Shimla, Sept. 24 -- To promote astro-tourism in the state for community empowerment in the high-altitude cold desert of Himachal Pradesh, chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had formally launched the stargazing facility at Kaza for the local tribal community as part of an entrepreneurship programme.

This programme was a first-of-its-kind effort in the region to harness Spiti's pristine night skies, minimal light pollution and high-altitude clarity for astro-tourism and stargazing activities. "It is a new beginning in the history of the state and will strengthen the local economy by attracting more tourists in the area," Sukhu said in a statement issued from Shimla on Tuesday.

High-end computerised telescopes (Sky-Watchers) were also p...