Arrah is a city located in the northern Indian state of Bihar. It is the headquarters of the Bhojpur district and is situated on the banks of the Sone River. The city has a population of approximately 261,099 people according to the 2011 census. Arrah is known for its historical significance and cultural heritage. However, the city also suffers from significant light pollution.
Light pollution is a growing concern in many urban areas around the world, including Arrah. The amount of artificial light that is present at night can significantly affect the environment, wildlife, and human health. The primary source of light pollution in Arrah is the excessive use of streetlights, commercial lighting, and industrial lighting. The city is not highly industrialized, but it does have some industries that contribute to the light pollution, including sugar mills and paper mills.
Arrah is a densely populated city with many residential and commercial areas. The city is known for its vibrant nightlife, with many shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues remaining open late into the night. This nightlife culture is a significant contributor to the city's light pollution. The use of decorative lighting and neon signs in commercial establishments adds to the brightness of the city at night.
The city's landmarks, such as the Jagdishpur Fort, the Veer Kunwar Singh Park, and the Shahid Veer Kunwar Singh Stadium, are also significant contributors to the light pollution in Arrah. These landmarks are often illuminated with bright lights at night, which can be seen from a distance and contribute to the overall brightness of the city.
The people of Arrah have a diverse range of habits when it comes to outdoor lighting. Some people prefer to leave their outdoor lights on all night for security reasons, while others turn off their lights when they go to bed. The use of streetlights is also widespread in the city, with many residential and commercial areas being well-lit at night. However, there are still many areas of the city that are poorly lit, which can contribute to safety concerns for pedestrians and drivers.
The estimated amount of light pollution in Arrah is significant, with the city being classified as a moderately light-polluted area. This means that there is a moderate amount of artificial light present at night, which can have adverse effects on the environment and human health. The excessive use of artificial lighting in the city can cause problems such as skyglow, which can interfere with astronomical observations and disrupt the natural behavior of nocturnal animals.
Arrah is a city with a rich cultural heritage and historical significance. However, the city also suffers from significant light pollution, which is primarily caused by the excessive use of streetlights, commercial lighting, and industrial lighting. The city's vibrant nightlife culture, landmarks, and diverse range of outdoor lighting habits also contribute to the overall brightness of the city at night. The estimated amount of light pollution in Arrah is significant, which can have adverse effects on the environment and human health. It is essential for the city to take steps to address this growing concern and promote more sustainable lighting practices.