Banda is a city located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is situated in the Bundelkhand region, between the rivers Yamuna and Ken. The city has a population of approximately 180,000 people and is known for its rich cultural heritage and history. However, it is also notorious for its light pollution.
Light pollution is a major issue in Banda, which is caused by various factors such as urbanization, industrialization, and street lighting. The city is home to several industries, including textile, sugar, and cement factories, which are major contributors to the light pollution. The city's street lighting system also adds to the problem, with poorly designed and inefficient streetlights that emit light in all directions.
The light pollution in Banda is estimated to be at a level of 20-30 lux, which is higher than the recommended level of 10 lux for a city of its size. This level of light pollution has several negative impacts on the environment, including disruption of the natural rhythms of plants and animals, interference with astronomical observations, and wastage of energy.
The city of Banda is known for its historic landmarks such as the Kali Devi Temple, Jama Masjid, and the Banda Fort. The Kali Devi Temple is an important religious site for Hindus and attracts a large number of devotees throughout the year. The Jama Masjid is an impressive mosque that was built in the 17th century and is an important cultural site for Muslims. The Banda Fort, which was built by the local ruler, Raja Uday Singh, in the 16th century, is a prominent landmark in the city.
The people of Banda are known for their traditional lifestyle and hospitality. The city is predominantly Hindu, with a small Muslim minority. The locals are mostly engaged in agriculture, trade, and small businesses. The city is also home to several educational institutions, including the Banda University of Agriculture and Technology, which provides education and training in agriculture and related fields.
In recent years, there have been efforts to address the issue of light pollution in Banda. The city authorities have been working to replace the inefficient streetlights with energy-efficient LED lights that emit less light pollution. There have also been awareness campaigns to educate the public about the negative impacts of light pollution and the need to conserve energy.
Banda is a city with a rich cultural heritage and history, but it is also plagued by the problem of light pollution. The high level of light pollution in the city is caused by various factors such as industrialization, urbanization, and inefficient street lighting. The city authorities and the public are making efforts to address this issue, and with the right measures, it is possible to reduce light pollution and conserve energy in the city.