Starry Nights : Pench Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra becomes India’s first Dark Sky Park
Starry Nights : Pench Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra becomes India's first Dark Sky Park
Nagpur: In a groundbreaking achievement, the Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Maharashtra has been declared the country’s inaugural Dark Sky Park (DSP), setting the stage for a celestial extravaganza amid the pristine wilderness.
This designation positions PTR as a sanctuary where tourists can witness celestial spectacles, shielded from the intrusion of artificial light pollution.
Pench Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra has earned the title of the first Dark Sky Park in India and fifth in Asia for protecting the night sky and preventing light pollution, making the facility ideal for astronomy enthusiasts.
Recognising the intrinsic value of the night sky as a natural, cultural and historical resource, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) emphasizes the importance of preserving natural darkness for the sake of nature conservation, ecological integrity in protected areas, and the well-being of communities in healthy cities, said Prabhu
Nath Shukla, Deputy Director of PTR Maharashtra.
The escalating global threat of light pollution poses a substantial risk to this invaluable resource, he stated in a release.
The Dark and Quiet Skies for Science and Society Working Group, led by the International Astronomical Union, has recommended the establishment of ‘Dark Sky Oases’ by national and local governments, Shukla said. He said the Dark Sky Place certification focuses on lighting policy, dark sky-friendly retrofits, outreach and education, and monitoring the night sky.
The reserve has inaugurated a night observatory with the district planning committee (DPC) fund, the official said, adding that the area near Bagholi has been earmarked for stargazing.
The Dark Sky Park concept, conceived to foster astronomy and preserve the natural brilliance of the night sky, marks a significant leap forward for Pench Tiger Reserve. This accolade ensures that the reserve’s starlit nights remain unblemished, offering an unparalleled opportunity for stargazers and nature enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the awe-inspiring beauty of the cosmos.
As the dark sky movement gains momentum, Pench Tiger Reserve emerges as a beacon of environmental consciousness, embracing measures to curtail artificial light pollution and uphold the sanctity of the night sky. This distinction not only enhances the reserve’s allure for wildlife enthusiasts but also underscores its commitment to preserving the delicate balance between nature and technology.
Visitors to Pench Tiger Reserve can now embark on a unique journey, delving into the mysteries of the universe under the unobstructed canvas of the night sky. This pioneering step not only elevates PTR’s status in the realm of ecotourism but also reinforces its role as a custodian of natural wonders.
