Sri Vijaya Puram, Nov. 2: As part of the ongoing 08-day Training and Certification Programme on Photography and Camera Handling organized by the Department of Tourism under the World Bank-assisted RAMP Scheme, candidates were provided immersive field exposure in the fast-emerging niche segment of Astro-Photography on Nov. 1.
During the night field visit on November 1, the trainees were taken to Whistling Woods, Chidiyatapu where they received practical training on long-exposure night photography, focusing on capturing the Milky Way, star trails, and distinct constellations against the clear night sky.
Conducting an interactive session for the cohort, Shri Udhay Bhasker, prominent Astro-communicator highlighted the immense potential of Astro-Tourism across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Addressing the aspirants, Shri Bhasker emphasized that astro-photography remains a highly specialized and untapped market with a negligible number of certified practitioners locally, alongside a rapidly surging global and domestic demand.
Officials from the Department of Tourism further briefed the participants on financial assistance available under the RAMP Scheme to help set up astro-tourism infrastructure. Under the scheme, financial subsidies are offered for the procurement and installation of astronomical telescopes:
Male Beneficiaries: 50% reimbursement of the total cost of the telescope, including installation.
Female & Tribal Beneficiaries: Enhanced financial support of 75% reimbursement of the total cost, including installation, to encourage inclusive micro-entrepreneurship.
The candidates were also apprised of proactive administrative initiatives currently underway in this niche segment of tourism.