Pench Tiger Reserve Achieves Milestone as India’s Inaugural Dark Sky Park

The Pench Tiger Reserve has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Dark Sky Park (DSP) in India and the fifth in Asia. This designation means that visitors to the reserve will now have the unique opportunity to witness celestial wonders unfold in the starry nights, free from the interference of artificial light pollution. The concept of Dark Sky Parks, part of the dark sky movement, aims to promote astronomy and restrict light pollution in areas surrounding parks or observatories.

Prabhu Nath Shukla, Deputy Director of Pench National Park, highlighted that this recognition positions the land of tigers as an inspiring destination for stargazers, fostering a deeper understanding of the universe. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) underscores the importance of preserving natural darkness as a valuable natural, cultural, and historical resource. It plays a crucial role in nature conservation, maintaining ecological integrity in protected areas, and contributing to the well-being of communities in urban areas.

Responding to the global threat of light pollution, the Dark and Quiet Skies for Science and Society Working Group, led by the International Astronomical Union, recommended the establishment of the ‘Dark Sky Oasis’ concept. This involves national and local governments working together to protect the right to view a star-filled sky.

The DSP certification places a strong emphasis on various aspects, including lighting policy, dark sky-friendly retrofits, outreach, education, and night sky monitoring. It encourages communities in protected areas worldwide to actively contribute to safeguarding dark sites. The certification not only grants national recognition to Pench Tiger Reserve but also propels it onto the international stage.

In response to this achievement, a night observatory has been inaugurated at Pench with funds from the district planning development committee. Additionally, a telescope has been installed on a protection tower at Wagholi, situated 3 km off the buffer in Sillari, which already has an observatory. To mitigate light pollution, over 100 street and community lights in villages like Wagholi, Pipariya, Sillari, and Khapa in the Paoni buffer area of the park have been replaced with lights facing the ground.

This recognition promises educational opportunities for enthusiasts across the country, providing a platform for celestial observation. Collaborating with the neighboring eco-development committee (EDC), Pench aims to ensure accommodation facilities and hospitality services, given that activities are typically scheduled for nighttime. The reserve is taking steps to make suitable arrangements for visitors to stay overnight, offering a unique opportunity for stargazers and nature lovers to experience the jungle at night.