From Udmal to Lonar, Maharashtra’s dark-sky push gains momentum

Maharashtra's dark-sky push is gaining momentum, with 11 pilot locations identified across the state. From Udmal in Nashik to Kaas-Pathar in Satara, Lonar in Buldhana and Toranmal in Nandurbar, these sites are set to serve as model locations for protecting natural darkness and promoting astro-tourism. Satara, Buldhana, Nandurbar and Jalgaon districts have established dark-sky task forces to oversee the initiative.

The Dark Sky initiative, launched by Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis a year ago, has seen collaboration with the Pune-based AstronEra, an organization focused on astronomy and astro-tourism. AstronEra has been working on a state Dark Sky Policy, guidelines for responsible outdoor lighting and a path towards International Dark Sky Places designation.

Shweta Kulkarni, founder of AstronEra, emphasized that dark night skies are not merely aesthetically pleasing but are also a valuable natural resource to protect and a potential boost for tourism and biodiversity conservation.

At Udmal, a tribal village where the initiative began, District Collector Ayush Prasad sees astro-tourism as an opportunity to expand the district's existing eco-tourism offerings. He highlighted that protecting the night sky is crucial because excessive artificial light can disrupt natural cycles and impact both humans and wildlife. Prasad also suggested that the administration could leverage existing government schemes to provide basic infrastructure at these locations.

Lighting plays a pivotal role in the effort, with a focus on surface lighting that directs light towards roads and public areas, minimizing skylight pollution. Nashik, known for its cultural ties to astronomy, including the Kumbh Mela's astronomical calculations, is also part of this effort. District Collector Ayush Prasad of Nashik aims to build on these existing interests and incorporate them into the astro-tourism ecosystem.

Additionally, the region's historical connection to astronomy and mathematics, linked to Bhaskaracharya, the 12th-century mathematician and astronomer from Chalisgaon, Jalgaon district, could further enrich the initiative by extending it beyond recreational stargazing to include educational components on astronomy and traditional astronomical calculations.