Pench Tiger Reserve Emerges as India’s First Dark Sky Park, Fifth in Asia

Maharashtra: The Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR) situated in between Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra has achieved the distinction of becoming India’s inaugural Dark Sky Park and the fifth in Asia. This designation aims to safeguard the night sky, curbing light pollution and creating an optimal environment for astronomy enthusiasts.

Recognizing the intrinsic value of the night sky as a natural, cultural, and historical resource, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has endorsed the PTR’s efforts in preserving natural darkness. Prabhu Nath Shukla, Deputy Director of PTR Maharashtra, highlighted the IUCN’s emphasis on the necessity to protect natural darkness for nature conservation, maintain ecological integrity in protected areas, and ensure the well-being of communities in healthy cities.

In a release, Shukla addressed the growing global threat of light pollution, emphasizing the significant risk it poses to this invaluable resource. The PTR’s achievement aligns with global conservation efforts to safeguard the celestial beauty of the night sky.