Saturday, January 18, 2025

Light Pollution Poses Risk to Kangra’s Night Sky

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The enchanting night skies of Dharamsala and Kangra, once celebrated for their celestial beauty, are increasingly threatened by light pollution driven by urban development. Captain Anil Singru, a retired naval officer and stargazer, laments the erasure of the region’s natural beauty due to excessive lighting, particularly from the Smart City initiative, which has introduced unnecessary lighting in low-footfall areas. Environmentalists warn that this intrusion disrupts critical ecological patterns, particularly affecting nocturnal wildlife and migratory birds. Prem Sagar, an environmentalist with decades of observation, calls for immediate action to address indiscriminate lighting practices. Singru advocates for eco-friendly measures to not only restore the sky but also to promote astronomy-based eco-tourism, highlighting an opportunity for sustainable development. As Dharamsala stands at a crucial crossroads, the potential exists to reclaim its starry nights and preserve its ecological integrity for future generations.

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