Nashik village Udmal takes major step towards becoming Maharashtra’s first dark sky community

Udmal a remote village in Nashik district is on its way to becoming Maharashtras first Dark Sky Community village for protecting the night sky and preventing light pollution making the facility ideal for astronomy enthusiastsAt the heart of this journey is 22yearold Vipul Khiradi a local student whose passion for stargazing sparked a movement to put the tribaldominated village on the world astrotourism mapKhiradi 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 opportunityHis persistence transformed hesitation into enthusiasm among villagers laying the groundwork for a project now backed by the district administrationUdmal is now on the road to becoming the Dark Sky Community village to be certified by DarkSky International a USbased nonprofit organisation working to restore the nighttime environmentKhirads efforts have turned Udmals night sky into a symbol of community pride and scientific possibilityFor students the villages naturally clear and dark skies offer an ideal setting to study astronomy explore space research and develop a scientific outlookDistrict Collector Ayush Prasad who also serves as member secretary of the District Planning Committee has granted administrative approval for Rs 4214 lakh under the Tribal SubPlan 202627 The funds will support night sky quality assessments responsible lighting awareness drives and training of local youth according to officialsThe Udmal Gram Sabha has already passed a resolution under the PESA Act to conserve dark skies and adopt responsible and ecofriendly outdoor lighting practices The initiative aligns with the fundamental duty of fostering scientific temper and curiosity among young people they saidBeyond science astrotourism is envisioned as a pillar of sustainable livelihood By drawing visitors eager to witness unobstructed views of the sky Udmal hopes to preserve its natural heritage while creating new economic avenues according to officialsUdmal is one of 11 sites identified by the state government for potential International Dark Sky designation alongside places like Kaas Plateau Lonar Lake and ToranmalThis initiative is in line with the Maharashra governments proposed State Dark Sky Policy and it is believed that Nashik district will play a leading role in the state in the field of night sky conservation Collector Ayush Prasad saidA dark sky community is a legally organised town city or municipality that actively protects the night sky from light pollutionIt enforces strict outdoor lighting rules requiring fully shielded fixtures that point light downward rather than up into the sky It limits the brightness of streetlights and commercial signs often favouring warmer colour temperatures All these measures restore clear unobstructed views of stars and the Milky WayIt prevents disruption to the natural nocturnal behaviour of animals and migrating birds It also reduces glare and excessive artificial light at night which supports healthier sleep patterns It lowers electricity use and carbon footprints by using efficient targeted outdoor lightingThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever