Roadmap for Answer Writing

1. Introduction (Brief Context Setting)

• Define light pollution: The excessive or obtrusive artificial light that disrupts the natural night environment.
• Mention the global and national context, citing the fact that nearly 83% of the global population cannot see the Milky Way due to light pollution (International Dark-Sky Association).
• State that light pollution is increasing three times faster in India compared to the global average.

2. Factors Contributing to the Rise in Light Pollution in India

• Street Lighting:
  • Mention that street and highway lights account for 43% of light pollution in India.
• Urbanization:
  • Cite the increasing migration to cities and towns, which results in higher demand for artificial lighting in residential, commercial, and industrial areas.
• Cultural and Religious Festivals:
  • Highlight how festivals like Diwali and weddings contribute significantly to light pollution through excessive and uncontrolled lighting displays.
• Night Weddings:
  • Discuss how the prevalence of night-time weddings, which involve large-scale lighting, adds to the problem.

3. Impacts of Light Pollution on Biological Organisms

• Disruption of Migration Patterns:
  • Mention how migratory birds, which use natural night-time cues, can become disoriented by artificial lighting, affecting their migration paths and leading to collisions (e.g., birds colliding with illuminated windows).
• Disruption of Marine Life:
  • Provide the example of sea turtles, whose hatchlings are often drawn away from the sea by artificial lights along coastlines, which affects their survival chances.
• Impact on Plant Growth and Pollination:
  • Explain how artificial lighting interferes with plant growth cycles and the pollination process, disrupting ecosystems and agricultural productivity.
• Altered Predator-Prey Dynamics:
  • Discuss how light pollution can disturb the natural predator-prey relationship by altering the hunting and foraging patterns of nocturnal animals.
• Impact on Humans:
  • Briefly mention the adverse effects on human health, such as disrupted circadian rhythms, sleep disorders, and increased risks of diseases like depression, cancer, and cardiovascular issues.

4. Conclusion

• Emphasize the urgent need for responsible lighting practices and smart lighting systems to reduce light pollution.
• Mention solutions like using shielded lights, dimming lights in certain areas, and adhering to regulations for outdoor lighting during cultural and religious events.

Relevant Facts for Answer

• General Statistics:
  • 83% of the global population cannot see the Milky Way due to light pollution (International Dark-Sky Association).
  • India’s ‘loss of night’ is increasing three times faster than the global average (Global Study).
• Street Lighting:
  • Street lights contribute 43% to the overall light pollution in India.
• Cultural and Religious Contributions:
  • Night-time festivals, including weddings, are significant contributors to excessive lighting.
• Impact on Migratory Birds:
  • Artificial lights disorient migratory birds and alter their flight paths, causing them to collide with buildings.
• Marine Life Impact:
  • Artificial lighting disrupts sea turtle hatchlings’ orientation, leading them away from the ocean.
• Plant Growth and Pollination:
  • Artificial light interferes with plant growth and pollination, disrupting ecosystems and crops.
• Human Health:
  • Prolonged exposure to artificial light disrupts circadian rhythms and can cause health issues such as sleep disturbances, depression, and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.