Tamil Nadu launches its first Dark Sky Park in Kolli Hills for stargazing

The Tamil Nadu government on Thursday announced the launch of the State’s first Dark Sky Park at the Ariyur Shola Reserve Forest in Kolli Hills, Namakkal district.

The initiative was inaugurated by Forests Minister R.S. Rajakannappan in the presence of senior officials, including Environment, Climate Change and Forests Secretary Supriya Sahu, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Head of Forest Force Srinivas R. Reddy, PCCF and Chief Wildlife Warden Rakesh Kumar Dogra.

As per an official release, a Dark Sky Park is a protected landscape with minimal artificial light pollution, enabling clear observation of celestial bodies such as the moon, stars and planets. Officials said Kolli Hills, with its elevated terrain, dense forest cover and low urban light disturbance, offers ideal conditions for night-sky preservation and astronomical observation.

The project, announced in the Legislative Assembly on June 25, 2024, was established at a cost of ₹1 crore after assessing ecological suitability and sky visibility at the Ariyur Shola Reserve Forest.

According to the Forest Department, the park is equipped with three advanced telescopes for structured sky-watching sessions and solar panels to power onsite operations sustainably. The facility will also function during daytime hours to promote scientific literacy and awareness on astronomy among students, researchers and the public.

The release said structured stargazing sessions will be organised regularly, and accommodation will be available at Agaya Gangai eco-huts.

While whole-night stargazing camps are planned two to three times a month during major astronomical events, particularly around the new moon phase for optimal visibility, options without overnight stay will also be offered.

Ms. Sahu said to ensure the safety of participants and the protection of the landscape, only 20 people are allowed at a time. “It is a guided exercise where the Forest Department will provide protection. That area is completely free from any light pollution,” she added.