Pench Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra has been designated as India's first Dark Sky Park, aiming to safeguard the night skyand prevent light pollution
The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA)awarded Pench Tiger Reserve Dark Sky certification for efforts against light pollution, benefiting astronomers and wildlife
Over 100 lights in nearby villages (Wagholi, Sillari, Pipariya, Khapa) replaced to reduce light pollution, aligning with night sky monitoring and lighting policy
The Pench Tiger Reserve, located in Nagpur and Ramtek districts, derives its name from the Pench River, serving as its lifeline and contributing to its rich biodiversity
The Dark Sky Park not only provides a platform for stargazing but also ensures the preservation of the environment, as excessive artificial illumination can adversely impact nocturnal plants and animals
The IDA’s Dark Sky Places program includes various designations such as Dark Sky Communities, Dark Sky Parks, Dark Sky Reserves, and Dark Sky Sanctuaries, with the Pench Tiger Reserve falling under the Dark Sky Park category
The program provides third-party certification for lighting products and projectsthat reduce glare, limit light trespass, and minimize light pollution, promoting responsible outdoor lighting practices
Pench's Dark Sky initiative offers a rare opportunity to witness celestial events, such as the alignment of Venus, Mercury, Mars, the Moon, and the star Antares, contributing to the promotion of astronomy