Pench Tiger Reserve: Come, watch celestial wonders at India’s first Dark Sky Park in Maharashtra

Maharashtra: Next time you visit Pench Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra, do not miss to witness celestial wonders unfold on starry nights.

Pench Tiger Reserve has won the title of the first Dark Sky Park in India. It has only the fifth such place in Asia.

Recognizing 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.

The decision to designate Pench as the first Dark Sky Park is driven by the need to shield the night sky from light pollution.

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 to protect citizens' right to enjoy the beauty of a star-filled sky.

The Certification of Dark Sky Place, focusing on Lighting Policy, Dark Sky-friendly retrofits, Outreach and education, and Monitoring the night sky, encourages communities and protected areas worldwide to safeguard dark sites.

This esteemed certification not only grants national recognition to Pench Tiger Reserve but also places it on the international stage.

What is Dark Sky Park?

Pench Tiger Reserve Maharashtra has inaugurated a night observatory under the Innovation scheme of the DPC Fund.

A dark-sky preserve is an area, typically surrounding a park or observatory, that limits artificial light pollution. The primary objective of the dark-sky movement is generally to endorse astronomy.

The protection watchtower has been equipped with a telescope. Also to mitigate light pollution, over 100 street and community lights in Wagholi, Sillari, Pipariya, and Khapa villages of the Paoni UC range buffer area have been replaced with lights facing the ground.

This facility offers a platform for celestial observation. Collaborating with the adjoining Eco Development Committee (EDC) ensures the provision of staying facilities and hospitality services, as activities are typically organized during the night.

The Pench Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra will be an extraordinary opportunity for Star lovers and nature lovers to experience the jungle at night.