Maharashtra Moves to Secure UNESCO Status for Lonar Lake
Maharashtra is making significant strides towards securing UNESCO World Heritage status for Lonar Lake, a remarkable site known for its meteorite impact and cultural heritage. Located in Buldhana district, around 460 km from Mumbai, the lake is a unique geological formation that blends scientific, cultural, and historical significance, making it a prime candidate for global recognition.
The proposal, being prepared by the Maharashtra government, aims to highlight the lake’s unparalleled value. According to reports, the state is working closely with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to submit the application for UNESCO recognition. Nidhi Pandey, Divisional Commissioner of Amravati, confirmed that the proposal is in its final stages, with all necessary documentation being compiled. “This is a major step in ensuring that the site receives the recognition it deserves,” she remarked during a recent meeting. The lake, formed by a meteorite strike around 50,000 years ago, is the world’s largest basaltic impact crater, measuring 1.8 km in diameter and 150 metres deep. It has since become an important natural wonder, rich in biodiversity and surrounded by ancient temples dating back over 1,200 years. The Maharashtra government’s proposal underscores the scientific and cultural significance of the site, seeking not only to boost its conservation efforts but also to enhance its potential as a global tourism and research destination.
The proposal will be presented after compiling comprehensive data on the lake’s biodiversity and historical importance, including findings from meteor-impact research conducted by global institutions such as the Smithsonian and the Geological Society of India. Kiran Patil, the Buldhana District Collector, confirmed that efforts are underway to document these features and further emphasise the lake’s importance as both a scientific and cultural hub. Beyond its geological marvel, Lonar Lake is also an ecological treasure, serving as a Ramsar site and wildlife sanctuary. However, the lake faces growing ecological challenges, particularly due to fluctuating water levels that have submerged several ancient temples. A committee established by the Bombay High Court’s Nagpur Bench is actively monitoring the situation and guiding the site’s preservation and development.
In addition to scientific research, the lake has become a tourist destination, attracting more than 4.26 lakh domestic tourists last year. Despite its potential, local activists like Gajanan Kharat have raised concerns over the need for further infrastructural and tourism development to enhance the site’s accessibility and visitor experience. Improvements in local hospitality, signage along highways, and better connectivity are all part of the ongoing efforts to raise the profile of Lonar Lake. Local authorities are also working on improving basic infrastructure in the area, including bus stands and access roads to the nearby Daitya Sudan temple, an ancient structure known for its intricate stonework. These efforts aim to make the region more accessible while preserving its natural and cultural heritage. Should the proposal be successful, Lonar Lake would become India’s 41st UNESCO World Heritage site, joining the ranks of iconic locations such as the Ajanta and Ellora Caves and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. The UNESCO designation would not only bolster tourism but also ensure the long-term conservation of this unique site, recognising its outstanding universal value.
