G mobile network, increased hiring of local labor for Army and Border Roads Organisation (BRO) projects, and improved relations with civil contractors. Additionally, the villagers requested more frequent visits from public representatives to the border areas where nomads graze their animals.
In response, Namgyal assured the villagers that he would address these issues with the relevant authorities to seek necessary and favorable actions. His commitment to advocating for the residents’ concerns underscores his dedication to improving the lives of those living in remote border regions.
Namgyal’s visit also included a stop at the Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment Telescope (MACE) in Hanle, located at an altitude of 4,302 meters. MACE, which has been operational since 2020, is the world’s highest and second-largest gamma-ray telescope, featuring a 21-meter diameter dish. The telescope, developed by the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) and Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), operates on solar power and plays a crucial role in scientific research.
While visiting the Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC) in Hanle, Namgyal observed significant manpower shortages due to high-altitude health issues affecting non-local staff. Recognizing the importance of maintaining the operations of the MACE telescope, Namgyal wrote a letter to Hon’ble Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh and Hon’ble Lt. Governor of Ladakh Dr. BD Mishra, urging them to prioritize the hiring of local employees who are acclimated to the region. This policy would not only enhance the telescope’s operations but also provide vital employment opportunities for residents of Eastern Ladakh.
