India, April 24 -- In a bid to tap astro-tourism destinations, the Maharashtra government has chalked out a "Dark Sky" policy to promote stargazing, astronomy education and eco-tourism at 11 locations across the state, according to officials aware of the developments.

The policy also aims to promote astronomy education, reduce light pollution around stargazing sites, and develop infrastructure around them, as most of these sites are located in isolated areas, officials said.

The state government has identified 11 Dark Sky zones in various locations across the Sahyadri ranges, forest belts, and remote hinterlands, where minimal artificial lighting allows clear visibility of the night sky. These zones would serve as the backbone of the st...