1: An Extraordinary Recognition: Introduction to Dark Sky Park

- Pench Tiger Reserve, situated in Maharashtra, has earned the exceptional recognition as India's first Dark Sky Park, making it the fifth in Asia.

- The prestigious distinction is awarded by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

- The title emphasises the night sky as a vital aspect of cultural, historical, and natural resources.

2: The Global Issue: Threat of Light Pollution

- Global light pollution is a formidable threat to these natural resources, prompting the formation of the Dark and Quiet Skies for Science and Society Working Group.

- The group campaigns for the establishment of Dark Sky Parks aiming to safeguard these vital resources.

3: Measures in Motion: Enhancing Stargazing at the Reserve

- To enhance the celestial experience for stargazers at Pench, a night observatory has been established near Wagholi.

- To control light pollution, over 100 street and community lights have been updated.

- The certification for a Dark Sky Park focuses on factors such as lighting policy, introducing dark sky-friendly changes, outreach, education, and the monitoring of the night skies.

4: In the Wilderness: Key Facts about Pench Tiger Reserve

- The expansive Pench Tiger Reserve extends from Seoni and Chhindwara districts in Madhya Pradesh, all the way to Nagpur district in Maharashtra.

- The reserve is named after the Pench River.

- It incorporates Indira Priyadarshini Pench National Park, Pench Mowgli Sanctuary, and a buffer.

- It provided the exotic setting for Rudyard Kipling’s renowned work, "The Jungle Book".

- The reserve's undulating landscape supports varied vegetation from moist valleys to dry deciduous forests.

- It houses diverse fauna including Chital, Sambar, Nilgai, Gaur, tiger, leopard, wild dogs, wolf, and over 325 species of birds.

- Its flora includes teak, saag, mahua, and many other local plants.