Achalpur, a city located in the Amravati district of Maharashtra, India, is a place that can be considered a gem of the region. With a population of approximately 1,26,000 people, it has been known to be a center for industrial and agricultural activities in the region. However, with the rise of urbanization, Achalpur has been facing the issue of light pollution, which has been causing harm to the environment and its inhabitants.
Light pollution is the result of excessive and misdirected artificial light that disrupts the natural night sky and affects the environment, wildlife, and human health. In Achalpur, this issue is prevalent due to the presence of various industries, including cotton mills, sugar mills, and oil mills, that require high-intensity lighting to function at night. Moreover, the city's inhabitants, due to a lack of awareness, leave their lights on for extended periods, which adds to the light pollution.
The estimated amount of light pollution in Achalpur is significant due to the various factors mentioned above. The bright lights from the mills and factories, combined with the uncontrolled street lighting, create a haze in the sky that makes it difficult to see the stars. The estimated light pollution in the city would be around 3.6 to 4.0 magnitudes per square arcsecond, which is relatively high compared to other cities.
Despite the light pollution issue, Achalpur is a city with many landmarks that attract visitors from all over the region. One of the famous landmarks in Achalpur is the Prerna Sthal, a park that is dedicated to the legendary Marathi poet, Kusumagraj. It is a beautiful park that is adorned with various sculptures and artworks that depict the life and works of the poet. The park is well-lit at night, which adds to the beauty of the place, but also contributes to light pollution.
Another notable landmark in Achalpur is the Hanuman Mandir, a temple dedicated to the Hindu god Hanuman. The temple is located in the heart of the city and is a place of worship for many of its inhabitants. The temple is well-lit at night, which adds to the ambiance of the city but also contributes to light pollution.
The habits of the people living in Achalpur also contribute to the light pollution issue. Due to a lack of awareness about the harmful effects of light pollution, many people leave their lights on throughout the night, even when they are not needed. This practice adds to the already existing light pollution in the city.
Achalpur is a beautiful city with a rich cultural heritage and many landmarks that attract visitors from all over the region. However, it is also a city that faces the issue of light pollution due to various factors, including the presence of industries, uncontrolled street lighting, and the habits of its inhabitants. To address this issue, it is essential to create awareness among the people about the harmful effects of light pollution and to implement measures to reduce it. By doing so, we can ensure that Achalpur remains a beautiful city and that its inhabitants can enjoy a healthy and sustainable environment.