)
The Maharashtra government is preparing a proposal to nominate Lonar Lake, located in Buldhana district, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This initiative aims to enhance the lake’s global prominence as a center for tourism, research, and conservation.
Recent Developments
- Proposal Preparation
- Amravati Divisional Commissioner Nidhi Pandey recently held a meeting at Lonar to finalize the proposal.
- Buldhana District Collector Kiran Patil confirmed the proposal is in its final stages, focusing on the lake’s unique features.
- Key Highlights of the Proposal
- Lonar Lake is a meteor-impact crater and a geographical and scientific marvel.
- The site houses over 15 ancient temples, some more than 1,200 years old.
- The proposal emphasizes the lake’s geological significance and the need for urgent conservation.
- Biodiversity cataloging, temple documentation, and scientific research findings are included.
Historical and Scientific Significance
- Formation
- Lonar Lake was formed approximately 50,000 years ago due to a high-velocity meteor impact.
- It is the world’s largest basaltic impact crater, with a diameter of 1.8 km and a depth of 150 meters.
- Research and Global Attention
- Its saline-alkaline waters and unique ecosystem have drawn research from institutions like the Smithsonian, the United States Geological Survey, and the Geological Society of India.
- Cultural Importance
- The area features ancient temples, blending cultural heritage with scientific value.
Challenges and Conservation Efforts
- Conservation Challenges
- Rising water levels have submerged five temples inside the crater.
- The Bombay High Court’s Nagpur Bench has formed a committee to oversee the lake’s protection.
- Tourism Infrastructure
- Local activist Gajanan Kharat highlighted the lack of signboards on highways and the need for hospitality investments.
- The old residential area in Buldhana requires upgrades, including a proper bus stand.
- Temple Restoration
- The Daitya Sudan temple, a key tourist attraction, is undergoing access road repairs and encroachment removal.
- Visitor Management
- Over 4,26,000 domestic tourists and 72 international visitors visited last year.
- Authorities have banned bathing in the lake and restricted construction to protect the site.
Recognition and Global Significance
- UNESCO Tag Benefits
- Recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site will position Lonar Lake alongside iconic Indian sites like Ajanta and Ellora Caves.
- The lake, already a Ramsar site, will gain further international attention for its ecological and cultural value.
- Next Steps
- After submission to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the proposal will be reviewed and forwarded to UNESCO.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the primary reason for proposing Lonar Lake as a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
- A) To increase its water levels
- B) To boost tourism, research, and conservation
- C) To allow construction activities nearby
- D) To establish it as a Ramsar site
Answer: B) To boost tourism, research, and conservation
- How was Lonar Lake formed?
- A) Volcanic eruption
- B) Earthquake
- C) Meteor impact
- D) River erosion
Answer: C) Meteor impact
- Which institution has conducted research on Lonar Lake?
- A) NASA
- B) Smithsonian Institution
- C) Geological Survey of Canada
- D) European Space Agency
Answer: B) Smithsonian Institution
- What is the diameter of Lonar Lake?
- A) 2.5 km
- B) 1.8 km
- C) 3.0 km
- D) 1.2 km
Answer: B) 1.8 km
- What is the Daitya Sudan temple known for?
- A) Its meteorological studies
- B) Its artistic stone construction
- C) Its underwater location
- D) Its wildlife sanctuary status
Answer: B) Its artistic stone construction