Hanle in Ladakh could very well become the site for The Thirty Metre Telescope (TMT) project, the largest to be built in the world. The telescope will cost 1.47 billion dollars. India is already contributing to the software of TMT apart from building edge sensors, actuators and system support assemblies.

Representational Image, Source – Tech Insider

In a report by DNA, India is a 10 per cent partner in the TMT project, which includes China, Japan, Canada and the US. On the Indian side, the project is being handled by the Ministry of Science and Technology and Department of Atomic Energy. If the programme comes to India, it will open several doors.

“The project is expected to improve employment opportunities for the local people besides development of the region. TMT being the largest optical and infrared telescope in the northern hemisphere will strengthen the domestic programme of the country in this field and lead to several discoveries, which will inspire future generations. The project will also help develop state-of-the-art high end technologies and expertise in the country,” an official of Ministry of Science and Technology said.

The TMT was to be installed in Hawaii, USA. However, in the wake of protests from the locals, other sites are being considered.

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