February 01, 2002

'8'

    World’s largest and most modern telescope is proposed in the Laddakh region. This is subject to the approval of the Planning Commission, as the project would cost about Rs.350 crore. This was disclosed by the Minister for Human Resource Development and Science & Technology, Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi here today while launching the Himalayan Parivar programme to observe 2002 as ‘Himalayan Year’. The aim is to create awareness about the crucial role of Himalayas in the economic and social prosperity of the country, the need to restore and upgrade the ecology of the region, planning for sustainable development of the area, preservation of art, culture and language of the Himalayan people and setting up of an apex body "Himalayan Development Authority". Dr. Joshi assured the Himalayan states of all central help in this regard.

    Stressing the need for a "Himalayan Plan", Dr. Joshi suggested the taking up of a geological study of the region on priority basis, as the Himalayan belt is earthquake-prone. He also emphasised the need for climatic studies and said that the Government has already initiated a Disaster Management Plan for the Himalayas. He urged all the states of Himalayan region to take measures for preserving the bio-diversity of the area, as Himalayas are the life-line of the nation. He laid particular emphasis on the protection of the flora and fauna of the area.

    The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, who presided, urged the centre to take steps to keep the region not only pollution free but also safe and secure in the advent of cross-border terrorism. The Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Dr. Farooq Abdullah and representatives from other Himalayan states as well as from Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar and Afghanistan took part in the programme.