Alarm bells are ringing at Lonar Lake, where surging saline-pink waters have inundated ancient temples, severing pilgrim pathways. Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik informed the assembly Thursday that his government will urgently petition New Delhi’s wildlife division for dewatering permissions, aiming to restore access without harming the site’s sanctity.
A Shiv Sena-UBT notice by Siddharth Kharat exposed the extent: Gaymukh, Ramgaya, Pafeshwar, and Kamla Devi temples are submerged following a 20-25 foot rise fueled by monsoon deluges. Natural springs activated around the volcanic crater, combined with farm runoff and deep borewell interference (600-700 feet), have swelled the lake since 2022.
Despite Rs 41 lakh sanctioned, inter-departmental hurdles linger. Naik announced a pivotal Friday huddle with central reps, divisional heads, and collectors. The Ramsar-designated geo-heritage faces scrutiny as its waters turn brackish, demanding vigilant oversight.
Naik outlined fiscal commitments: Rs 434 crore for area upliftment, Rs 168 crore disbursed. This crisis spotlights human impacts—agriculture’s borewells disrupting aquifers—against natural forces. As the state races to act, Lonar’s unique alkaline ecosystem and meteoritic origins remind us of its irreplaceable value.
The assembly’s focus promises momentum. Will swift drainage revive temple access while preserving biodiversity? Maharashtra’s next steps could set precedents for managing climate-stressed heritage sites nationwide.