On National Space Day, Fadnavis pledges India’s first state Dark Sky Policy, and what it could unlock for Maharashtra
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 24: On National Space Day, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis vowed to make Maharashtra the first state in India to draft a Dark Sky Conservation Policy. The pledge fits neatly with this year’s theme, Bridging the Past and Future, by honouring India’s ancient stargazing traditions while embracing modern science, sustainable lighting, and citizen outreach. If the policy is crafted with clear standards and firm timelines, Maharashtra can turn the night sky into an asset for public health, ecology, education, and tourism.
At its core, a dark sky policy is simple but powerful. It asks cities, towns, infrastructure agencies, and businesses to use fully shielded fixtures that direct light downward, warmer colour temperatures that reduce glare and skyglow, reaso...