Maharashtra Pench Tiger Reserve Becomes India's First Dark Sky Park

Context:

The Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Maharashtra has been marked as India’s first Dark Sky Park and the fifth Dark Sky Park in Asia for protecting the night sky and preventing light pollution.

Pench Tiger Reserve: India’s First Dark Sky Park

Measures to Mitigate Light Pollution: More than 100 street and community lights have been replaced with lights facing the ground to mitigate light pollution.
Threat from Light pollution: The escalating global threat of light pollution poses a substantial risk to this invaluable resource.
Recommendation for Establishing Dark Sky Oases: 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.

Light Pollution, or Artificial Light at Night:

It is the excessive or poor use of artificial outdoor light.

Impacts:

It disrupts the natural patterns of wildlife.
Increases carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere.
Disrupts human sleep.
Obscures the stars in the night sky.

About Dark Sky Park

About: A dark sky park is an area usually surrounding a park or observatory which restricts artificial light pollution.
Objective: The purpose of the dark-sky movement is generally to promote astronomy.
Certification: The certification was given by the International Dark-Sky Association. As a global dark sky movement to promote astronomy.
- Elements of Dark Sky Place Certification: It focuses on lighting policy, dark sky-friendly retrofits, outreach and education, and night sky monitoring.

Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO):

About: The IAO, a high-altitude astronomy station located in Hanle, Ladakh and operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, is India’s first dark-sky reserve.
Location: Situated in the Western Himalayas at an elevation of 4,500 meters, the IAO is one of the world’s highest-located sites for optical, infrared and gamma-ray telescopes.

International Astronomical Union (IAU): The IAU’s mission is to promote and safeguard astronomy in all aspects (including research, communication, education and development) through international cooperation.

Significance of Night Sky: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) emphasises the recognition of the intrinsic value of the night sky as a natural, cultural, and historical resource.
- The IUCN highlights the need to preserve natural darkness for nature conservation, ecological integrity in protected areas, and the well-being of communities in healthy cities.

About Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR)

The Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR) derives its name from the River Pench, dividing the reserve into almost two equal halves.
Totladoh Reservoir built on the Pench River plays an important role in enriching and sustaining the wildlife in the tiger reserve
The PTR spans across two states -Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
Flora: It supports many Gaur (Indian Bison), Sambar, Barking deer, Chousingha, Chinkara and Wild boar.

Pench Tiger Reserve

Key predators include Tigers, leopards, Wild dogs and wolves.
- Other animals include Jackal, Fox, Palm civet, Small Indian civet, Jungle cat, Common mongoose, Small Indian mongoose, Ruddy mongoose, Hyena, Porcupine, Ratel.
Fauna: The Pench National Park consists of dry deciduous forests and flora including species of Mahua Tree, Palash Tree, Teak Tree, etc.

News Source: Live Mint