US proposed some theories against Thirty Metre Telescope (TMT) project after the protests in Hawaii, as the largest alternative sites being explored which includes Hanle in Ladakh. Which project aimed the exploring universe to come up at Mauna Kea in Hawaii.

“The construction was expected to start on Mauna Kea, Hawaii in 2015. However, it is now stalled due to the recent decision of the Supreme court of Hawaii revoking the construction permit on procedural grounds.”

“The State of Hawaii agencies are working on the permit process following the prescribed procedure by the court. TMT is pursuing the matter in consultation with the University of Hawaii (land leaseholder) and other agencies. It seeks to construct TMT on Mauna Kea which is the preferred choice,” said Beacham Eswar Reddy, Programme Director.

The project in terms of finance and scientific values the project is looking at alternate sites both in northern and southern hemispheres. The sites are mainly Chile, Hanle, Ladakh and other being evaluated for technical and logistical suitability.

“It is expected that on-site civil work on the project may be delayed by about 18-24 months. However, work on telescope and observatory subsystems continues the partnership,” Reddy added.

“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.