NEWS – Pench Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra has been designated as Dark Sky Park fifth in Asia, protecting the night sky and preventing light pollution

DARK SKY PARK

• Designated area typically protected by government or private organizations, where measures are taken to minimize light pollution and preserve the natural darkness of the night sky
• Chosen for their exceptional quality of starry nights, making them ideal for astronomy and stargazing
• Aim to raise awareness about the importance of preserving dark skies, promote astronomy education, and support local communities in implementing responsible outdoor lighting practices
• Designation as a Dark Sky Park often involves a certification process by international organizations like the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA)
• The Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO), a high-altitude astronomy station located in Hanle, and operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, is India’s first dark-sky preserve
• Some notable examples of Dark Sky Parks include the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve in New Zealand, the largest Dark Sky Reserve globally, with stunning views of the Southern Alps and the Milky Way. Another example is the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in California, USA, the second-largest state park in the country, known for its diverse wildlife and landscapes

PENCH TIGER RESERVE

• Wildlife sanctuary located in central India, spanning across two states: Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra
• Known for its rich biodiversity, diverse flora, and fauna, including the Bengal tiger
• Named after the Pench River, which flows through the park
• Apart from the Bengal tiger, other predators such as leopards, wild dogs, and wolves inhabit the area. Herbivores include spotted deer, sambar, barking deer, and gaur (Indian bison)