In a major development for astronomy enthusiasts, Maharashtra's Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR) has earned the distinction of becoming India's inaugural Dark Sky Park, marking the fifth such park in Asia. This recognition aims to safeguard the night sky and combat light pollution, creating an optimal setting for stargazing.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) stresses the significance of recognizing the natural, cultural, and historical value of the night sky. Prabhu Nath Shukla, Deputy Director of PTR Maharashtra, underscores the need to preserve natural darkness for the sake of nature conservation, ecological integrity, and the well-being of communities in healthy cities.

Addressing the global threat of light pollution, Shukla emphasizes its substantial risk to this invaluable resource. The Dark and Quiet Skies for Science and Society Working Group, led by the International Astronomical Union, recommends the establishment of 'Dark Sky Oases' by national and local governments. Certification as a Dark Sky Place focuses on lighting policy, dark sky-friendly retrofits, outreach and education, and night sky monitoring.

As part of these efforts, PTR has inaugurated a night observatory with funds from the district planning committee (DPC). The Bagholi area has been designated for stargazing, providing a dedicated space for this celestial activity.

To combat light pollution, the reserve has replaced more than 100 street and community lights in Wagholi, Sillari, Pipariya, and Khapa villages of the Paoni UC Range buffer area. The new lights are directed toward the ground to mitigate the impact of artificial light.

About Pench Tiger Reserve:

Pench Tiger Reserve, straddling Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, is a premier tiger reserve in India. Renowned for its rich biodiversity, it serves as the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling's iconic works, The Jungle Book and The Second Jungle Book.

What is a Dark Sky Park?

A Dark Sky Park is an area surrounding a park or observatory that restricts artificial light pollution, promoting astronomy. India's first dark-sky preserve is the Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO) in Hanle, a high-altitude station in the Western Himalayas. At 4,500 meters (14,764 ft) elevation, it stands as one of the world's highest sites for optical, infrared, and gamma-ray telescopes.

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