Ladakh: Tourism On The Rise, Space Projects Drive Modern Development

Ladakhregion witnessed 2,79,937 tourist arrivals in 2019. Following its UT formation, the numbers rose to 5,31,396 in 2022, 5,25,374 in 2023, and 3,76,386 in 2024. Under the Assistance to Central Agencies for Tourism Infrastructure Development Scheme, projects like Light & Sound Show at Leh, Ladakh & Water Screen Projection Multimedia Show at tourist facilitation centre, Kargil, was sanctioned in 2020-21 with an amount of ₹2,321.99 lakh. In Leh, the government approved the creation of the ‘Julley Leh Biodiversity Park’ with a sanctioned cost of ₹23.16 crore. Similarly, in Kargil, ₹11.91 crore was sanctioned for the “Exploring LOC and Hundarman Village Experience” project. Hanle Dark Sky Reserve was notified by the Govt of Ladakh in December

2022. Last year alone, Hanle attracted over 28,000 tourists, indicating a growing interest in astro-tourism. Exceptional Sky Clarity Draws Stargazers to Ladakh and Provides Alternative Livelihood Opportunities to Locals

Space projects in Ladakh

Not only are traditional infrastructure and tourism projects being implemented in Ladakh, but the government has also placed strong emphasis on space and geospatial initiatives to drive modern development in the region.
ISRO is realising Resourcesat-3 & 3A, Resourcesat-3S & 3SA, HRSAT, G20 Satellite and TRISHNA Satellite by 2027-2028, to improve remote sensing observations in the country, benefiting Ladakh also.
Among the operational communication satellites, 12 satellites have coverage over the UT of Ladakh. This capacity is offered to various service providers to meet and enhance the telecommunications and Broadband connectivity.
ISRO and the Department of Space have rolled out projects like the Ladakh Specific Modelling and Space Applications (LAMA), the Geo-Ladakh Spatial Data Infrastructure Portal, and urban mapping under AMRUT 1.0 and 2.0 for Leh and Kargil.
In addition, India’s NETRA programme is establishing a state-of-the-art optical telescope at Hanle, Ladakh, to track geostationary objects and enhance space situational awareness.
In 2024, the government also inaugurated the Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE) Observatory at Hanle, Ladakh. MACE is the largest imaging Cherenkov telescope in Asia. Located at an altitude of ~4,300 m, it is also the highest of its kind in the world.

Funds for various projects

An amount of Rs. 306.14 crore has been released to the UT of Ladakh under MGNERGS during the period from Financial Year 2020-21 to Financial Year 2025-26.
After the grant of UT status, additional the central share of Rs 21.99 crore has been released, out of which Rs 20.61 crore has been utilised.
Under PM Gram Sadak Yojana, Rs. 446.51 crore has been released to the UT of Ladakh, to build rural roads from Financial Year 2020-21 till date.