The Pench Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra has achieved a significant milestone by becoming India’s inaugural Dark Sky Park and the fifth in Asia, dedicated to preserving the night sky and combating light pollution. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) underscores the importance of recognizing the intrinsic value of the night sky as a natural, cultural, and historical resource. Prabhu Nath Shukla, deputy director of PTR Maharashtra, stresses the need to safeguard natural darkness for nature conservation and community well-being. The Dark Sky Place certification involves lighting policy, retrofits, outreach, and education. The reserve has established a night observatory, and a designated area for stargazing has been identified. Street and community lights in buffer areas have been modified to face the ground, mitigating light pollution. The initiative aligns with the recommendations of the Dark and Quiet Skies for Science and Society Working Group, emphasizing the establishment of ‘Dark Sky Oases.’ This recognition adds to the prestige of the Pench Tiger Reserve, renowned for its role in tiger conservation and as the setting for Rudyard Kipling’s iconic Jungle Book series.
