UDMAL, a remote village in Nashik District, is on its way to becoming Maharashtra’s first ‘Dark Sky Community’ village for protecting the night sky and preventing light pollution, making the facility ideal for Astronomy enthusiasts. At the heart of this journey is 22-year-old Vipul Khiradi, a local student whose passion for stargazing sparked a movement to put the tribal dominated village on the World Astro-tourism map. Khiradi began as a lone observer of the night sky some years back, but soon took his vision door to door, convincing skeptical villagers that protecting their pristine skies could bring both pride and opportunity.

 

His persistence transformed hesitation into enthusiasm among villagers, laying the groundwork for a project now backed by the District Administration. Udmal is now on the road to becoming the ‘Dark Sky Community’ village to be certified by DarkSky International, a US-based nonprofit organisation working to restore the nighttime environment. Khirad's efforts have turned Udmal’s night sky into a symbol of community pride and scientific possibility.