Based on the Forest Division, the park is supplied with three superior telescopes for structured sky-watching classes and photo voltaic panels to energy onsite operations sustainably.
| Photograph Credit score: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
The Tamil Nadu authorities on Thursday introduced the launch of the State’s first Darkish Sky Park on the Ariyur Shola Reserve Forest in Kolli Hills, Namakkal district.
The initiative was inaugurated by Forests Minister R.S. Rajakannappan within the presence of senior officers, together with Setting, Local weather Change and Forests Secretary Supriya Sahu, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Head of Forest Power Srinivas R. Reddy, PCCF and Chief Wildlife Warden Rakesh Kumar Dogra.
As per an official launch, a Darkish Sky Park is a protected panorama with minimal synthetic mild air pollution, enabling clear statement of celestial our bodies such because the moon, stars and planets. Officers mentioned Kolli Hills, with its elevated terrain, dense forest cowl and low city mild disturbance, affords very best circumstances for night-sky preservation and astronomical statement.
The venture, introduced within the Legislative Meeting on June 25, 2024, was established at a value of ₹1 crore after assessing ecological suitability and sky visibility on the Ariyur Shola Reserve Forest.
Based on the Forest Division, the park is supplied with three superior telescopes for structured sky-watching classes and photo voltaic panels to energy onsite operations sustainably. The power may also perform throughout daytime hours to advertise scientific literacy and consciousness on astronomy amongst college students, researchers and the general public.
The discharge mentioned structured stargazing classes will probably be organised frequently, and lodging will probably be out there at Agaya Gangai eco-huts.
Whereas whole-night stargazing camps are deliberate two to a few instances a month throughout main astronomical occasions, notably across the new moon part for optimum visibility, choices with out in a single day keep may also be provided.
Ms. Sahu mentioned to make sure the security of contributors and the safety of the panorama, solely 20 individuals are allowed at a time. “It’s a guided train the place the Forest Division will present safety. That space is totally free from any mild air pollution,” she added.
Printed – February 28, 2026 12:50 am IST
