Mitigating Artificial Light at Night: A Policy Roadmap to Preserve Dark Skies in Maharashtra

Artificial light at night (ALAN) is a growing environmental concern in India, with night sky brightness increasing by 10.4% annually (Falchi et al., 2016). Despite its ecological, health, and cultural impacts, particularly on tribal communities, ALAN is not recognised as a pollutant under Indian law. This article proposes an evidence-based policy roadmap for Maharashtra to mitigate light pollution and preserve natural nightscapes. Using Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) data (2012–2025) and global regulatory precedents, we this research quantifiesy ALAN’s threats across Maharashtra’s urban, coastal, forested, and tribal regions. The roadmap integrates legislative amendments to the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, zoned lighting standards, and a phased implementation plan, emphasising inter-departmental coordination, monitoring, indigenous knowledge integration, and public education. By safeguarding biodiversity, improving public health, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting astrotourism, the policy aligns with Maharashtra’s Vision 2047 and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 4, 7, 8, 11, 13–15). Maharashtra’s adoption of this roadmap could establish a scalable model for dark sky preservation and sustainable environmental governance in India.